Social Media and Content Specialist

Overview:

The Social Media and Content Specialist is a key contributor to IFT’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) team. This position is responsible for building and monitoring IFT's social media presence to drive awareness, foster engagement, and deepen relationships with food science and innovation professionals. The Social Media and Content Specialist will own day-to-day management of all organic and paid social media efforts, including planning, developing, and executing IFT's social media strategy, creating content, scheduling posts, monitoring and engaging with followers, and regularly analyzing social media efforts. In addition, the Social Media and Content Specialist will work closely with all members of the IMC team to proofread and copyedit a wide range of content, including emails, collateral materials, website content, ads, and additional marketing content, as needed.

Essential Responsibilities:

Social Media

• Assist with developing and carrying out the organization’s social media strategy, helping to ensure alignment with the larger IFT marketing and communication strategy
• Support the development and execution of the social media content calendar, working collaboratively with IMC team members and various departments to ensure timely and relevant content is incorporated
• Build and manage IFT’s social media profiles and presence, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and additional channels that may be deemed relevant
• Develop and curate a balance of informative and promotional content from a variety of sources, partnering with team members and other departments to ensure appropriate, relevant messaging by channel
• Work closely with IFT's in-house production/design staff to secure compelling graphics and/or multimedia to drive engagement
• Execute and manage paid social media ad campaigns, including targeting and optimizing to improve performance, maximize spend, and reach target audiences
• Engage with and respond to followers of our external social media channels
• Actively engage in brand monitoring/listening to inform and further develop strategic influencer outreach and external community management
• Track and report on IFT’s organic and paid social media including brand exposure, impact on website traffic, membership/product conversion, and social engagement; leverage analytics to inform or adjust content calendar
• Monitor trends in social media platforms, tools, applications, channels, design, and strategy
• Ideate and make recommendations on ways to more effectively, efficiently, and creatively use social media to meet IFT’s goals for each channel
• Work closely with the Media and Public Relations Manager to amplify media mentions and support media relations needs on appropriate IFT social media channels
• Enforce IFT social brand standards and provide training as needed; act as a resource for IFT departments, Sections, and Divisions regarding IFT social media related needs
• Manage seasonal interns to support social media needs

Copy Editing/Proofreading

• Proofread/copy edit a wide range of content, ensuring copy has proper grammar, appropriately reflects brand voice and style guide, and is error-free 
• Demonstrate exceptional writing, grammar, and attention to detail 
• Ensure content is accurate and up-to-date, including checking links in emails/web content and performing fact checks as needed 
• Adhere to in-house style guide and become a resource for team members seeking grammar/style guidance

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related area
• Minimum three (3) years of hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating social media programs, including social ad campaign management
• Hands-on knowledge of and experience with a variety of channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.), particularly within the context of overall integrated organizational communication efforts
• Knowledge of current social media best practices for both B2B and B2C audiences
• Proficiency with applying the principles of style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, to different types of writing
• Mastery of spelling, grammar, and punctuation and ability to make constructive suggestions
• Experience with a membership-based, B2B non-profit preferred; experience with a health-, scientific-, or food-related organization a plus
• Consumer-based experience preferred

Competency Requirements:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and communications skills 
• Demonstrates an “entrepreneurial spirit,” taking ownership of his/her areas of responsibility; actively engaged in learning and continuous improvement; offers solutions to challenges/issues; demonstrates a commitment to follow-through; has a bias toward results 
• Understands and embraces the tenets of integrated marketing communications and content marketing 
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Metrics driven