Social Media Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s Brand Studio seeks a Social Media Specialist to support publishing and engagement across major platforms. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to tell Purdue’s stories, while aligning with university-wide strategies. This hybrid role requires living within driving distance of West Lafayette campus.

The Social Media Specialist will contribute to channel-specific storytelling, monitor performance, and adapt plans to maximize reach and impact for Purdue audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Publications, or related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience managing brand social media channels.

Responsibilities

• Support content publishing and engagement on flagship channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube).
• Build channel-specific distribution plans.
• Report on performance insights and communicate platform nuances.
• Collaborate with strategists, creative team, communications team and campus partners to deliver engaging storytelling.

Skills

Time management

Cross-functional communication

Organizational skills

Flexible hours

Learning new software

Self-awareness

Attention to detail

Customer service

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Publications, or related field

Tools

Sprout Social

Job description

The Social Media Specialist position will play a pivotal role on the award-winning Purdue Brand Studio team, Purdue’s in-house brand agency, by supporting content publishing and engagement on all flagship channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube). This role reports to the Director of Social Media while working closely with all members of the social team – as well as their cross-functional teams – to promote channel-specific storytelling across all platforms. This position focuses on enhancing Purdue’s presence on social media, supporting university-wide strategic initiatives and fostering an environment of Boilermaker pride online. The role demands a collaborative spirit, attention to detail and cross-channel social media expertise.

The Social Media Strategist will serve as social media expert on their respective cross-functional teams, building channel-specific distribution plans, reporting on performance insights and communicating platform-specific nuances. This position will collaborate with strategists, creative team, communications team and campus partners to deliver engaging storytelling and compelling content to Purdue University’s key audiences.

This is a hybrid (remote/on-campus) position. You must live within driving distance to the West Lafayette campus.

At Purdue, you’ll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you’re ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.

About Us:

The award-winning Purdue Brand Studio team serves as the university’s central storytelling engine—bringing to life the bold ideas, global impact and people of Purdue. As the chief storytellers and stewards of Purdue’s brand, our team creates campaigns and content that inspire pride, elevate visibility and position the university as a leader in higher education and beyond. Follow our stories and stay connected:

Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Publications, or related field
• Two (2) years of professional experience managing brand social media channels

Skills:

• Experience using Sprout Social or another social media planning and listening platform
• Excellent time management, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and strong cross-functional communication skills
• Organizational skills and understanding of how to manage the priorities of multiple stakeholders in a complex environment
• Willingness to work outside of “standard” business hours
• Comfortable learning new software and platforms for social media
• Demonstrated examples of self-awareness and a can-do attitude
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize work
• Customer service orientation with a "can-do" attitude
• Ability to assess systems and processes for continuous improvement

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Compensation Information:

Professional 2

Pay Band S065

Job Code # 20003617

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $58,000 - $61,000. The final salary offer will be determined based on various factors, including internal equity, available budget, and relevant experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university