Social Media Writer/Strategist

Title: Social Media Writer/Strategist

Executive Area: University Relations

College/School/MBU: News and Media Relations

Department: News and Media Relations

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Social Media Writer/Strategist plays a lead role and exercises sound judgement in crafting content for the institution's organic social media content that ladders up to the goals and content strategy for the institution. As social media writer, this position exercises sound editorial judgement in crafting thoughtful, well-researched content that elevates the reputation of UMass Amherst. Reporting to the Executive Director of Digital Communications, this role plays an essential part in amplifying the university's triumphs, ventures and pivotal role in shaping lives on a national and international scale. It also provides perspective on student and faculty life at the University and supports and kindles student, faculty and alumni engagement.

The position requires excellent research and writing skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, public officials, alumni and donors. The Social Media Writer/Strategist must be able to work independently and as a team member, exercising sound judgment under deadline conditions. The job requires being available outside of normal business hours as needed, and participating in an on-call rotation on nights, weekends and holidays to monitor and post timely social media and web content.

Essential Functions

Writes and shapes social media content that reflects and reinforces the brand's voice. Crafts compelling, fresh, scroll-stopping, platform specific content that elevates the university's reputation while ensuring every post aligns with our mission, values, and voice. Write, edit, and publish accurate, well researched, timely, platform-specific, and engaging content for the institution's social media platforms that optimize language, tone and message for our target audiences.

Select appealing and appropriate images and videos to complement text.

Collaborate closely with designers, video editors, writers, to develop cohesive and impactful content ensuring that messaging and visuals work seamlessly together in a fresh, creative way.

Analyze trends through social media listening, monitoring and engagement. Track and report on social media insights.

Ensure the delivery of accurate, timely information while understanding that some projects may contain confidential and sensitive information.

Assist with community management.

Implement social media standards, guidelines and policies on behalf of the university and individual departments. Stay abreast of trends in online communications and social media.

Write on behalf of leadership with clarity and confidence, adapting to establishing voices, while navigating high levels of visibility, scrutiny and feedback.

Other Functions

Demonstrates a multicultural awareness and contributes to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful university community.

Help copy edit content for news editors.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or a related field.

3-5 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field, including a background in social media content creation on variety of channels.

Strong working knowledge of social media channels.

Ability to handle issues of a confidential nature.

Proven ability to write clear, engaging, and platform-specific content for social media, with a strong grasp of voice, tone, and storytelling across diverse audiences.

Experience working with content management systems.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately translate technical or scholarly information into common language; pay close attention to detail.

Good judgment, discretion and the ability to think quickly and work under pressure. Strong time-management abilities.

Ability to multi-task and work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with AP Style.

Basic photography, video editing, graphic design skills.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday; 37.5 hours/week.

The job requires being available outside of normal business hours as needed, and participating in an on-call rotation on nights, weekends and holidays to monitor and post timely social media and web content.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please include a cover letter, resume, and portfolio including three writing samples with your application. Candidates advancing in the search process may be asked to complete a brief writing assessment. This will help us evaluate core writing competencies relevant to the role.

References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.