Social Media Specialist

Western New Mexico University; Silver City (NM); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Western New Mexico University is seeking a Social Media Specialist to develop, implement and manage social media strategies that elevate the university's brand and engage diverse audiences. You will craft content, coordinate with departments, and drive awareness of programs, people and achievements across multiple platforms.

The role requires creativity, storytelling, and the ability to analyze performance data to inform improvements while ensuring compliance with university policies and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2+ years in social media.
• Hands-on content development including copywriting and video editing.
• Experience with social media management systems (SMMS) such as Later or Hootsuite.
• Photography skills and knowledge of basic lighting and studio use preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute social media strategies aligned with university branding.
• Maintain calendar and schedule content across platforms.
• Manage official university social media accounts (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube).
• Create engaging content with graphics, videos and posts to maximize engagement.
• Monitor trends and best practices to keep WNMU at the forefront of digital engagement.
• Respond to comments and messages in a timely, professional manner.

Skills

Content development

Copy writing

Video editing (in-app)

Motion graphics

Photography

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Lightroom

Photoshop

Later

Hootsuite

Meta Business Suite

Job description

The Social Media Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing and managing social media strategies to enhance the university’s brand presence, engage with diverse audiences and drive awareness of WNMU programs, people and achievements. This role requires a creative and analytical mindset, strong storytelling skills and the ability to manage multiple social media channels effectively.

Duties

• Develop and execute comprehensive social media strategies aligned with university goals and branding guidelines.
• Ensure all social media content aligns with the university’s voice, tone and strategic objectives.
• Maintain social media calendar to proactively plan and schedule content that is timely and channel appropriate.
• Manage and oversee all official university social media accounts, including but not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
• Working with the creative and communications teams, create, curate and schedule engaging content, including graphics, videos and written posts to maximize engagement and reach.
• Monitor social media trends, platform updates and emerging best practices to ensure WNMU remains at the forefront of digital social engagement.
• Respond to comments, messages and mentions in a timely and professional manner to foster a positive online community.
• Collaborate with university departments, faculty, staff and students to highlight stories, achievements and university initiatives.
• Analyze key performance metrics and generate reports to assess the effectiveness of social media campaigns, making data-driven recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and industry best practices regarding social media usage, copyright, accessibility and data privacy.
• Conduct social media training sessions when needed for faculty, staff and students that enhance brand consistency across departments.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with internal and external university partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent learning attained through professional level experience. Minimum of two years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Hands-on experience in content development for social media including copy writing, in-app video editing and motion graphics. PREFERRED : Skill in photography and knowledge of professional photography equipment including lighting and studio use preferred. Skills in professional editing software including Lightroom and Photoshop preferred. Experience in using Later, Hootsuite or similar social media management systems ( SMMS ) for publishing, monitoring, and reporting preferred. Familiarity and ability to navigate Meta Business Suite.

Job Knowledge

The Social Media Specialist must possess a strong understanding of WNMU’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This role requires knowledge of university policies, procedures, and best practices in [relevant field] to effectively support institutional goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in [specific areas, such as higher education administration, student services, employee engagement, etc.], with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive university environment.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)

Normal office, may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal office equipment and materials. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.

Other Requirements

a. Requires a valid driver’s license.

b. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months. (If applicable to the role)

Location

Location Silver City-On Campus

Salary Range

Salary Range $45,000

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