Freelance social media brand manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Freelance Social Media Brand Manager

🔹 Company: Hotplate

🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Freelance

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Shaping Hotplate's brand presence on Instagram and TikTok
• Planning and producing engaging content (2-4 pieces per week)
• Testing new formats to grow Hotplate's presence
• Collaborating with a passionate, early-stage startup team
• Growing with a startup (comfortable with building a plane while flying it)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms, content creation, and brand strategy. Previous experience in social media management or a related field is preferred.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Shape Hotplate's brand presence on Instagram and TikTok

✅ Plan and produce engaging content (2-4 pieces per week)

✅ Test new formats to grow Hotplate's presence

✅ Collaborate with the Hotplate team to ensure content aligns with brand values and growth strategy

✅ Monitor and analyze content performance to inform future content decisions

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional on-camera appearances to represent the Hotplate brand.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in social media management, content creation, or a related role

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in social media management
• Strong content creation and video editing skills
• Ability to understand and strategize how content contributes to brand growth
• Knowledge of food industry trends and culture
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with early-stage startups
• On-camera experience
• Familiarity with food photography and styling

ASSUMPTION: A love for chefs and food is essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $6,500 - $8,000 per month (based on experience and industry standards for freelance social media managers)

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with an early-stage startup in the food tech industry
• Flexible work schedule

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to work asynchronously

ASSUMPTION: Compensation and benefits are subject to change based on the duration of the freelance engagement and the candidate's experience level.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet

Company Size: 2-10 employees (Small, close-knit team with a startup culture)

Founded: 2020 (Relatively new, early-stage startup)

Company Description:

• Hotplate is increasing the diversity and accessibility of food by making it possible for anyone to start a food business
• Focuses on the chef-first, pop-up fueled, and culture-obsessed food model
• Seeking to fundamentally change the food industry for the better

Company Specialties:

• Food technology
• Social media management
• Brand strategy

Company Website: https://www.hotplate.com/#

ASSUMPTION: Hotplate's small team size and early-stage status may result in a more dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level (0-2 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Hotplate team, with close collaboration across departments

Work Arrangement: Fully remote, with the flexibility to work asynchronously

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for longer-term roles if the freelance engagement is successful
• Opportunity to grow with the company as it expands

ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for candidates seeking short-term or project-based work, as well as those interested in long-term growth opportunities with an early-stage startup.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote (no physical office)

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States

Geographic Context:

• San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant food scene
• Hotplate's remote work arrangement allows for flexibility in location
• The company's focus on food trends and culture may require occasional local events or tastings

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to work asynchronously

ASSUMPTION: The fully remote work arrangement may require strong self-motivation and time management skills.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Hotplate team
• Portfolio or work sample review
• Final interview with the Hotplate team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Content creation and video editing skills
• Understanding of Hotplate's brand and values
• Alignment with Hotplate's mission and company culture
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Application Tips:

• Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Include a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate your content creation and video editing abilities
• Showcase your understanding of Hotplate's brand and values in your cover letter

ATS Keywords: Social Media Management, Content Planning, Video Editing, Brand Strategy, Food Knowledge, Startup Culture, Remote Work

ASSUMPTION: Hotplate's small team size and early-stage status may result in a more casual and conversational interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok
• Video editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, or similar
• Project management tools: Asana, Trello, or similar (optional)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may be discussed during the interview process.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for food and chefs
• Creativity and innovation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptability and growth mindset

Work Style:

• Self-motivated and independent
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, startup environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine love for chefs and food?
• Are you comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a remote environment?
• Can you thrive in a fast-paced, startup culture?

ASSUMPTION: Hotplate's small team size and early-stage status may result in a more casual and conversational work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing work-life balance in a remote, asynchronous work environment
• Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of social media trends and algorithms
• Adapting to the evolving needs and priorities of an early-stage startup
• Occasional on-camera appearances may be required

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the food tech industry and the pre-order pickup model
• Similar roles may include social media manager, content creator, or brand strategist positions in the food or tech industries
• This role offers the opportunity to grow with an early-stage startup in a rapidly evolving industry

ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of Hotplate's business model and focus on the food tech industry sets this role apart from similar positions in other industries.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a social media content calendar for Hotplate's Instagram and TikTok accounts
• Producing a series of engaging video posts showcasing Hotplate's unique value proposition
• Collaborating with the Hotplate team to develop a brand strategy that resonates with target audiences

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role, but may not be representative of the specific projects assigned during the freelance engagement.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's growth plans and how this role fits into those plans?
• How does Hotplate support work-life balance for remote employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
• How does Hotplate measure the success of its social media presence, and how will my performance be evaluated?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the company, and the expectations for success in this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate your content creation and video editing abilities
• Tailor your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, as well as your understanding of Hotplate's brand and values
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to social media management, content creation, and brand strategy during the interview process
• Follow up with the Hotplate team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.