Social Media Specialist

Summary The Social Media Specialist provides support to the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site. Support the Bureau’s Social Media Coordinator in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of social media campaigns and digital communications initiatives. Create, edit, and publish compelling multimedia content, including written copy, graphics, photographs, videos, and other digital assets for Bureau social media platforms. Assist in maintaining content calendars and coordinating timely publication of content across multiple social media channels. Support Bureau offices in promoting official programs, events, policy announcements, leadership engagements, and public diplomacy initiatives. Monitor social media platforms for audience engagement, emerging trends, and relevant developments affecting Bureau communications objectives. Conduct research and provide recommendations on best practices, audience engagement strategies, and platform-specific content optimization. Assist in drafting social media messaging that aligns with Department of State policies, Bureau priorities, and public diplomacy objectives. Coordinate with Bureau stakeholders, regional offices, and U.S. Embassies throughout Africa to collect, develop, and amplify digital content. Assist with the development and dissemination of social media toolkits, campaign materials, and digital communication resources. Compile metrics and analytics related to social media performance and prepare reports that assess audience reach, engagement, and campaign effectiveness. Ensure all digital content complies with Department of State policies, branding requirements, accessibility standards, and applicable public affairs guidance. Support special projects and other communications-related activities as assigned. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Support the Bureau’s Social Media Coordinator in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of social media campaigns and digital communications initiatives. Create, edit, and publish compelling multimedia content, including written copy, graphics, photographs, videos, and other digital assets for Bureau social media platforms. Assist in maintaining content calendars and coordinating timely publication of content across multiple social media channels. Support Bureau offices in promoting official programs, events, policy announcements, leadership engagements, and public diplomacy initiatives. Monitor social media platforms for audience engagement, emerging trends, and relevant developments affecting Bureau communications objectives. Conduct research and provide recommendations on best practices, audience engagement strategies, and platform-specific content optimization. Assist in drafting social media messaging that aligns with Department of State policies, Bureau priorities, and public diplomacy objectives. Coordinate with Bureau stakeholders, regional offices, and U.S. Embassies throughout Africa to collect, develop, and amplify digital content. Assist with the development and dissemination of social media toolkits, campaign materials, and digital communication resources. Compile metrics and analytics related to social media performance and prepare reports that assess audience reach, engagement, and campaign effectiveness.Ensure all digital content complies with Department of State policies, branding requirements, accessibility standards, and applicable public affairs guidance. Support special projects and other communications-related activities as assigned. Education And Qualifications Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Secret clearance. Preference will be given to those with active security clearance. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, International Relations, Digital Media, or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience supporting social media strategy development, digital communications, or public diplomacy campaigns in a fast-paced organizational environment. Knowledge of audience segmentation and demographic analysis to inform content strategy and increase digital engagement across platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp. Experience translating complex policy priorities into clear, accessible, and engaging content tailored for diverse domestic and international audiences. Proficiency in creating, scheduling, and managing social media content calendars across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups. Experience producing digital content including graphics, infographics, short-form video, and data visualizations using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere/Final Cut Pro), and similar platforms. Knowledge of social media analytics, monitoring tools, and reporting methods to assess engagement, reach, and campaign effectiveness and identify training or content gaps. Experience managing social media engagement, including monitoring, listening, and responding appropriately to audience interactions. Familiarity with digital advertising and paid social media campaigns across major platforms. Ability to support training and capacity-building for internal stakeholders and partner teams on social media tools, best practices, and content development. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and rapidly respond to emerging communications needs. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with policy officers, regional desks, and overseas posts to develop coordinated digital messaging and campaign content. Knowledge of U.S. public diplomacy priorities, foreign policy themes, and regional dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, with ability to rapidly learn and apply evolving digital communications tools and platforms. PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status. Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr