Loyola Marymount University

Position Summary

The Social Media Specialist, Academic Communications, is responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and management of social media strategies to promote LMU's mission, programs, and initiatives across various platforms. Reporting to the Associate Director of Social Media, this role requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for storytelling to effectively engage with current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community. With a focus on supporting the bespoke social needs of LMU’s schools and colleges, the position will drive engagement and growth across social platforms and serve as a social expert for each unit.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

• Design and oversee social strategy for LMU’s schools and colleges in partnership with Academic Communications lead.
• Assist in the planning, execution, and promotion of social media campaigns and initiatives to drive awareness, participation, and engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the institution to align social media efforts with broader organizational goals.

INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS

Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyze social media metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and content, reporting back to Academic Comms lead and school/college partners.

• Monitor social media platforms for issues, trends, conversations, and opportunities to engage with followers. Escalate issues as appropriate. Collaborate with Associate Director of Social Media and Media Relations team on real-time reporting.
• Track and share social media campaigns and best practices of peer institutions and aspirational organizations to ensure social strategy is innovative and maintains a best-in-class approach.
• Contribute to reports on social media performance, trends, and insights.

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION

• Pitch engaging and relevant content for school/college social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, aligned with the university's brand voice and messaging.
• Produce dynamic, relevant video content optimized for video platforms in partnership with Academic Communications lead.
• Work with students and the platforms’ audiences to source, curate, and create user-generated content for use on school/college channels in partnership with Academic Communications lead.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

The incumbent must have the ability to supervise creative, communications and technical personnel and manage complex projects with dependencies, deadlines, budgets and outside resources. The incumbent must possess the ability to implement marketing and communication principles and strategies in the execution of complex communications projects. The incumbent must have the ability to initiate ideas, develop concepts and review the effectiveness of processes to ensure professional standards and high quality. The incumbent has the ability to assess the needs of internal clients and suggest appropriate measures to meet those needs or redirect those requests to the appropriate areas. The incumbent is able to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies. The incumbent has the ability to operate in an environment in which skilled relationship management and consensus-building is required to deliver successful outcomes.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field preferred. Incumbent is expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of discipline-related trends and regulation/policy changes.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in social media management. Higher education or nonprofit experience preferred.
• Demonstrable experience creating impactful social content and operating in a results-oriented environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content and engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems.
• Creative thinker with a keen eye for visual storytelling and branding.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of social media best practices, trends, and emerging technologies in the digital landscape.
• Excellent writing skills with demonstrated range; ability to tailor voice for distinct audiences and campaigns, and in diverse short-form and long-form venues.
• Sound editorial judgment and demonstrated experience with editorial planning.
• Understanding of digital content best practices, including accessibility, SEO, and UX.
• Experience with multi-channel communication plans and marketing campaigns.
• End-to-end video production experience, including writing briefs and scripts, coordinating photo/video shoots, coaching talent, and planning distribution.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, timelines, and budgets in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative work style with the ability to build and maintain broad relationships, including with students, faculty, alumni, and other staff.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills preferred.

Salary range

$63,000.00 - $68,000.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

Staff Regular

Salary range

$61,800.00 - $77,300.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)