Senior Assistant Director of Digital Communications and Social Media

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the refinement and implementation of an OPA content planning, creation, and dissemination process.
• Work closely with OPA leadership to develop a social media strategy that assesses existing and potential channel options and creates an approach/plan for the school's official channels.
• Oversee a monthly content calendar ensuring timely and strategic delivery of written, video, graphic, and social media assets while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
• Develop and execute strategies for amplifying content and boosting social posts to broaden Harris' visibility.
• Produce and edit content for various formats including video scripts, social media copy, email, and e-newsletters.
• Identify and develop content opportunities that highlight research, policy impact, events, and community stories in collaboration with faculty, research centers, staff, students, and alumni.
• Oversee Content Planning Committee meetings to establish cross-functional workflows and visibility.
• Use data and analytics to evaluate content performance and refine strategies for better engagement.
• Research successful higher education and public policy campaigns to identify trends and recommend new strategies.
• Evaluate emerging social media platforms and develop recommendations for Harris' approach to maximize engagement.
• Manage the newsletter strategy and coordinate promotion efforts for key Harris newsletters.
• Coordinate marketing efforts for podcasts and multimedia projects, including workflow management and scheduling social media posts.
• Oversee short-form video planning and production, including editing and content approval.
• Manage content vendors and oversee contracts and administrative responsibilities.
• Collaborate with University Communications to amplify Harris' voice and reach.
• Manage a team of part-time graduate assistants and/or a full-time Digital Content Coordinator.
• Create and manage content templates and social media assets using design tools like Canva and HubSpot.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in content strategy, social media management, journalism, or communications.
• A college or university degree in a related field.
• Solid writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail and grammar.
• Working knowledge of major social media platforms and management techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration.
• Familiarity with digital newsletter and short-form video production best practices.
• Knowledge of content management systems, social media scheduling tools, and analytics platforms.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible content.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience in higher education, public policy, or mission-driven organizations.
• Knowledge of public policy issues and academic environments.
• Interest in digital storytelling and innovative content approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public policy, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• Wide range of benefits including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Salary range of $64,000.00 - $70,000.00.
• Eligible for benefits as an employee of the University of Chicago.