Position Function:
The Social Media Strategist is a professional, collaborative member of the OPA team who works to define and project the Mississippi State brand through the university’s social media. The main focus of the position is to administer MSU’s central social media—creating content that includes writing captions, taking camera or cell phone photos, shooting camera and cell videos, covering pertinent events and activities. The position is supported by OPA’s Marketing Coordinator and the Chief Marketing Officer.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
The Mississippi State University Office of Public Affairs operates within the university’s Division of Strategic Communications. The office includes strategic marketing/branding, university news, graphic design and photography units; the University Television Center and WMSV campus radio station.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2024
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
--Develop original social content—individually and in collaboration—to further the university brand
--Write, edit, take camera and cell phone photos, shoot camera and cell video; create graphics
--Support strategic marketing goals and the university brand through consistent social media engagement with multiple audiences, including prospective and current students, parents, alumni and other stakeholders
--Collaborate to develop tactical campaigns and content calendars with a goal of increasing engagement
--Monitor the university’s central social channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and others
--Provide regular analytics on the effectiveness of social strategies and report findings to colleagues and leadership
--Engage and coordinate with social media content producers across campus and help develop comprehensive social coverage
--Play a key role in crises through monitoring, disseminating information and correcting misinformation
--Reply to social questions and inquiries from followers when appropriate
Minimum Qualifications:
--Bachelor’s degree in broadcast/digital journalism, digital media, communication, marketing, public relations, or related field.
--Minimum 2 years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
--Experience in a higher education setting
--Demonstrated work in writing, shooting video/photos, editing, and creating graphics for digital platforms
--Basic photography, videography and editing skills
--Ability to work in a team setting or independently
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
--Advanced computer skills and technical ability to fulfill job responsibilities
--Creative abilities to develop content original to the university, advancing the brand
--Ability to work on multiple projects, be self-motivated and detail-oriented
--Proven writing, graphics and digital editing skills, including video, for content development
--Experience in use of social media to promote a business or organization and thorough knowledge of all platforms
--Working knowledge of software such as the Adobe Creative suite, including Premiere Pro or similar video editing software, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Word and Excel
--Experience with social media monitoring platforms such as HootSuite
--Ability to adhere to branding visual and verbal identity standards
--Strong ability to sense and identify issues and suggest solutions
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion
- Often exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
- Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
- Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands
- Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors
- Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume and provide names and contact information for at least three references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
