Social Media Specialist

The Social Media Specialist at LMU is responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and management of social media strategies to promote LMU's mission, programs, and initiatives across various platforms. Reporting to the Associate Director of Social Media, this role requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for storytelling to effectively engage with current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Develop, produce, and create compelling social content (copy, photos, and videos) that aligns with LMU’s brand voice and messaging across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Public and Media Relations, Academic Communications, and various campus stakeholders to source stories and content that highlight the LMU experience.

• Track and analyze KPIs across platforms to evaluate performance, inform content strategy, and contribute to reports and campaign recaps.

• Manage community engagement by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely, professional, and brand-aligned manner.

• Schedule and publish content using social media management tools, optimizing for timing, format, and platform-specific best practices.

• Monitor social platforms for emerging trends, campus conversations, and engagement opportunities; escalate issues and partner with the Media Relations team as needed.

• Contribute to and manage the overall content calendar in collaboration with marketing leadership, aligning social content with institutional priorities and campaigns.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

The incumbent must have the ability to supervise creative, communications and technical personnel and manage complex projects with dependencies, deadlines, budgets and outside resources. The incumbent must possess the ability to implement marketing and communication principles and strategies in the execution of complex communications projects. The incumbent must have the ability to initiate ideas, develop concepts and review the effectiveness of processes to ensure professional standards and high quality. The incumbent has the ability to assess the needs of internal clients and suggest appropriate measures to meet those needs or redirect those requests to the appropriate areas. The incumbent is able to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies. The incumbent has the ability to operate in an environment in which skilled relationship management and consensus-building is required to deliver successful outcomes.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field preferred. Incumbent is expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of discipline related trends and regulation/policy changes.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in social media management. Experience in higher education, entertainment, branded content or nonprofit space preferred.

• Demonstrable experience creating impactful social video for TikTok and/or Instagram Reels.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content and engage diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in social media platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems (Sprout Social, Brandwatch, Hootsuite, YouTube Analytics)

• Creative thinker with a keen eye for visual storytelling and branding.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Knowledge of social media best practices, trends, and emerging technologies in the digital landscape.

• Excellent writing skills with demonstrated range; ability to tailor voice for distinct audiences and campaigns, and in diverse short-form and long-form venues.

• Experience with multi-channel communication plans and marketing campaigns.

• End-to-end video production experience, including writing briefs, coordinating photo/video shoots, and coaching talent.

• Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, timelines, and budgets in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative work style