Social Media Specialist

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$59,829 - $86,700•Onsite

About The Position

Duke University is seeking a Social Media Specialist for Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. This role involves strategic content creation and collaboration to highlight the experiences, expertise, and achievements of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. The goal is to support undergraduate and graduate recruitment, amplify research and teaching excellence, and strengthen Trinity’s reputation. This position is ideal for a creative communicator skilled in strategy, storytelling, and analytics, who is eager to shape how a leading academic institution presents itself on social media.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least two years of directly related writing or communications experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Visual Media, or a related field.
Two or more years of experience in social media content production and management; four or more years preferred, including experience in higher education.
Demonstrated experience planning, filming, editing, and publishing photo and video content for social media (portfolio or work samples encouraged).
Expertise in social media platforms, scheduling tools, and analytics.
Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail and strategic storytelling.
Proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, and other social‑first design platforms.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high‑quality work on deadline.
Comfort operating in fast‑paced or high‑pressure environments.
Proven success collaborating across teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Execute and help shape a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with Trinity’s academic mission, institutional priorities, and brand voice.
Capture, edit, and produce high-quality short‑form video, photography, graphics, and social‑first content optimized for platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn.
Translate educational, research, and institutional content into engaging, accessible social media storytelling.
Design branded templates and visual assets, including Instagram Stories, carousels, and promotional graphics supporting events, academic initiatives, and research activity.
Identify and adapt relevant social media trends, formats, and audience behaviors into content opportunities aligned with Trinity’s goals.
Engage with audiences, monitor conversations related to Trinity, and identify potential reputational risks.
Collaborate with colleagues to adapt content from other platforms and uncover new opportunities for social‑first storytelling.
Guide and support student workers in content ideation, production, publishing, and quality control.
Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of social media analytics to evaluate performance, identify trends, and inform content strategy.
Monitor platform updates, algorithm changes, best practices, and emerging opportunities for growth and engagement.
Develop and maintain documentation for social media best practices, brand and style guidelines, and content standards.
Ensure all content adheres to Duke and Trinity brand standards, including tone, visual identity, and accessibility.
Represent Trinity Communications in the university‑wide Social Media Working Group and other professional forums, as assigned.
Maintain an inventory of Trinity‑affiliated social media channels, updating records annually or as new channels emerge.
Provide strategic and creative social media guidance to Trinity departments and units promoting academic or cross‑departmental initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.