Social Media Specialist

Social Media SpecialistThe Social Media Specialist supports the day-to-day management of Pitzer College's official social media channels through content creation, publishing, community engagement, and performance reporting. Working collaboratively with the Lead Writer, Creative Director, photographers, videographers, designers, student employees, and campus partners, this position helps tell authentic stories that advance the College's communications, enrollment, advancement, and engagement goals. The position is responsible for executing the College's social media strategy by creating compelling content, managing daily publishing, monitoring community engagement, identifying storytelling opportunities, and recommending improvements based on analytics and platform trends. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career communications professional looking to build experience in higher education marketing and communications.Essential FunctionsSocial Media Content & PublishingExecute the College's social media strategy and content calendar developed by Communications and Marketing leadership.Manage the day-to-day publishing of content across the College's primary social media channels.Write engaging captions and adapt institutional stories for social media audiences.Capture, edit, and publish photo, video, graphics, Stories, Reels, and other digital content.Provide on-site social media coverage of campus events as assigned.Community EngagementMonitor comments, direct messages, mentions, and tagged content.Respond to routine inquiries using approved messaging and escalate sensitive issues to Communications leadership.Support positive audience engagement while maintaining the College's brand voice.Student Content CreatorsCoordinate student content creators and ambassadors.Assign content opportunities, review submissions, and curate student-generated content.Social Monitoring & AnalyticsMonitor social media trends, conversations, and brand mentions.Flag emerging issues or reputational concerns for review by Communications leadership.Prepare recurring analytics reports on engagement, audience growth, reach, and content performance.Recommend content improvements based on analytics and platform trends.Campus CollaborationWork with campus partners to gather story ideas and promote institutional priorities.Provide basic guidance on social media best practices.Assist with maintaining the inventory of official College social media accounts.Required Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExcellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong storytelling, photography, and short-form video skills.Knowledge of Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging platforms.Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar creative tools.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.Attention to detail and sound professional judgment.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.Basic understanding of social media analytics and reporting.Commitment to accessibility, inclusive communications, and excellent customer service.Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a commitment to a team-based work environment.Natural aptitude for technology and expertise with MS Office, including expert level use of Excel.Ability to problem-solve and use analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.Ability to take initiative to work proactively, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize multiple projects, think strategically, and work with numbers and data.Exhibit personal integrity and ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.Exhibit a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sound professional judgment.Experience/EducationBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, digital media, or a related field.One to three years of professional experience supporting or managing social media for an organization, nonprofit, agency, higher education institution, or brand.Experience creating engaging photo, video, and written content for social media.Portfolio of relevant work or professional social media examples preferred.Preferred QualificationsExperience in higher education or another mission-driven organization.Experience working with student employees, interns, or ambassadors.Familiarity with Hootsuite or comparable scheduling and social management platforms.Knowledge of accessibility best practices for digital and social media content.Licenses/CertificationsValid driver's license and driving record acceptable to the College's insurer.Supervisory Responsibility: NoTime Type: Full TimeWork Schedule: This is a regular, non-exempt, staff position, working 12 months per year. The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary depending on the operational needs of the College or department, including evenings and weekends as required.Compensation: Budgeted Salary Range: $24.00-$26.00 per hourPitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more.Work Model: Hybrid* (2 Days/Wk Remote)*Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection.*Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at remote location, including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards and ergonomically appropriate.Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and operate a computer for prolonged periods of time. You must have the ability to drive locally for events and appointments. See specifics below.Classifications:No AB1825No Mandatory ReporterNo CSA ReporterYes Responsible EmployeeYes FERPAInstructions: Only qualified applicants please.Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:Cover Letter: Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer's core values best relates to your own.Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).Employment Requirements Employment is contingent upon a candidate possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Employment is also contingent upon new employees providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States. For positions requiring the use of a college-owned vehicle, employment is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the colleges' automobile liability insurance. Final candidates in all staff positions will be required to undergo a background investigation; in addition some positions may require a physical lift test and pulmonary function test.Covid-19 VaccinationPitzer College has mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. New employees are required to show proof of full vaccination, including booster, against COVID-19 or request a Pitzer College approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-DiscriminationPitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of Equal Employment opportunity and Affirmative Action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status, in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other College-administered programs, and employment policies. Pitzer strongly