📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Social Media Associate
🔹 Company: Obama Foundation
🔹 Location: Chicago Office
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing a strategic monthly social media plan
- Creating original, high-performing content for various platforms
- Coordinating content and messaging across the Foundation’s full social media ecosystem
- Identifying compelling stories and producing optimized content
- Analyzing social media performance and using data to inform content decisions
- Engaging with audiences in real-time and fostering authentic dialogue
- Activating digital surrogates to broaden the Foundation's reach and engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms and content creation, as well as excellent communication and project management skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate with the Social Media Manager to develop and implement a strategic monthly social media plan aligned with the Foundation’s voice, values, and priorities.
✅ Create original, high-performing content tailored to various platforms that authentically represents the Foundation and the Obamas.
✅ Coordinate content and messaging across the Foundation’s full social media ecosystem, leveraging voices from initiatives such as the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the Girls Opportunity Alliance, program participants, and key stakeholders.
✅ Identify compelling stories and produce optimized content that elevates community leadership in Chicago and globally, showcases the Obama Presidential Center, and highlights the impact of Foundation programs.
✅ Use social media analytics tools to track performance, identify trends, and help shape data-informed content decisions.
✅ Have a pulse on trending content and create real-time social posts that are fun, but also relevant to the Foundation’s work, in response.
✅ Support the activation of digital surrogates—including alumni, partners, program participants and social media influencers—to broaden the Foundation’s reach and engagement across platforms.
✅ Lead day-to-day community management, maintaining a consistent and thoughtful brand voice while fostering authentic, two-way dialogue with audiences.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to balance multiple priorities without compromising quality.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Previous experience managing and directly posting for high profile social media accounts with large audiences preferred, nonprofit or cultural institution experience is a plus.
Required Skills:
- Great team player with willingness to collaborate with multiple departments
- Exceptional project manager with ability to coordinate both short and long term projects while communicating effectively with others
- Working knowledge of social analytic software such as Sprout Social, Google Analytics, etc.
- Exceptional writer with a track record of telling stories effectively through social media and engaging content
- Proven ability to balance multiple priorities without compromising quality
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with nonprofit or cultural institution social media accounts
- Familiarity with the Obama Foundation and its initiatives
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $59,755 - $74,670 (Based on industry standards for non-profit organizations and the experience level required)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid role based at the Chicago office in Hyde Park
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for non-profit organizations and the experience level required for this role. Benefits may vary based on the candidate's employment status and length of service.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Obama Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change their world for the better.
Company Size: The Obama Foundation has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: The Obama Foundation was founded by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014.
Company Description:
- The Obama Foundation is guided by the values of courage, empathy, integrity, accountability, community, inclusivity, pragmatism, resilience, imagination, and hope.
- The Foundation's mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world for the better by bringing people together to find innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.
- The Obama Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's South Side, which will serve as a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates the legacy of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Company Specialties:
- Leadership training and development
- Global education initiatives
- Supporting young men of color
- Community engagement and partnerships
Company Website: www.obama.org
ASSUMPTION: The Obama Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position within the social media and communications field.
Reporting Structure: The Social Media Associate will report directly to the Social Media Manager.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role based at the Chicago office in Hyde Park, with a mix of on-site and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the social media and communications team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
- Professional development opportunities, such as training and workshops
ASSUMPTION: The Obama Foundation values internal promotions and provides opportunities for employees to grow within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Obama Foundation's Chicago office is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.
Office Location(s): 5235 S Harper Ct, Chicago, Illinois 60615, US
Geographic Context:
- The Hyde Park neighborhood is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its historic significance as the home of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
- Chicago is a diverse and multicultural city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene.
- The Obama Presidential Center, once completed, will serve as a major attraction and economic driver for the South Side of Chicago.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for evening and weekend events as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at the Obama Foundation is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on community engagement and partnerships.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the social media team
- Final interview with the director of communications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Social media strategy and planning
- Content creation and storytelling
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision making
- Communication and collaboration skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include examples of your social media content and campaigns, if applicable
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Obama Foundation's mission and values in your application materials
- Be prepared to discuss your social media strategy and ideas for the Obama Foundation during the interview
ATS Keywords: Social media, content creation, strategy, analytics, community management, nonprofit, Obama Foundation, storytelling
ASSUMPTION: The Obama Foundation uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Sprout Social
- Google Analytics
- Hootsuite (or similar social media management platform)
- Canva (or similar graphic design tool)
ASSUMPTION: The Obama Foundation uses industry-standard tools and technologies for social media management and analytics.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Courage
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Community
- Inclusivity
- Pragmatism
- Resilience
- Imagination
- Hope
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and strategic
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to the Foundation's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody the Obama Foundation's values in your work?
- How have you used data to inform your social media strategy in the past?
- How do you balance creativity and analytics in your content creation process?
ASSUMPTION: The Obama Foundation values candidates who are aligned with their mission and values, and who can demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to their goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media platforms and content creation deadlines
- Balancing short-term and long-term projects and priorities
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
- Navigating the political landscape and potential sensitivities surrounding the Obama Foundation's work
ASSUMPTION: The Social Media Associate role may present unique challenges related to the high-profile nature of the Obama Foundation and the need to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other social media roles, this position is focused on the unique mission and values of the Obama Foundation and its initiatives
- This role requires a strong understanding of nonprofit communications and community engagement strategies
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in communications, marketing, or public affairs within the nonprofit sector
ASSUMPTION: The Social Media Associate role at the Obama Foundation is unique and offers a distinct set of opportunities and challenges compared to similar roles in the nonprofit sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to promote the Obama Presidential Center's grand opening
- Creating a series of engaging and informative social media posts highlighting the Foundation's initiatives and impact
- Analyzing social media performance data to inform content strategy and improve engagement
ASSUMPTION: The Social Media Associate role offers a range of projects and initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission and values, and that provide opportunities for creativity, innovation, and growth.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the Obama Foundation's overall mission and goals?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the social media team collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the Foundation?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the social media team and the Foundation as a whole?
- How does the Foundation approach community engagement and partnerships, both locally and globally?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: Social Media Associate_JR10097
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your social media content and campaigns, if applicable
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Obama Foundation's mission and values in your application materials
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
