Social Media Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Social Media Manager

🔹 Company: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

🔹 Location: Richmond, VA

🔹 Job Type: Part-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 18, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating engaging content for multiple social media platforms, with a focus on Instagram
• Collaborating with the video team to produce Instagram Reels and other visual content
• Monitoring engagement and using analytics to inform content strategy
• Attending and covering student events, research stories, and engineering activities
• Working closely with the communications team and other college stakeholders to maintain a social content calendar

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong writer with a sharp eye for digital storytelling and a keen interest in science, engineering, or higher education.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write and schedule engaging posts for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter)

✅ Develop and post Instagram Reels in collaboration with the student/staff video team

✅ Repurpose video and photo content into platform-specific stories and reels

✅ Attend or assign coverage for student events, research stories, and engineering activities

✅ Monitor engagement and identify trends to inform content strategy

✅ Coordinate with the communications team and other college stakeholders to develop and maintain a social content calendar and ensure timely posting

✅ Assist in growing followers and engagement in alignment with recruitment goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field (preferred)

Experience: Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as an employee at VCU.

Required Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills with a clear, concise voice
• Experience creating Instagram Reels or TikTok videos
• Comfortable using social media scheduling and analytics tools (Social Sprout is a plus)
• Familiarity with Canva, CapCut, or similar tools (a plus)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently
• Interest in science, engineering, or higher education (a bonus)
• Experience with social media marketing (e.g., boosted posts, Meta ads, YouTube ads, etc.) (a plus)

Preferred Skills:

• One year of professional experience managing or contributing to social media for a brand, nonprofit, agency, or educational institution (internships or freelance work may count)
• Familiarity with creating content for student recruitment, engagement, or institutional branding
• Knowledge of VCU’s brand guidelines or experience working in a university or public-sector environment
• Proficiency with tools such as Sprout Social, Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express, or similar
• Ability to analyze social media metrics to inform content decisions
• Experience capturing original photo or video content for social media

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and skills are equally valuable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative university environment
• Competitive hourly wage
• Potential for professional growth and development

Working Hours: 30 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is typical for part-time, entry-level marketing roles in the Richmond, VA area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)

Founded: 1971

Company Description:

• VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of the top 40 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the country and the only one in the Richmond area
• Committed to delivering patient-centered care while also contributing to advances in cancer research and education
• Values innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach to cancer care

Company Specialties:

• Cancer care
• Research
• Education
• Clinical trials

Company Website: https://www.massey.vcu.edu/

ASSUMPTION: VCU Massey Cancer Center is a highly regarded institution with a strong reputation for excellence in cancer care, research, and education.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Communications Manager within the College of Engineering

Work Arrangement: Part-time, on-site

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for full-time employment or increased responsibilities based on performance
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various teams
• Access to professional development resources and training

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the organization, particularly for candidates interested in pursuing a career in marketing or communications within the higher education sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, university campus

Office Location(s): 401 College St, Richmond, VA 23298

Geographic Context:

• Richmond, VA is a vibrant city with a rich history and a growing tech industry
• The VCU campus is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to various amenities and attractions
• The area is known for its diverse cultural scene, including arts, music, and food festivals throughout the year

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for event coverage)

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at VCU offers a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to engage with students, faculty, and staff from various backgrounds and disciplines.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Creativity and digital storytelling abilities
• Familiarity with social media platforms and analytics tools
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Alignment with VCU’s mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Provide specific examples of your social media marketing experience and achievements
• Demonstrate your understanding of VCU’s mission and how your skills and experiences align with the organization’s goals
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization

ATS Keywords: Social media marketing, content creation, digital storytelling, writing, editing, Instagram Reels, video production, analytics, engagement monitoring, content strategy, event coverage, social media scheduling, Canva, CapCut, communication, team collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences effectively.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter)
• Social media scheduling and analytics tools: Social Sprout (preferred), Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.
• Graphic design tools: Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express, etc.
• Video editing tools: iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc.

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Patient-centered care
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Diversity and inclusion

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong interest in and understanding of social media marketing and digital storytelling?
• Am I comfortable working independently and managing multiple tasks?
• Do I thrive in a collaborative and dynamic work environment?
• Am I committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with VCU’s values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the organization’s mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Working with diverse stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
• Keeping up with the latest social media trends and best practices

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike full-time social media manager roles, this position is part-time and may offer more flexibility for candidates seeking a better work-life balance
• This role is focused on higher education, offering candidates the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment
• Career progression in this role may lead to full-time employment or increased responsibilities within the marketing and communications department

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal and professional goals when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating and scheduling a week’s worth of engaging social media posts for multiple platforms
• Collaborating with the video team to produce an Instagram Reel highlighting student research projects
• Analyzing social media metrics to inform content strategy and identify trends

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to give candidates an idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within the college?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
• How does this role contribute to the college’s overall marketing and communications strategy?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the department and the college?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.

📌 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 skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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