Social Media & Marketing Assistant

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Social Media & Marketing Assistant

🔹 Company: Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

🔹 Location: Traverse City, Michigan

🔹 Job Type: Part-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025

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

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Planning and executing social media campaigns to engage the community
• Creating and publishing engaging content across various platforms
• Collaborating with staff to promote programs, events, and initiatives
• Capturing and curating photos and videos to showcase the Y’s impact
• Assisting with internal marketing and general marketing administration tasks

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms and basic analytical tools, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and schedule content for social media platforms in alignment with the Y’s brand and voice

✅ Monitor engagement, respond to basic inquiries, and flag items for follow-up

✅ Track performance metrics and provide regular updates on what’s working

✅ Stay informed on social trends and suggest fresh ideas for increasing reach and relevance

✅ Work closely with the Marketing Director to help plan and execute social media campaigns

✅ Capture and curate photos and videos of Y programs, events, and members

✅ Write engaging captions and short-form copy tailored to each platform

✅ Assist with visual and written content for newsletters, digital signage, and the website as needed

✅ Work with staff to collect member stories, testimonials, and program highlights that showcase the Y’s impact

✅ Help design or update facility signage, posters, and flyers for programs and events

✅ Assist with organizing and promoting special events and campaigns

✅ Maintain a photo and video library, and support general marketing-related administrative tasks as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: At least 18 years of age with experience in marketing, communications, or related work (experience through internships or coursework is acceptable)

Required Skills:

• Proficient in social media platforms and basic analytical tools and software
• Strong oral and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Familiar with using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom)
• Experience capturing and editing photos in various settings, video experience a plus
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission, and values
• Current certification in CPR and AED; complete trainings in Child Abuse Prevention and Blood Borne Pathogens

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with social media analytics tools
• Familiarity with the Traverse City community
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation may be beneficial for this role due to the need to attend events and visit different YMCA locations.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for career growth within the organization
• Discounted YMCA membership and program fees
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job description and industry standards for entry-level marketing positions in the Traverse City area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Wellness and Fitness Services

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA was established in 1887

Company Description:

• The Y is a cause-driven organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility
• The YMCA of Northwest Michigan serves Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties
• The organization offers a wide range of programs and services, including fitness classes, sports leagues, childcare, and community outreach initiatives

Company Specialties:

• Youth Development
• Healthy Living
• Social Responsibility

Company Website: gtbayymca.org

ASSUMPTION: The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a nonprofit organization with a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry Level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Marketing Director

Work Arrangement: Part-time, on-site position with flexible hours

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for full-time employment based on organizational needs and candidate performance
• Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of marketing and communications
• Possibility to work on special projects and events to expand skills and knowledge

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain valuable experience in marketing and communications within a nonprofit organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has multiple locations across Northwest Michigan

Office Location(s): 3700 Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, US; 3000 Racquet Club Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686, US; 1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, US; 1027 McRae Hill Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685, US

Geographic Context:

• Traverse City is a scenic city located in Northwest Michigan, along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay
• The area is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and outdoor recreation opportunities
• Traverse City has a growing arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year

Work Schedule: Flexible schedule with the potential for occasional evening or weekend events

ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Marketing Director
• In-person interview with the Marketing Director and other YMCA staff
• Background check and reference verification

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and innovation in social media content creation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of the YMCA's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Showcase your understanding of the YMCA's mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your social media content and marketing campaigns to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Social Media Management, Content Creation, Marketing Campaigns, Photography, Video Editing, Adobe Creative Suite, Community Engagement, Storytelling, Event Promotion, Deadline Management, Member Relations, Digital Marketing

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the organization's hiring timeline.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Social media analytics tools (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, etc.)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is required for this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Welcoming: We are open to all and create a place where you can belong and become
• Genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality
• Hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world
• Nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop your full potential
• Determined: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you

Work Style:

• Collaborative: We work together to achieve our mission and goals
• Adaptable: We are open to change and continuously seek to improve
• Passionate: We are committed to our cause and the communities we serve

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong understanding of and commitment to the YMCA's mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and teamwork?
• Do you have a creative and innovative approach to social media content creation?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA's values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple social media platforms and content creation tasks simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced work environment with tight deadlines
• Balancing part-time work with other commitments, such as school or other employment
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, time management, and a commitment to the YMCA's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Marketing Coordinator or Social Media Specialist position within a nonprofit organization
• However, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of marketing and communications within a cause-driven organization
• Career progression may include roles such as Marketing Manager, Communications Director, or other leadership positions within the YMCA

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain valuable experience in marketing and communications within a nonprofit organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote a YMCA program or event
• Creating engaging content for the YMCA's website and digital signage
• Designing and updating facility signage, posters, and flyers for programs and events

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

• What are the biggest challenges facing the YMCA's marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy for the YMCA?
• What opportunities are there for growth and professional development within the YMCA?
• How does the YMCA support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the YMCA's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the YMCA of Northwest Michigan job portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your social media content and marketing campaigns to discuss during the interview
• Follow up with the Marketing Director one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position

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