Social Media Specialist – NEW!

(posted 11/1/24)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Social Media Specialist.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Digital and Web Strategies, the Social Media Specialist strategizes and creates content for, posts, and manages the university’s social media channels in support of the institution’s overarching mission, goals, and strategic plan. The Social Media Specialist’s work adapts to the online behavior and interests of key stakeholders including prospective students, educators and counselors, parents, donors, press, and general audiences. This role also monitors account activity and leads the university’s efforts to remain relevant and engaging with social media content that effectively and successfully tells the Hollins story and communicates the unique culture of the campus and its community members.

Specific duties in include the following:

• Together with the Director of Digital and Web Strategies, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, and Vice President for Enrollment Management, contribute to setting paid and organic social media strategies for the university with the primary goal of growing engagement with prospective student audiences and their influencers, as well as with Hollins alumnae/i and prospective donors
• Maintain a bird’s eye view of social media channels, trends, and topics
• Strategize a sustainable balance of actionable, shareable, engaging, cutting-edge content per channel that builds and strengthens the university’s audiences
• Create original, authentic, high-quality content for prospective student audiences and other key stakeholders
• Intentionally and strategically prioritize messaging connected to mission, brand pillars and promise, strategic plan, etc.
• Maintain paid social media advertising campaigns
• Identify compelling stories university-wide
• Lead a small group of paid student assistants in the development of specific content and guide the group on content strategy and execution
• Work with other communicators across campus to ensure all university social media channels are following best practices and working to grow their audiences
• Build and maintain a content calendar
• Quarterly report and analysis of metrics evaluating specific campaign efforts as needed
• Initiate innovative ideas for digital marketing efforts

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• In-depth understanding of social media, as well as ability to create and strategize for both paid and organic content
• Fundamental understanding of the current landscape of social media marketing and communications and changing trends
• Knowledge of the essentials of branding, marketing, messaging, and storytelling
• Sound writing, editing, proofreading, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to details and accuracy
• Abilities to conduct interviews, complete research, and produce compelling written and multimedia content
• Abilities to self-start, proactively problem-solve, and maintain a solution-oriented mindset within a constantly evolving area of expertise
• Abilities to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility with changing priorities and assignments; meet tight deadlines; initiate, prioritize, and manage multiple projects; and work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, business, or related field
• Experience in content and/or digital marketing
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (including Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop) and other software/content management systems
• Experience managing social media for an organization
• Experience planning and executing digital advertising campaigns on social media platforms

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu . Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Hollins


Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

An equal opportunity employer, Hollins fosters diversity and inclusiveness at every level of the university.  Persons of all genders, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

Visit www.hollins.edu for more information.