Paid Social Media Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Paid Social Media Specialist

🔹 Company: Barkley

🔹 Location: Kansas City, MO / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Austin, TX / New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

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

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing paid social media strategies for clients
• Driving client performance and growth through effective social media campaigns
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated marketing solutions
• Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize results and inform future strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms, advertising best practices, and data analysis. Previous experience in a fast-paced agency or marketing environment is preferred.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and implementing paid social media strategies for clients

✅ Managing the performance of various paid social accounts to drive client growth

✅ Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated marketing solutions

✅ Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize results and inform future strategies

✅ Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in social media advertising

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, data-driven approach to problem-solving and a strong attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field

Experience: 1+ years in a fast-paced agency, media, or marketing environment with experience building and managing paid social campaigns

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong proficiency in MS Excel
• Comfortable working with numbers and data on a daily basis
• Strong attention to detail
• Critical thinking and data analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with social media advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Twitter Ads)
• Knowledge of marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Fluency in a second language

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with social media advertising platforms and marketing automation tools would be beneficial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in the specified locations, the estimated salary range for this position is $45,000 - $65,000 per year. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and the company's final offer.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support client needs.

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the company's final offer.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees

Founded: 1964

Company Description:

• Barkley is one of the largest full-service independent agencies in the U.S.
• As an alternative agency model, Barkley is independent enough to make bold work that sticks with the modern consumer and big enough to build whole brands with their full spectrum of capabilities.
• The firm is also one of the largest Certified B Corporation agencies with industry recognition for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Company Specialties:

• Innovation Strategy
• Brand Positioning
• Brand Architecture
• Brand Culture
• Purpose + Sustainability
• Data Strategy
• Custom Research
• Identity Design
• Experience Design
• Design Systems
• Branded Environments
• Digital Environments
• Package Design
• Website Design
• Advertising
• Content
• Public Relations
• Media + Measurement
• Communications Planning
• Whole Brands
• Whole Brand Thinking
• and Performance Media

Company Website: http://www.barkleyokrp.com

ASSUMPTION: Barkley's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is evident in their company description and specialties. This commitment may influence the company's culture and hiring practices.

📊 Role Analysis

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

Reporting Structure: This role may report to the Director of Social Media or a similar position within the agency's marketing department.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific projects or clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a mid-level social media role (e.g., Social Media Manager) after demonstrating success and gaining relevant experience
• Expansion into related marketing roles or specializations (e.g., SEO, content marketing, or account management)
• Professional development opportunities through workshops, training sessions, and industry conferences

ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities in this role will depend on the candidate's performance, the company's needs, and the availability of relevant positions within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Barkley has multiple office locations across the United States, with the option to work on-site in Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; or New York, NY.

Office Location(s): 1740 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108; 116 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; 4180 Wynkoop St, Suite 330, Denver, Colorado 80216; 1300 Guadalupe St, Austin, Texas 78701; 328 S Jefferson St 850, Chicago, IL 60661; 275 7th Avenue, 27th Floor, New York City, NY 10001

Geographic Context:

• Kansas City, MO: A mid-sized city with a growing tech and startup scene, offering a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities
• Chicago, IL: A large city with a vibrant cultural scene, offering numerous professional networking opportunities
• Denver, CO: A mid-sized city with a strong focus on outdoor recreation and a growing tech industry
• Austin, TX: A large city known for its music and tech industries, offering a diverse and culturally rich environment
• New York, NY: A global hub for advertising, marketing, and media, offering unparalleled professional opportunities and networking events

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with occasional evening or weekend work required to support client needs.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment and schedule may vary depending on the specific office location and client needs.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager or a panel of team members
• Case study or project presentation (if applicable)
• Final interview with the agency's leadership team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of social media advertising platforms and best practices
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Barkley's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of social media advertising and data analysis in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Research Barkley's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit

ATS Keywords: Paid social media, social media advertising, campaign management, data analysis, marketing, advertising, agency, client management, cross-functional teams, integrated marketing

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific office location and hiring manager's preferences.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Twitter Ads)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the office location and client needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Curiosity and Skepticism
• Strategic, Creative Problem-Solving
• Initiative
• Communication & Storytelling
• Adaptability
• Self-Development

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong curiosity and a desire to learn and expand your knowledge?
• Are you comfortable working with data and using insights to inform your strategies?
• Can you effectively communicate complex information and marry data with storytelling?
• Are you adaptable and comfortable working in evolving or ambiguous situations?
• Do you have a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong initiative to find solutions?

ASSUMPTION: Barkley places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven hiring. Candidates who align with the company's values and work style will likely be more successful in the application process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple paid social media campaigns simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
• Keeping up with the rapidly evolving social media landscape and advertising best practices
• Working with diverse client needs and expectations, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills
• Occasional evening or weekend work to support client needs, potentially impacting work-life balance

ASSUMPTION: The specific challenges faced in this role may vary depending on the office location, client needs, and the candidate's individual workload.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other entry-level marketing roles, this position offers a unique focus on paid social media advertising and campaign management
• Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, requiring strong analytical skills and adaptability
• Career path comparison: Success in this role can lead to advancement to mid-level positions (e.g., Social Media Manager) or expansion into related marketing roles (e.g., SEO, content marketing, or account management)

ASSUMPTION: The specific comparisons made will depend on the candidate's previous experience and the industry trends at the time of application.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a paid social media strategy for a new client, including keyword research, audience targeting, and ad creative development
• Analyzing the performance of an existing paid social media campaign and optimizing it to improve results
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated marketing solutions for a client, including social media advertising, content marketing, and SEO

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects mentioned may vary depending on the office location, client needs, and the candidate's individual workload.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workload and priorities for this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments within the agency?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the agency?
• How does Barkley support work-life balance for its employees?
• Can you provide an example of a successful paid social media campaign that the agency has executed for a client?

ASSUMPTION: The specific questions asked during the interview may vary depending on the candidate's individual interests and the hiring manager's preferences.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Barkley job board
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Research Barkley's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department 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.