Howard University is hiring: Communications & Social Media Manager in Washington

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Communications and Social Media Manager will play an instrumental role in the creation, implementation, maintenance, and assessment of strategic and integrated communications and marketing plans for the Division of Enrollment Management. The Communications and Social Media Manager will coordinate the development, analysis, and management of communication and marketing campaigns that are dynamic, engaging, and timely to ensure desired impact, consistency of messaging and branding, and effectiveness of engagement. The Communications and Social Media Manager will be responsible for digital, print, electronic, multimedia, and social media content to a variety of audiences. The incumbent must have knowledge of what is trending and current on social, knowledge of each platform's capabilities, how to best utilize influencers, and a knack for creating compelling and innovative content. The Communications and Social Media Manager is also responsible for monitoring and updating information based on the admissions, financial aid, and registrations cycles and collaborating with other units for content. The Communications and Social Media Manager will review and edit web content and will recommend and make changes to ensure content is accurate, compelling, and has maximum impact. The position will have a primary focus on undergraduate recruitment and yield efforts, but will also support the communication and marketing efforts of all units within Enrollment Management.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

None

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Social Media Management (50%)

• Manage enrollment management presence on key social media and digital platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Reddit and Snapchat.
• Partner closely with the Howard University Office of University Communications social media team to create high-impact, conversation-driving social campaigns
• Develop and implement platform strategy for @FutureBison and @HowardFinAid on X (Formerly Twitter), continuously developing engagement-driving tactics and content that are optimized for other social platforms
• Monitor social platforms managed by other Howard entities for compelling content that can be repurposed for recruitment and yield purposes
• Assist with the creation and promotion of YouTube original content across social platforms
• Facilitate creative development of social content and communicate and implement social media best practices for recruitment and yield purposes with Howard stakeholders
• Leverage analytics in continuous data-backed decision-making to evolve social media campaigns
• Partner with the Howard University Office of Communications on live social media event coverage, digital activations and other creative media

Marketing & Communications Management (50%)

• Manage admission communication processes in the CRM (Slate)
• Manage all portals (applicant, admitted student, athletic, alumni) in the CRM
• Create and maintain appropriate microsites consistent with university priorities to bolster recruitment efforts

• Create communication materials and campaigns across traditional digital platforms to promote the University.
• Assist in the development of print materials designed to attract prospective students to visit, apply, and enroll
• Consult with and advise colleges/schools and other units regarding communication strategies, ensuring targeted, consistent efforts that link individual department goals with the overall enrollment goals of the University
• Perform quality assurance/control on correspondence, publications, and reports to ensure all materials are grammatically correct, free of spelling errors, and branding, format, layout, and graphic representations are consistent with style guidelines
• Review and edit Enrollment Management websites (e.g. Admissions, Financial Aid, and Registrar)
• Provide feedback and suggestions for enhancement of admissions and financial aid websites maintained by individual colleges/schools
• Partner with the Howard University Office of Communications on video and other multimedia event coverage, digital activations and other creative media
• Train internal stakeholders on how to effectively utilize the CRM for communications and campaigns as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• A demonstrated ability to maintain and increase social media engagement.
• Strong writing skills, with a deep understanding of the nuances of language and strong editorial judgment.
• Ability to interact with audiences online, facilitating engagement.
• Strong familiarity with all major and emerging social media platforms.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, Photoshop).
• Ability to create visually appealing and on-brand graphics for all social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and TikTok.
• Social media consumer with an interest in trends.
• Experience creating, executing, and managing communication plans and campaigns within Slate, or similar CRM
• Experience with data and ability to use it to inform decisions.
• Positive, energetic attitude and adaptability.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5 years of related social media and marketing communication experience
• Deep understanding of social platforms
• Experience with social media content management systems
• Knowledge of emerging technologies to support admission and student recruitment
• Exceptional public speaking, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and able to build solid working relationships
• Creative, proactive and independent thinking
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong creative writing skills
• Strong attention to detail

Work Environment:

• In person, not eligible for hybrid or remote status
• On Howard University main campus
• 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, weekends, and evenings as necessary

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $72,727 - $80,000