📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Select Digital Social Media Strategist
🔹 Company: Hearst Newspapers
🔹 Location: Amherst, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Digital Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and managing social media strategies and campaigns for clients.
- Monitoring social media trends and providing analysis reports.
- Increasing engagement and likes/followers across various social media platforms.
- Managing paid social media advertising campaigns and budgets.
- Collaborating with clients, sales reps, and partners to present strategic plans and reports.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms and trends, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with a diverse group of clients and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develops social media campaign strategies.
✅ Contributes to the setup and maintenance of social media marketing (SMM) products.
✅ Builds, launches, and manages SMM campaigns via various social media platforms.
✅ Publishes social media posts and blogs on behalf of clients.
✅ Performs quality assurance prior to launching campaigns.
✅ Provides clients with insights into social media marketing trends specific to their industry.
✅ Creates and delivers monthly campaign reports.
✅ Performs campaign budget stewardship.
✅ Monitors and implements new and emerging trends in SMM.
✅ Recommends and implements strategy to increase social media likes/followers and overall engagement.
✅ Contributes to the company SMM blog.
✅ Performs other related duties as assigned.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, as well as strong time management and organizational skills to manage multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A BA/BS Degree preferred.
Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in a professional environment, preferably in social media marketing.
Required Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent writing, copy editing, and proofreading skills.
- Detailed work ethic, highly motivated, well-organized, and able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
- Solid time management and computer skills, with mastery of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, server-side data, and PHP (preferred but not required).
- Knowledge and experience with all relevant social media platforms (preferred but not required).
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with social media marketing and advertising campaigns.
- Familiarity with analytics tools and social media management platforms.
- Ability to create and edit multimedia content (images, videos, etc.).
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in marketing or a related field is not required, it may be beneficial for candidates to have some formal education or training in social media marketing or a related field.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The reasonable estimate range, if hired in New York State, is $42,000-$46,000 per year. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays).
- Employee discounts on Hearst products and services.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Working Hours: This role requires a standard 40-hour workweek, with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the role, experience level, and location. The final salary offer may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's assessment of their skills and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hearst Newspapers is a leading provider of local news and information, with a national network of over 75 brands across a diverse portfolio of modern local and regional brands, services, and solutions.
Company Size: Hearst Newspapers employs over 2,500 employees and encompasses more than 75 brands across a national network, providing a vast array of resources while maintaining a focus on local communities.
Founded: Hearst Newspapers was founded in 1887 and has a rich history of providing accurate and reliable news and information to communities across the country.
Company Description:
- Hearst Newspapers is committed to being the most trusted, most respected, and most accurate source of news and information in the communities it serves.
- The company places its readers' interests above all others and dedicates itself to the principles of truthfulness, fairness, and independence.
- Hearst Newspapers partners with thousands of local, regional, and national businesses, providing best-in-class advertising and marketing services each year.
Company Specialties:
- Digital marketing and advertising.
- Social media marketing and management.
- Content creation and strategy.
- Data analysis and reporting.
- Client relations and account management.
Company Website: www.JoinHNP.com
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Newspapers is a well-established and reputable company with a strong commitment to its local communities and the national conversation. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of modern local and regional brands, services, and solutions, providing employees with a vast array of resources and opportunities for growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the digital marketing and advertising industry. It provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to gain experience and develop their skills in social media marketing and management.
Reporting Structure: The Select Digital Social Media Strategist will report directly to the Select Digital team and work closely with clients, sales reps, and partners to develop and manage social media campaigns.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with the possibility of occasional on-site work or travel to meet with clients or attend company events.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the company continues to grow and expand its digital presence, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on additional responsibilities or advance to more senior roles within the organization.
- The company offers tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities, allowing employees to continue to learn and grow in their careers.
- Hearst Newspapers is a large and diverse organization, providing employees with the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and campaigns across various industries and markets.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent opportunities for growth and development within the digital marketing and advertising industry. The company's commitment to its employees and their professional development, combined with its diverse portfolio of brands and services, provides a strong foundation for success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hearst Newspapers has multiple office locations across the United States, with the primary headquarters in New York, NY. This role may require occasional on-site work or travel to meet with clients or attend company events.
Office Location(s): 300 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, US
Geographic Context:
- Amherst, NY is a small city located in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 100,000 residents.
- The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Amherst is located about 10 miles north of Buffalo, NY, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Work Schedule: This role requires a standard 40-hour workweek, with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines. The work schedule may be flexible, depending on the needs of the client and the project.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is primarily remote, with occasional on-site work or travel required. The company's commitment to its employees' work-life balance, combined with the flexibility of remote work, provides a supportive and productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members.
- Background check and reference check (if applicable).
- Job offer and onboarding.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (verbal and written).
- Social media marketing knowledge and experience.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Include specific examples of your social media marketing experience and accomplishments.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission by addressing how your skills and experience align with the role and the company's values.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company to show your interest and engagement.
ATS Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Campaign Management, Content Creation, Data Analysis, Client Relations, Quality Assurance, Budget Management, Trend Monitoring, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Photoshop
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for the industry, with a focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, social media marketing knowledge and experience, and cultural fit. The company values a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social).
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Sprout Social, Hootsuite Insights).
- Design and editing tools (e.g., Photoshop, Canva, Adobe Spark).
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com).
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace).
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the client and the project. The company provides training and support to help employees develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work.
- Quality: Delivering exceptional products and services that exceed our customers' expectations.
- Innovation: Embracing change and continuously seeking new and better ways to serve our customers and communities.
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve our goals and support each other's success.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions and their outcomes, and holding ourselves and each other to the highest standards.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination.
- Results-driven, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong understanding of social media marketing trends and best practices?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse group of clients and stakeholders?
- Do you have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal?
- Are you highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Newspapers values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The company seeks individuals who are aligned with its values and work style, and who are committed to delivering exceptional results for its clients and communities.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media campaigns and projects simultaneously may require strong time management and organizational skills.
- Working with a diverse group of clients and stakeholders may require strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Keeping up with the latest social media trends and best practices may require continuous learning and professional development.
- The work schedule may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers excellent opportunities for growth and development, it also presents unique challenges that require strong communication, organizational, and time management skills. The company provides training and support to help employees succeed in their roles and overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Social Media Specialist: Focuses on day-to-day management of social media accounts and content creation, with less emphasis on strategy and campaign development.
- Social Media Manager: Oversees the social media presence of multiple brands or organizations, with a broader scope of responsibilities and more strategic decision-making.
- Digital Marketing Specialist: Works on a broader range of digital marketing channels and campaigns, with a focus on integrated marketing strategies and cross-channel optimization.
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other social media marketing and management positions, but with a focus on strategy and campaign development. The specific responsibilities and requirements of this role may vary depending on the client and the project.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media marketing strategy for a local small business, including platform selection, content creation, and engagement tactics.
- Managing a paid social media advertising campaign for a national non-profit organization, including budget management, targeting, and optimization.
- Creating and implementing a social media crisis management plan for a regional healthcare provider, including message development, communication protocols, and monitoring.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role. The specific projects and campaigns that the successful candidate will work on may vary depending on the client and the project.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics of the Select Digital team?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities and goals for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company measure the success of its social media marketing campaigns and strategies?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how does the company support its employees in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the company, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process. The specific questions that the candidate asks may vary depending on their individual needs and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your social media marketing experience and accomplishments.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company to show your interest and engagement.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and skills, as well as your alignment with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
