The Social Media Specialist II is responsible for developing and managing the online presence and reputation of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and NC State Extension. The position will produce original social media content, curate content, and strategize methods for determining target audience groups, increasing visibility with those audience groups, and enhancing recruitment efforts. The position will also be responsible for developing and executing social media initiatives in line with the university’s brand and in collaboration with larger departmental efforts.
The position is a key part of a social media and web unit within University Communications and Marketing that defines and evolves the university’s online presence. The Social Media Specialist II will report to the NC State Social Media Director and dotted line report to the Chief Communications Officer in CALS.
The ideal candidate will play a critical role in expanding the online presence, engaging audiences, and creating additional distribution channels for the content of CALS and NC State Extension.
Primary Responsibilities
Serve as the primary spokesperson for multiple CALS and Extension enterprise-level social media accounts.
Develop and execute a social media strategic plan for CALS and NC State Extension.
Create, curate and publish content for CALS and Extension enterprise social media accounts.
Lead social media strategy and implementation for events and projects including fundraising, recruiting, college fairs, etc.
Create crisis communications strategies in collaboration with university communications leadership and college communications leadership for issues that may pose a potential risk to the unit’s reputation.
Cultivate and engage followers, monitor conversations and trends, and provide customer service when appropriate.
Research and resolve content of concern and respond appropriately and professionally with oversight from CALS Communications and Extension leadership.
Provide social media training and consultation in strategy development to CALS and Extension personnel. Identify needs at the college departmental and local Extension level and help coordinate social media tools and resources that position our personnel and programs for success.
Actively participate in strategic planning with social media colleagues at NC State to ensure brand compliance and consistency.
Develop and report on performance metrics to determine successes, suggesting opportunities for improvement.
Monitor and evaluate social media trends, identifying new directions and methods to engage with key audiences.
Develops and applies social media standards and best practices for social media use in CALS and NC State Extension.
Required Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrated professional understanding of social media channels including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube and other emerging channels
Proficient in use of social media tools including but not limited to Hootsuite, BrandWatch, Google Analytics in order to analyze brand sentiment, shared voice, target audience engagement, and overall effectiveness of social media efforts.
Knowledge in appropriate social media marketing best practices.
Understand digital marketing and SEO best practices
Knowledge of social media analytics to maximize efforts
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to analyze information and report findings
Ability to self-start and meet deadlines
Problem-solving
In-depth knowledge and understanding of social media channels and their audiences to develop targeted messages
Effective interpersonal skills, must be able to establish and maintain relationships with external and internal audiences
Headline writing and caption writing skills
Strong project management and organizational skills
Knowledge of Associated Press editorial style
Preferred Skills/Knowledge
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience
Familiarity and understanding of North Carolina agriculture
An understanding of the concept and practice of the Cooperative Extension System and how Extension operates across the state
Prior experience in higher education or agency environment
Understand social media marketing and other general marketing practices
Awareness of marketing communication techniques
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including Photoshop and Acrobat
Google Analytics Certification
Education and Experience Required
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or a combination of education and 3-5 years of professional experience.
At least 2 years of experience in social media and producing multimedia content and managing and analyzing metrics.
1 year of experience managing social media advertising campaigns
Required Documents
Resume
A minimum of 3 social media samples or links to samples
Contact information for at least 2 professional references
Hours per week: 35-40
Work Schedule: M-F 8-5, occassional evenings and weekends
AA/EOE
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
About NC State University
We are a public, non-profit university in Raleigh, NC.
