DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Director of EM Marketing and Communications, the EM Social Media Strategist creates and implements a comprehensive branded social media strategy across Admissions and Financial Aid social media channels (including Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and other channels as applicable) to effectively position UC San Diego, an internationally recognized institution, as a first-choice university to a diverse population of prospective students, current undergraduates and their families.

The Strategist is responsible for independently developing and maintaining content calendars aligned to the annual enrollment cycle as well as autonomously gathering, developing, creating, and posting news, information, and innovative promotional campaigns on EM-controlled social media channels for all units within the department. The Strategist is a seasoned expert with an in-depth understanding of industry best practices and organization policies. They nurture EM online communities; actively engage with users; and manage student creators. They research current trends, regularly conduct competitor analysis, and implement processes and procedures to regularly test, measure and improve social media engagement.

The Strategist works closely with communications colleagues across UC San Diego, students across campus, and social media student employees to develop ideas and content. The Strategist supervises one or more student workers in the creation and publication of social media content targeted to prospective and enrolled student populations. The Strategist also plays a key role in any digital advertising efforts for the department by working with the Director of EM Marketing and Communications, University Communications, and outside agencies on paid advertising and paid social efforts as applicable.

As a member of the EM Creative Services team, the Social Media Strategist provides general writing, editing and collateral material design support as needed. They drive unit-wide messaging; stay on the leading-edge of platforms, tools, trends and technologies; and advocate for new approaches that advance the department and its goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or three years equivalent experience / training.

• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way. Thorough expertise and proficiency in digital media content creation and administration. Demonstrated experience creating content for both wide and segmented audiences that inspires action. Keen knowledge of digital media trends and best practices.

• Thorough understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work. Extensive skills in audience targeting and paid promotion of digital media posts.

• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs. Demonstrated skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long- and short-term strategic communications plans.

• Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives. Demonstrated experience assessing digital media performance. Ability to draw insight from data and communicate recommendations to management.

• Thorough understanding of organization's processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications. Thorough understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work. Knowledge of effective storytelling principles and ability to write succinct, evocative and engaging digital media posts.

• Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities. Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs. Experience with Google Drive, Slack, Teams, Outlook, Canva, Sprout Social, and other business and digital media tools and other business and digital media tools.

• Thorough interpersonal communication skills. Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way.

• Thorough skills to develop and implement original ideas and correctly identify and effectively solve problems. Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional digital content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

• Thorough understanding of organization's processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications.

• Demonstrated experience and skill to routinely monitor production and quality of work being produced by student staff and set performance standards, observing behavior, providing objective feedback, counseling, and effective leadership/coaching/mentoring. Demonstrated experience and skill to assess student staff capabilities and workloads and redistribute when necessary. Demonstrated experience and skill to teach/train student staff in all aspects of job duties/responsibilities.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18). Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.

• Job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on background check results.

• The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment where expectations for performance and productivity are high.

• Must have a valid driver's license and auto-insurance at required limits of the University.

• Available to work evenings/weekends during peak periods; some domestic travel may be expected.

• The ideal candidate must be committed to the principles of access and diversity at a public institution of higher education.