Social Media Specialist

PCI GS • District of Columbia, DC, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Media Specialist provides support to the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, International Relations, Digital Media, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting social media strategy development, digital communications, or public diplomacy campaigns in a fast-paced organizational environment.
• Knowledge of audience segmentation and demographic analysis to inform content strategy and increase digital engagement across platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
• Experience translating complex policy priorities into clear, accessible, and engaging content tailored for diverse domestic and international audiences.
• Proficiency in creating, scheduling, and managing social media content calendars across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups.
• Experience producing digital content including graphics, infographics, short-form video, and data visualizations using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere/Final Cut Pro), and similar platforms.
• Knowledge of social media analytics, monitoring tools, and reporting methods to assess engagement, reach, and campaign effectiveness and identify training or content gaps.
• Experience managing social media engagement, including monitoring, listening, and responding appropriately to audience interactions.
• Familiarity with digital advertising and paid social media campaigns across major platforms.
• Ability to support training and capacity-building for internal stakeholders and partner teams on social media tools, best practices, and content development.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and rapidly respond to emerging communications needs.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with policy officers, regional desks, and overseas posts to develop coordinated digital messaging and campaign content.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, with ability to rapidly learn and apply evolving digital communications tools and platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to those with active security clearance.
• Knowledge of U.S. public diplomacy priorities, foreign policy themes, and regional dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Bureau’s Social Media Coordinator in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of social media campaigns and digital communications initiatives.
• Create, edit, and publish compelling multimedia content, including written copy, graphics, photographs, videos, and other digital assets for Bureau social media platforms.
• Assist in maintaining content calendars and coordinating timely publication of content across multiple social media channels.
• Support Bureau offices in promoting official programs, events, policy announcements, leadership engagements, and public diplomacy initiatives.
• Monitor social media platforms for audience engagement, emerging trends, and relevant developments affecting Bureau communications objectives.
• Conduct research and provide recommendations on best practices, audience engagement strategies, and platform-specific content optimization.
• Assist in drafting social media messaging that aligns with Department of State policies, Bureau priorities, and public diplomacy objectives.
• Coordinate with Bureau stakeholders, regional offices, and U.S. Embassies throughout Africa to collect, develop, and amplify digital content.
• Assist with the development and dissemination of social media toolkits, campaign materials, and digital communication resources.
• Compile metrics and analytics related to social media performance and prepare reports that assess audience reach, engagement, and campaign effectiveness.
• Ensure all digital content complies with Department of State policies, branding requirements, accessibility standards, and applicable public affairs guidance.
• Support special projects and other communications-related activities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level