Social Media Specialist - UW Medicine Strategic Communications

Job Description

UW Medicine Strategic Communications seeks a Social Media Specialist to craft brand‑aligned copy and narrative content for UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and the UW School of Medicine. The role focuses on clear, engaging, conversational content that promotes UW Medicine’s brand, highlights patient and provider stories, and explains programs, studies, and initiatives.

• Write posts and captions for various platforms using a tone that balances warmth, professionalism, and accessibility.
• Develop story‑driven features highlighting patients, providers, research, programs, and community events.
• Adapt messaging to fit the strengths and requirements of each channel.

• Monitor channels, respond to comments/messages, and elevate inquiries to appropriate parties to increase brand loyalty and positive sentiment.
• Grow social media channels including Facebook, Linked In, You Tube, and Instagram.

• Communicate with other teams for updates, campaigns, and events to ensure story ideas are captured and scheduled.
• Schedule and publish posts via social media management tools such as Facebook Business, Sprout Social, or platform‑native schedulers.

• Use Canva or similar tools to create supporting visuals for posts.
• Prepare images, videos, or graphics for publishing.
• Capture photos and short videos at events or hospitals.
• Edit basic images or videos for social use.

• Review analytics and provide insights and suggestions for future campaigns and content.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional social media experience, with demonstrated knowledge of current digital content best practices and experience creating content for social platforms.

• Exceptional writing skills with a proven ability to communicate to diverse audiences across platforms.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstration of sound judgement and decision‑making.
• Experience planning, scheduling, publishing, and managing social media content.
• Understanding of social media analytics, including experience measuring performance, testing content, and iterating to optimize results.
• Working knowledge of basic design, videography, and photography principles for social media.
• Proven organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple projects, and adapt to shifting deadlines and needs.
• Ability to build effective, collaborative working relationships both independently and as part of cross‑functional project teams.
• Strong customer service and community management skills with the ability to monitor and engage with audiences in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple, competing priorities.

• Photography and video production experience for social platforms.
• Proficiency in photo and video editing tools.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva.
• Experience with social media management and publishing platforms such as Sprout Social.
• Familiarity with the AP Stylebook and best practices for digital writing.
• Experience in healthcare communications.
• Experience working within an academic or higher education institution.
• Experience supporting social media during crisis or high‑risk communications.

• Hybrid – Approximately one day per month at South Lake Union office, plus additional required meetings or other events at the manager’s discretion.
• The position will travel to various locations to gather information and assist with activities as needed.
• The position maintains regular office hours Monday through Friday and regular evening and weekend hours to monitor social media and participate in special events.
• This is an essential position; the individual is required to report to work when the University is under suspended operations due to inclement…