Social Media Strategist (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)

at  California State University

Job no: 538440
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Marketing/Communications, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Social Media Strategist will improve the university’s brand awareness and build online communities through its centralized social media platforms. The Social Media Strategist serves as the primary manager of central social media efforts and a guide to all SDSU locations and across campus while ensuring that the university’s social presence is aligned with the university’s strategic priorities and public positioning. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead and execute a social media strategy aligned with the university’s strategic goals and values.
• Plan, create and implement brand-aligned content for SDSU flagship and presidential social media channels. Content includes written, photographic, graphic design and video for channels such as, but not limited to, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Optimize content for SEO and accessibility.
• Provide strategic direction and recommendations for handling sensitive situations on social media while ensuring the responses align with the university’s core values and mission.
• Engage with the social media community, acting as an advocate for SDSU through dialogue, listening, and responding to questions and comments.
• Proactively identify and assess any emerging or potential issues that could evolve into media relations, issues management or crisis communications concerns.
• Provide regular reporting of social media performance and issues.
• Closely collaborate with other SDSU locations and departments to provide consultation and social direction with communicators.
• Coordinate campus-wide usage and onboarding of social media tools, platforms, and resources, including Sprout Social and Canva Pro.
• Maintain university-wide social media guidelines and best practices; update and develop new resources when needed.
• Offer training on social media best practices to campus partners.
• Liaise with students, faculty, and staff to uncover stories and create visuals that highlight research, the student learning experience, and community engagement.
• Lead digital community-building and content sharing within SDSU.
• Monitor analytics; review and prepare regular reports on social media performance.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) serves as the official voice of San Diego State University and shares the President’s vision, values and priorities while articulating a unified message about the university’s unique story. Core service areas include crisis and issues management, marketing, news and media relations, social media, web and interactive communications, executive communications and visual communications, and government and community relations. We work together with our partners across the institution and auxiliaries to promote the transformational diversity and impact of SDSU programs and achievements.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental values that shape both the work of SDSU and StratComm. We believe in and practice efforts that help cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment, understanding that diverse teams help to foster creativity, innovation, and authentic connections. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. Also, by promoting equity and authentic representation, we empower our community to contribute their talents and ideas in ways that allow each of us to be successful and thrive.
For more information regarding Strategic Communications, click here.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.
• Broad interest in and/or understanding of the public higher education sector.
• Business level proficiency in Spanish language is preferred.
• Strong copywriting abilities with a detail-oriented approach.
• Proven experience managing a fluid content calendar.
• Ability to work across departments and build strong relationships with co-workers.
• Experience with navigating crisis communications.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging social media, SEO, and digital trends.
• Proficient in social media analytics and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of graphic design and photography/video editing.
• Experience with relevant software, including social media management tools, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and others.

• Lead and execute a social media strategy aligned with the university’s strategic goals and values.
• Plan, create and implement brand-aligned content for SDSU flagship and presidential social media channels. Content includes written, photographic, graphic design and video for channels such as, but not limited to, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Optimize content for SEO and accessibility.
• Provide strategic direction and recommendations for handling sensitive situations on social media while ensuring the responses align with the university’s core values and mission.
• Engage with the social media community, acting as an advocate for SDSU through dialogue, listening, and responding to questions and comments.
• Proactively identify and assess any emerging or potential issues that could evolve into media relations, issues management or crisis communications concerns.
• Provide regular reporting of social media performance and issues.
• Closely collaborate with other SDSU locations and departments to provide consultation and social direction with communicators.
• Coordinate campus-wide usage and onboarding of social media tools, platforms, and resources, including Sprout Social and Canva Pro.
• Maintain university-wide social media guidelines and best practices; update and develop new resources when needed.
• Offer training on social media best practices to campus partners.
• Liaise with students, faculty, and staff to uncover stories and create visuals that highlight research, the student learning experience, and community engagement.
• Lead digital community-building and content sharing within SDSU.
• Monitor analytics; review and prepare regular reports on social media performance