Social Media Specialist

Athens State University; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens State University seeks a Social Media Specialist to develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that advances enrollment growth and brand awareness. The role will manage the university's primary channels and collaborate with campus partners to ensure a cohesive institutional voice.

The position emphasizes data-informed planning, content creation across platforms, real-time engagement, and support for enrollment marketing initiatives, with the goal of expanding reach and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in marketing, public relations, advertising, graphic design, journalism, or related field.
• Experience planning and coordinating social media marketing strategies in an organization (higher education preferred).
• Proven ability to create engaging content across multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of social media analytics and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic, data-informed social media plan aligned with institutional priorities (enrollment marketing, student engagement, brand positioning).
• Create, curate, and publish engaging content across university social media channels; highlight programs and campus stories.
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions to foster engagement and protect brand voice.
• Partner with Admissions and Enrollment teams to support recruitment campaigns and drive inquiries and visits.
• Coordinate with campus departments and brand ambassadors to ensure cohesive messaging.

Skills

Social media strategy

Content creation

Brand voice & storytelling

Analytics & reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, PR, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

Social Media Specialist

Closing Date:

Job Duties:

The Social Media Specialist/Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy that advances Athens State University's goals related to audience engagement, brand awareness, and enrollment growth. This role will manage the University's primary social media channels while coordinating a network of campus partners and brand ambassadors to ensure a cohesive, consistent, and compelling institutional voice across all platforms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic, data-informed social media plan aligned with institutional priorities, including enrollment marketing, student engagement, and brand positioning


• Establish measurable goals, KPIs, and benchmarks for social media performance


• Monitor trends, platform updates, and higher education best practices to continuously refine strategy

Content Development & Execution

• Create, curate, and publish engaging, platform-appropriate content (text, graphics, photography, and video) across university social media channels


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to highlight academic programs, student success stories, faculty expertise, and campus events


• Maintain a consistent brand voice, tone, and visual identity across all platforms

Audience Engagement & Community Management

• Actively monitor social media channels, responding to comments, messages, and mentions in a timely and professional manner


• Foster meaningful engagement with prospective students, current students, alumni, and community stakeholders


• Identify opportunities for real-time content and storytelling

Enrollment Marketing Support

• Partner with Admissions and Enrollment teams to support recruitment campaigns through targeted and organic social media efforts


• Assist in developing campaigns that drive inquiries, applications, and campus visits


• Utilize paid social media advertising to support enrollment goals, as appropriate

Campus Coordination & Brand Ambassador Program

• Serve as the primary liaison for social media efforts across campus departments and programs


• Develop guidelines, training, and resources to support decentralized social media account managers


• Coordinate and manage a network of student and/or staff brand ambassadors to expand the reach and authenticity of content


• Ensure alignment with institutional branding and messaging standards

Analytics & Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on social media performance using platform analytics and third-party tools


• Provide regular insights and recommendations to improve engagement, reach, and conversion


• Present performance reports to leadership and key stakeholders


• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in marketing, public relations, advertising, graphic design, journalism, or a related field


• Experience planning and coordinating social media marketing strategies for an organization or brand (higher education experience preferred)


• Demonstrated experience creating engaging content across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X)


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Knowledge of social media analytics and reporting tools

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in higher education marketing or enrollment marketing


• Experience managing or contributing to paid social media campaigns


• Basic photography, videography, and graphic design skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)


• Basic photography, videography, and graphic design skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)


• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and basic use of office equipment


• Ability to work with a variety of constituents, including outside vendors


• Ability to oversee and manage numerous projects and meet strict deadlines


• Ability to multitask with exceptional organizational skills


• Excellent proofreader and careful attention to detail


• Ability to work flexible hours – because the responsibilities of this position may require attendance at various events and meetings, the daily schedule may vary and include nights and weekends

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 75% of time spent sitting and/or standing


• May occasionally need to spend time in low postures such as crouching or kneeling


• Occasionally tasked with moving from one worksite to another


• Must be able to occasionally adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions


• Frequently communicates with others to exchange information


• Frequently tasked with repeating motions that may include wrists, hands, and/or fingers


• Frequently uses a computer to create, edit, and review digital content


• May occasionally work outdoors for campus events


• Occasionally tasked with working after hours, including nights and weekends

Salary Schedule:

Salary Band: P85To view salary schedules visit: https://www.athens.edu/about/offices/human- resources/salary-schedule-tables/ Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Unofficial transcripts should be from the college or university which verifies qualifications for the position.

Note:

Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading and submitting an application. (Credential evaluators should provide course-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)

About Athens State University

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework to community college graduates and transfer students holding sufficient credits from other institutions. Presently, over 3,100 students have selected Athens State because of its neighborly environment where 50 majors and degree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportive and exceptional faculty. Approximately 80% of the students are enrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is a working adult who commutes. Recently, the University was featured in the 2015 Best Value Online College Rankings by OnlineU.org for four online programs including computer science, accounting, education and human resources. The University offers undergraduate degree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business. The University employs more than 350 full and part-time employees with approximately 90 full-time faculty members in three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. Seventy-five percent of the full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Athens, Alabama is located in north Alabama equidistant between Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. Athens is home to several events and festivals that have been featured as the Southeast Tourism Society's \"Top 20 Events in the Southeast\" including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

In accordance with Athens State University Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from that criminal background check.

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Athens State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Athens State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to or participation in educational programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns may be addressed to the Office of the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Support Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.