Communications and Social Media Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

As a member of the Communications team, the Communications & Social Media Specialist will assist in creating and implementing the university’s social media efforts, online content, internal communications, and public relations activities. Specifically, this position will play a role in the formulation and execution of integrated, comprehensive communications and social media relations efforts through multiple platforms, media, and interactions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and edit content including still photos, videos and copy for use across Hamline’s platforms. 
• Edit content for grammar, punctuation, voice and tone, best practices, university style, and brand identity. 
• Working with the Director of Communications, utilize analytics, social listening and industry knowledge to develop and implement social media strategy that enhances the university’s brand reputation through effective use of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other outlets. 
• Maintains optimal posting rates, reports success metrics, responds to crises, and communicates with university partners. 
• Develops paid media strategies. 
• Provide support and strategies to university colleagues and departments, programs and schools in the effective use of social media while building strong relationships. 
• Support the university’s strategic priorities with community partners including event promotion, fundraising and communicating new initiatives. 
• Produce and edit Inside Hamline, the weekly e-newsletter for faculty, staff, and students. 
• Assist in maintaining the newsroom website. 
• Produce, shoot, and edit video pieces to promote Hamline’s programs, events, and people. 
• Train student interns on multi-media production techniques and social media content development including "student takeovers” of certain accounts when desirable. 
• Oversee their work in this area with an eye to quality control. 
• Monitor Hamline accounts and take proactive action in crisis situations subject to direction from Director of Communications. 
• Act in a backup role for Hamline’s Public Relations & Media Specialist. 
• Perform all other duties as requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• This position reports to the Director of Communications. This position does not supervise other employees. 
• This position supervises 1-2 student workers.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position is responsible for the following budget: N/A 
• Budget Range: This position is not responsible for the management of a budget.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Experience in working with and developing social media content for public relations and community engagement purposes 
• Creativity and demonstrated self-immersion in social media 
• Willingness to learn and remain current on video production and multimedia uses 
• Ability to work as part of a communications team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment 
• Ability to manage simultaneous projects with strong attention to detail, while remaining adaptable 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with a diverse clientele 
• Strong organizational skills 

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 
• 1+ years professional experience working in the field of social media, communication, journalism or public relations 

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years leading social media efforts in a nonprofit or education-based setting 
• Experience with AP writing style.