Department
 

COMM Social Media

About the Department
 

University Communications focuses on building the brand, enhancing the reputation, and growing public understanding of the University of Chicago, where rigorous inquiry shapes fields, creates a transformative education and experience, and confronts the most important problems of our time. The communications team specializes in content creation, media relations, public affairs, brand strategy, and video and audio production for the University, while serving as a communication partner and center of excellence across UChicago.

Job Summary
 

The University of Chicago’s Office of Communications is seeking a Social Media Specialist who will support the planning and execution of the University’s social media content initiatives. The Social Media Specialist is an expert on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and other leading platforms who runs best-in-class social media channels for UChicago. Daily responsibilities include the planning and execution of social media content, including concepting, writing and editing, consulting with creative and news team members, publishing, and monitoring. The right candidate has a passion for analytics, is able to use social listening to mine for trends, and is always looking for ways to optimize content performance. The position reports to the Digital Marketing Innovation Assistant Director.

Responsibilities

Oversees the University’s social media content calendar to ensure that it contains a robust mix of visually compelling and well-written posts.Works collaboratively with the UChicago News team and other campus partners to create social media content that aligns with the University of Chicago brand strategy.Proposes innovative social media content ideas that continues to drive stronger engagement and manages the production of these projects with UChicago Creative.Collaborates with campus partners to ensure newsworthy and relevant elements are included in the UChicago editorial calendar.Helps develop and facilitate the social media components of brand initiatives and campus events.Manages content reviews with leaders from the Digital and News team to consistently maintain a reserve of content for the following week.Introduces and leverages new tools and approaches to continually enhance the quality of social media content and the quantity of video assets.Focuses on the growth of the University’s social media audience by regularly introducing different distribution tactics.Supports monthly sessions with other social media experts from across the University and provides ongoing guidance to build consistency in methods, share best practices, and introduce new approaches.Uses social media monitoring expertise to analyze trends, identify potential issues, and successfully engage with community members.Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.Continues to build knowledge of the University, processes and customers.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, economics, statistics, finance, or related field.

Experience:

3-5 years of proven success with social media marketing support.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Deep experience managing social media platforms for business (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X) and using platform tools (Sprinklr, Sprout Social, etc.).Strong knowledge of social listening tools (e.g., Crimson Hexagon, Netbase, Radian6, etc.), website analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics), social channel data (e.g., Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics), and dashboard tools (e.g., Tableau, etc.).Experience with paid media tools (Facebook Ads Manager, etc.).Understanding of social first content principles including the latest social format specifications, restrictions, and guidelines.

Preferred Competencies

Strong written and verbal communication skills.Strong ability to plan and craft best-in-class social media content.Proven success building collaborative relationships across departments.Deep interest and passion for social media and emerging technologies.Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Self-motivated and always curious with a positive attitude.Attention to detail and organization.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.