Social Media Specialist, University Communications

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
$60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience.
United States, Virginia, Charlottesville
1215 Lee Street (Show on map)
Feb 15, 2025
The University of Virginia Office of University Communications seeks a social media specialist to develop and manage engaging content across multiple platforms in support of the University's strategic plan and the Office of Communication's content strategy. The social media specialist will play a crucial role in content creation, platform-specific engagement strategies, and day-to-day social media operations, in support of University Communications' goal to showcase UVA as a model of excellence in public higher education through effective and engaging communications and marketing. Our aim is to inform and inspire our audiences, ensuring the University's impact is widely recognized in our broad UVA community, across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond. The ideal social media specialist candidate will be a creative and strategic thinker who is passionate about storytelling, has a keen editorial sense, and understands how to translate complex University news into shareable social media content. They should also be highly adaptable, capable of managing multiple platforms, and eager to explore new trends in digital engagement. Key Responsibilities: Platform-Specific Content Creation and Management: Lead daily content planning and posting for assigned UVA social mediachannels, ensuring an active and engaging presence, and maintaining a distinct voice and tone for the University's social media accounts. Editorial and Copywriting Support: Transform news articles from UVA Today into concise, engaging, and platform-appropriate social media content. Collaboration and Content Development: Work closely with the University News and Content, Creative, and Marketing and Brand Strategy teams to develop high-quality multimedia content tailored to our audiences on social channels. Social Listening and Engagement: Monitor conversations and trends to proactively identify opportunities for engagement and potential reputation risks. Scheduling and Analytics: Use Sprout Social and other analytics tools to schedule content, track engagement, and adjust strategies based on performance data. Cross-Platform Experimentation: Stay ahead of trends and be prepared to support the launch of new initiatives and emerging platforms. Other social media duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. Minimum of three years of social media experience, preferably in a fast-paced content-driven environment. Proven ability to craft engaging social copy, with an emphasis on clarity, creativity, and storytelling. Experience managing multiple social platforms, including X, Threads, BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn. Familiarity with social media management tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Meta Business Suite) and analytics reporting. Basic to intermediate skills in photo and video production and editing (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma, or similar tools). Strong attention to detail, ability to work independently, and capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Qualifications: Experience managing interns or coordinating with student content creators. Background in news, journalism, or editorial content strategy. Ability to adapt to changing social media trends and quickly learn new platforms. Experience filming, editing, and posting short-form video content. Application Materials: Cover letter and resume Links to digital portfolio or work samples showcasing social media campaigns, content creation, or editorial projects Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience. This position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu. Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0069885. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' or through their 'Jobs Hub'. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor's degree Experience: Three years experience Licensure: None PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.