Social Media Specialist - DeSales University

OVERVIEW

DeSales University, in Center Valley, PA, is a private, coeducational, four-year liberal arts Salesian, Catholic university, under the leadership of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Founded in 1965, the 550-acre suburban campus is located 50 miles north of Philadelphia and about 90 miles southwest of New York City. A total enrollment of nearly 3,500 includes undergraduate day and evening students, and graduate students. DeSales has approximately 135 full-time faculty members and offers more than 40 bachelor's degrees, twelve graduate programs, and over 20 certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines; many of these can be completed fully online.

In 2024, the University transitioned to a new academic structure featuring a four-college/school model, which includes the Kathleen Waterbury and J.B. Reilly School of Business; a College of Arts, Education, and Humanities with a School of Education and a School of Performing Arts; a College of Sciences; and a College of Healthcare Professions with a designated School of Nursing. For further information, visit www.desales.edu. EOE

POSITION SUMMARY

DeSales University is seeking a dynamic and creative Social Media Specialist to join our Marketing and Communications department. This role will be instrumental in shaping the university's digital presence by managing its official flagship social media accounts across all platforms, taking a lead role in the university's Social Media Council, and providing mentorship to student influencers across campus. The Social Media Specialist will play a key role in driving engagement, building brand awareness, and fostering a sense of community online. This role will report to the Director of Web Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Social Media Management: Oversee and manage DeSales University's official social media accounts, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter). Develop and execute social media strategies that align with the university's goals and enhance its online presence.
• Content Creation: Curate, create, and publish engaging content that reflects the university's mission and values. Collaborate with departments across the university to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Community Engagement: Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and interactions on social media platforms in a timely and professional manner. Foster an online community that promotes positive engagement and supports the university's values.
• Best Practices Coordination: Lead regular Social Media Council meetings with stakeholders across the university to discuss and share best practices for managing university-owned social media accounts. Provide guidance and training to departments to ensure adherence to brand standards and effective communication strategies.
• Student Management: Supervise student work-studies, providing mentorship and guidance as they assist with social media tasks. Develop and manage a student influencer group on campus, empowering students to share their authentic experiences and stories on behalf of the university.
• Analytics and Reporting: Track and analyze social media performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives. Provide regular reports to the Marketing and Communications team and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Crisis Management: Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to manage and mitigate potential social media crises, ensuring that all responses align with the university's communication protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing social media platforms, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Strong understanding of social media trends, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with social media analytics tools and content management systems.
• Leadership experience, particularly in managing teams or mentoring students, is a plus.

DeSales University is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled