Executive Communications Social Media Manager (HR Title: Social Media Specialist III/IV)

Job Description - Executive Communications Social Media Manager (HR Title: Social Media Specialist III/IV) (PRO00000392) Job Description Executive Communications Social Media Manager (HR Title: Social Media Specialist III/IV) - ( PRO00000392 ) Description Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. About the Department: As SMU continues its academic ascent, Marketing and Communications plays a central role in elevating the University’s profile and advancing its institutional priorities. Working collaboratively across campus, the team leads communications, marketing, media relations, digital and reputation-building efforts that showcase academic excellence, research, the student experience and SMU’s impact. Through integrated planning, creative marketing and communications, proactive engagement and issues management, the team builds and protects SMU’s reputation and strengthens connections with audiences locally, nationally and globally. About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. As SMU advances its strategic plan and national profile, Marketing and Communications is evolving to support the academic mission through a more integrated and strategic approach. The Executive Communications Social Media Manager develops and manages digital and social media strategy for the President and Executive Vice President and Provost, strengthening executive visibility, storytelling, audience engagement, and institutional reputation in alignment with University priorities. Working closely with the Director of Executive Communications and the broader team, this role creates and curates content that highlights academic excellence, institutional momentum, and community engagement. The position combines strategic communications, digital storytelling, executive support, and real-time coordination to ensure leadership messaging is timely, authentic, and aligned across platforms. Job level and compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications. Essential Functions: Manage and execute social media strategy for executive leadership accounts. Develop and publish digital content aligned with institutional priorities, executive voice and University messaging. Draft social media copy, captions, digital messaging and short-form content supporting executive communications initiatives. Create, edit and coordinate photography, video, graphics and other multimedia. Coordinate executive digital storytelling tied to major University announcements, events, initiatives and milestones. Collaborate closely with Media Relations, Multimedia, Marketing and Internal Communications teams to support integrated storytelling and campaign coordination. Coordinate with the University’s flagship social media team and other digital communications partners to ensure executive social media activity complements and amplifies broader institutional storytelling and reputation-building efforts. Support live event coverage and real-time executive communications needs. Assist with rapid-response digital communications during emerging issues or high-profile events. Track analytics and provide reporting on executive digital engagement and performance. Monitor engagement, audience sentiment, social media trends and emerging conversations relevant to institutional reputation and leadership visibility. Maintain awareness of higher education, media and digital communications trends affecting executive visibility and institutional reputation. Help ensure executive digital communications are coordinated, strategic and aligned with broader institutional messaging efforts. This position requires the flexibility to be available to cover some executive speaking engagements during the evenings and at times on weekends. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or another related field is preferred. A minimum of four (4) years of experience in social media, digital communications, executive communications, journalism, marketing or other related fields is required. Experience managing executive-facing or high-profile social media accounts preferred. Experience with photography, video, and multimedia content coordination desired. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Candidate must have exceptional writing and editing skills with strong attention to voice, tone and audience. A strong understanding of digital storytelling, audience engagement, analytics, and social media strategy is essential. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments and manage competing priorities. Experience with social media management, analytics, and content publishing platforms (such as Sprout Social) preferred. Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of time Bend, squat, stand, crawl, climb, push/pull Walk for long distances Reach above shoulders Carry/lift 25 lbs. Deadline to Apply: Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by August 26, 2026. Deadline to apply is September 16, 2026. EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University