Social Media Specialist

Department: Global Marketing/Communication
Salary/Grade: EXS 6

Job Summary

The Social Media Specialist supports the execution of social media strategy for Northwestern University within the Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC). Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this role manages day-to-day publishing and content coordination across primary social channels, helping shape Northwestern's online voice and presence.

Working closely with OGMC colleagues and university partners, the Social Media Specialist highlights research, student experiences, major university moments, and institutional priorities through engaging storytelling. The role also monitors conversations, contributes to reporting and analytics, and supports timely communications during high-profile events.

This position is ideal for a creative, detail-oriented communicator who enjoys developing content, staying on top of social media trends, and collaborating across teams to elevate compelling stories.

• Draft, schedule, and publish day-to-day content across Northwestern's social media channels

• Maintain the social media calendar and manage workflow for incoming content requests

• Conduct social listening to identify trends, engagement opportunities, and emerging issues

• Flag reputational risks and provide support during crisis communications

• Support planning and execution of social media campaigns aligned with institutional priorities

• Contribute creative ideas for content, formats, and storytelling approaches

• Serve as primary administrator for social media management platform, Sprinklr

• Compile performance data and contribute to reporting, translating insights into recommendations

• Support documentation and coordination for the cross-campus Northwestern Social Media Workgroup

• Maintain strong relationships with campus partners to source content and amplify stories

• Collaborate with OGMC colleagues to ensure consistent voice, tone, and brand standards

• Manage the social media inbox and internal request channels to ensure timely responses

• Stay current on evolving social media platforms, tools, and best practices

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field

• 2-4 years of professional social media experience

• Experience managing and publishing content across major social platforms

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills

• Knowledge of platform best practices and audience engagement strategies

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

• Experience with social media management platforms (Sprinklr preferred)

• Familiarity with analytics and reporting tools, and ability to translate insights into recommendations

• Collaborative approach and ability to work across teams and departments

• Self-motivated and proactive in monitoring trends and proposing creative ideas

• Willingness to monitor social media during off-hours for major events or crises

• Experience managing high-reach, active social platforms

• Prior experience in higher education, large organizations, or public-facing institutions

• Knowledge of mobile-first design and video editing tools (e.g., CapCut, Adobe Premiere)

• Bonus if familiar with paid social media, Google Analytics, SEO

Target hiring range for this position will be between $58,000-$68,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.