Communications Coordinator

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s College of Education seeks a creative, digitally savvy Social Media Manager to tell stories of student successes, research breakthroughs, alumni achievements, and campus events across platforms.

The role leads strategy, content development, governance and accessibility efforts to engage prospective and current students, alumni, donors and the broader community.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
• },

Responsibilities

• Envision and execute a social media content strategy across platforms.

Skills

Social media strategy

Audience engagement

Accessibility practices

Brand governance

AP style

Photography

Videography

Analytics

Teamwork

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Marketing

Tools

Analytics tools

Video editing software

Job description

Position Summary

The top-ranked College of Education is seeking a creative, curious and digitally savvy Social Media Manager to help tell the stories that define our community. From student successes and groundbreaking research to alumni achievement and campus events, this role brings the college’s work and community to life across social media platforms and helps shape how audiences engage with the MSU College of Education every day.

Beyond creating content, this position serves as a college-wide resource for social media governance, accessibility, account management and digital engagement best practices.

The Social Media Manager leads strategy, content development, audience growth, analytics, governance and accessibility efforts for the college’s social media presence. Content developed through this position supports recruitment, engagement, reputation and community-building among prospective and current students, alumni, donors and other internal and external audiences.

This role transforms research, student experiences, alumni achievements, faculty expertise and college priorities into engaging, platform-specific content with a strong emphasis on video, visual storytelling and audience engagement.

Key Responsibilities And Functions

• Envision and execute a social media content strategy, including creating and publishing timely, relevant, and compelling content across platforms;
• Repurpose content into social-first formats that maximize reach, engagement and impact;
• Ensure social media content aligns with federal accessibility requirements and university standards, including captioning, alternative text and inclusive communication practices;
• Conceptualize, capture and produce video and graphic assets to enhance platforms;
• Monitor social media channels, engage with audiences as appropriate and identify opportunities to strengthen community engagement;
• Analyze strategy and platform performance to identify opportunities for improvement, including regularly reporting findings and recommendations to the Senior Director of Communications;
• Collaborate with college/university partners to elevate stories and expand reach;
• Assist with social media communications during sensitive or high-visibility situations; and
• Lead college-wide social media governance efforts, including account inventories, branding compliance, accessibility expectations, platform recommendations and best practices for affiliated units/programs.

College/Institutional Impact

The role contributes directly to how MSU and the College of Education are represented to prospective/current students, alumni, donors, peer institutions and the public. Thoughtful, accurate and engaging content helps build connection and trust, while errors may negatively impact reputation and judgment.

Unit Structure & Expectations

This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications for the MSU College of Education and works closely with multiple individuals and teams across the College of Education.

The hybrid position requires at least two (2) days of on-campus, in-person work each week. Additional on-campus time may be required based on events or business needs. While most work can be done during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support time-sensitive communications, events or emerging opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Telecommunications, Journalism, Marketing, or Public Relations; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in internal communications; news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation software; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for social media trends, platform evolution and emerging digital storytelling practices
• Keen eye for design and/or storytelling
• Knowledge of or commitment to learning and enacting digital accessibility principles and inclusive content practices
• Interest in or expertise supporting social media governance, brand standards or account management
• Proficient or working knowledge of AP Style, or similar editorial styles (Chicago, APA, etc.)
• Proficient or working knowledge of capturing people and events through photography and/or videography
• Experience with analytics tools and turning numbers into insights
• Affinity for working in a team environment and listening with a variety of stakeholders
• Must be willing to work both standard and non-standard schedules, including nights and weekends as needed

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 2+ examples of social media posts/video/photos created by the applicant, ideally on a brand platform, and/or a link to a portfolio of projects
• 3 professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

education.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 3, 2026, at 11:55 PM