Online Learning Social Media & Community Lead

Overview

Utah State University’s Online & Digital Learning Technology (ODLT) team is seeking a Social Media & Community Specialist to lead and grow USU Online’s social presence and digital community. This role is responsible for developing and executing a social media strategy that strengthens brand awareness, drives engagement, and supports enrollment and student success goals.

This individual will own day-to-day social media operations while building a scalable, audience-first community strategy that connects prospective students, current students, alumni, and partners to the USU Online experience.

Social Media Strategy & Execution (40%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with USU Online’s enrollment and brand goals
• Manage and grow USU Online social channels (organic and paid)
• Create and publish high-performing, platform-native content across channels (high-performing means impressions and click-through rates)
• Maintain a consistent brand voice tailored to online learners and adult audiences
• Align social media efforts with broader content strategy (blog, podcast, You Tube, campaigns)
• Develop and align publication calendar with wider content marketing strategy, global, community, and University events

Community Building & Engagement (25%)

• Build and nurture a strong digital community that reflects the Aggie spirit in an online environment (MyUSU)
• Actively engage with prospective and current students through comments, messages, and community initiatives
• Develop programs to increase student-generated content, testimonials, and advocacy
• Partner with internal teams to elevate student stories and experiences

Content Creation & Storytelling (20%)

• Produce and/or coordinate creation of short-form and long-form social content (video, graphics, copy)
• Identify and elevate compelling student, faculty, and alumni stories
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to source content

Analytics & Performance Optimization (10%)

• Track, analyze, and report on social media performance (engagement, reach, conversions, traffic)
• Optimize content and campaigns based on data and audience insights
• Establish reporting cadence and dashboards aligned with key KPIs

Cross-Functional Collaboration (5%)

• Partner with University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) to align with institutional brand and campaigns
• Collaborate with Enrollment, Student Success, and Academic units to support recruitment and retention initiatives
• Support integrated marketing campaigns and key university initiatives

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Growth in social media engagement and audience
• Increased traffic and conversions from social channels (RFIs, applications)
• Improvement in brand awareness and sentiment
• Growth in community participation and user-generated content
• Contribution to enrollment and retention goals

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Three years of experience managing social media accounts for a brand or organization
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging, high-performing social content
• In-depth knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, X, and Linked In
• Experience with social media management and analytics tools
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, online education, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience building and managing online communities
• Knowledge of paid social media strategy and campaign support
• Experience with video production and editing for social platforms
• Familiarity with CRM and marketing automation tools (e.g., Salesforce)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices
• Audience-first mindset with strong storytelling instincts
• Ability to balance creativity with performance and data-driven decision making
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative approach with ability to work across teams and stakeholders

Minimum of $53,010; commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

The environment and physical…