Communications and Social Media Specialist

The Communications and Social Media Specialist, under the direction of the manager, will execute various communications functions, with an emphasis on optimizing the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) online and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).   The individual will work with schools, departments, and programs within the college to coordinate content and provide guidance on best social media practices.  Areas of focus may include writing, editing, producing multimedia, creating educational materials, maintaining social media and web content, or generating promotional pieces. The Communications and Social Media Specialist will ensure internal and external communications align with the university's brand, increase brand awareness, and engage key audiences. They will be responsible for regularly tracking and communicating the status of projects.  

Reporting to the Marketing and Communication Manager, the Communications and Social Media Specialist is a member of the college outreach team and collaborates closely with the recruitment office, careers office and web development team.

The College of Liberal Arts is an emerging leader in innovative Liberal Arts education and scholarship. It is home to the nationally-recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program, Degree+, and launched the campus Degree in 3 initiative. Purdue University and the College of Liberal Arts are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. All staff are expected to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry.
 

• Under the manager's direction, plan, create, and manage social media content for a clear and compelling brand story in alignment with the college’s key strategic initiatives and Purdue University’s master brand guidelines.  Monitor social media channels and engage with comments.
• Collaborate with colleagues to execute marketing and communication plan(s).  Assist the CLA marketing team and other CLA departmental communications staff with various communication needs to inform and engage their target audiences. Work closely with the outreach team to develop marketing campaigns that help to achieve student recruitment and career development goals. 
• Measure marketing results and refine strategies based on key performance indicators and data/analytics. Develop reports on trends, technologies, and best practices for college management. Bring recommendations or suggestions to a manager for changes in systems and processes to solve problems or improve the area's effectiveness.
• In collaboration with the manager, develop and provide training to promote awareness and adherence to brand standards, style guides, and best practices for communications. 
• Stay current on current marketing trends, including social media platform changes. Make recommendations on the utilization of new platforms and technology implementations.  Troubleshoot issues as needed—other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, publications, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience in digital marketing, digital content creation, social media role, or related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
• Experience using a social media planning or listening platform. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Customer service orientation with a “can-do” attitude
• Attention to detail and understanding of how information is interconnected
• Organizational skills and an understanding of how to manage the priorities of multiple stakeholders in a complex, dynamic environment
• Willing to explore and learn new software and platforms for social media
• Comfortable learning new software and platforms for social media 

Additional Information: 

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply