📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Social Media Specialist
🔹 Company: Wikimedia Foundation
🔹 Location: Remote (Global)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: July 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5+ years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Global)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing digital communications strategies for Wikimedia Foundation and Wikipedia social media channels
- Managing content calendars and creating engaging digital content
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams on digital campaigns
- Monitoring social media engagement and providing data-driven insights
- Protecting brand reputation through crisis management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in social media management and digital communications.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute digital communications strategies for Wikimedia Foundation and Wikipedia social media channels
✅ Manage content calendars and create engaging digital content for various social media platforms
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute digital campaigns that increase global awareness of Wikimedia projects and our social good mission
✅ Monitor social media channels, moderate comments and messages, and engage with followers
✅ Proactively identify strategic opportunities to engage across our digital channels and connect the Foundation and Wikipedia to timely global events and relevant causes
✅ Support staff as online thought leaders by advancing their understanding of social platforms and identifying key moments for staff to contribute online
✅ Create training presentations, materials, toolkits, and guides for Wikimedia community groups and members to strengthen their social media brands and practices
✅ Regularly organize and share metrics, data, and research reports to inform strategy and identify trends
✅ Work with marketing teams to support strategies for paid social media promotions
✅ Assist with rapid response and crisis management to protect brand reputation and help teams understand how relevant issues are being discussed on social media
✅ Manage the ongoing relationship with the social media agency that assists in executing day-to-day tasks
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of multitasking, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under deadlines, including during crisis communications situations.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Minimum of five years of digital communications experience, with an emphasis on social media copywriting, content creation, and account maintenance
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in developing and executing impactful digital communications strategies and content
- In-depth knowledge of social media platforms, best practices, and trends
- Strong verbal and written communication, editing, and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and a desire to tackle challenging problems
- Ability to work effectively in a remote, global team environment
- Fluency in English (additional languages a plus)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience living or working outside the United States
- Experience with global digital campaigns
- Experience in graphic design programs such as Figma
- Involvement or experience within Wikimedia communities and/or editing the Wikimedia projects
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their social media management and digital communications skills, as well as a passion for the Wikimedia Foundation's mission.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The anticipated annual pay range for this position is US$76,765 to US$144,201 with multiple individualized factors, including cost of living in the location, being the determinants of the offered pay. For applicants located outside of the US, the pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Parental leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that reflects the organization's commitment to supporting the well-being and work-life balance of its employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Wikimedia Foundation operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on free knowledge and open-source culture. It is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia free knowledge projects.
Company Size: The Wikimedia Foundation has 501-1,000 employees, making it a mid-sized organization. This size allows for a diverse range of opportunities and perspectives while maintaining a close-knit community.
Founded: The Wikimedia Foundation was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA.
Company Description:
- The Wikimedia Foundation is dedicated to the vision of a world in which every single human can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.
- It believes that everyone has the potential to contribute something to our shared knowledge, and that everyone should be able to access that knowledge freely.
- The Wikimedia Foundation hosts Wikipedia and the Wikimedia projects, builds software experiences for reading, contributing, and sharing Wikimedia content, supports the volunteer communities and partners who make Wikimedia possible, and advocates for policies that enable Wikimedia and free knowledge to thrive.
Company Specialties:
- Non-Profit
- Free knowledge
- Open Source Culture
- Internet
- Technology
- Mobile
- Open Source
- Education
- Free Knowledge and Wikipedia
Company Website: wikimediafoundation.org
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's mission and values make it an attractive place to work for individuals passionate about free knowledge, open-source culture, and making a global impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid to senior level, requiring a minimum of five years of experience in digital communications, with a focus on social media management.
Reporting Structure: The Social Media Specialist will report directly to the Manager of Digital Communications and work closely with various teams, including Marketing, Community Engagement, and Legal.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with the ability to work from anywhere in the world. The Wikimedia Foundation offers flexible work arrangements and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the Wikimedia Foundation continues to grow and expand its digital presence, there will be opportunities for the Social Media Specialist to take on additional responsibilities and advance their career within the organization.
- The diverse range of projects and teams at the Wikimedia Foundation offers ample opportunities for professional development and growth.
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's commitment to supporting the growth and development of its employees makes it an ideal place for individuals looking to advance their careers in digital communications and social media management.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (Global)
Office Location(s): The Wikimedia Foundation has its headquarters in San Francisco, California, USA, but employees can work from anywhere in the world.
Geographic Context:
- The Wikimedia Foundation's global presence allows it to reach a wide audience and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- Working remotely offers employees the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while still being part of a global community.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's remote work environment allows for a high degree of flexibility and autonomy, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to balance their work and personal lives.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Director of Communications
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and digital communications expertise
- Creativity and storytelling abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Cultural fit and alignment with the Wikimedia Foundation's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your social media management and digital communications work
- Prepare for behavioral and scenario-based interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, creativity, and communication skills
- Demonstrate your passion for the Wikimedia Foundation's mission and commitment to free knowledge
ATS Keywords: Digital Communications, Social Media, Content Creation, Strategy Development, Crisis Management, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Storytelling, Training Development, Metrics Reporting, Graphic Design, Cultural Awareness
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit. It is essential to prepare thoroughly and be ready to demonstrate your qualifications throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Graphic design tools (e.g., Figma, Canva)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SocialBlade, Union Metrics)
- Content creation and editing tools (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Google Slides)
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation uses a variety of tools and technologies to streamline its digital communications and social media management processes. Familiarity with these tools is not required but can be beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all human knowledge.
- Everyone has something to contribute, and everyone can benefit.
- The Wikimedia projects are a reflection of all of our collective dreams and creations, big and small.
Work Style:
- The Wikimedia Foundation values a collaborative, inclusive, and open work environment.
- Employees are encouraged to take initiative, be innovative, and work together to achieve common goals.
- The organization fosters a culture of constructive criticism and respect, where everyone's ideas and contributions are valued.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share the Wikimedia Foundation's commitment to free knowledge and open-source culture?
- Are you comfortable working in a remote, global team environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, inclusive, and open work environment?
- Are you able to take initiative, be innovative, and work together to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's culture is a strong fit for individuals who are passionate about free knowledge, open-source culture, and working collaboratively in a global environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of social media can present unique challenges and require quick decision-making
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines can be demanding and require strong organizational skills
- The global nature of the Wikimedia Foundation's work can present unique cultural and time zone challenges
- Working remotely can require additional self-motivation and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: The Wikimedia Foundation's commitment to supporting its employees' well-being and work-life balance helps mitigate these potential challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Social Media Manager (similar role, but may focus more on day-to-day content creation and scheduling)
- Digital Marketing Specialist (similar role, but may focus more on paid advertising and SEO)
- Community Manager (similar role, but may focus more on building and engaging online communities)
ASSUMPTION: The Social Media Specialist role at the Wikimedia Foundation is unique in its focus on developing and executing digital communications strategies for a global non-profit organization dedicated to free knowledge.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media campaign to raise awareness of an upcoming Wikipedia edit-a-thon
- Creating engaging content for Wikimedia Foundation's social media channels to celebrate International Women's Day
- Managing a crisis communication response to a negative news story about Wikipedia
ASSUMPTION: The Social Media Specialist role at the Wikimedia Foundation offers a diverse range of projects and opportunities to make a global impact.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the Wikimedia Foundation support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Wikimedia Foundation, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the Wikimedia Foundation measure the success of its social media channels and digital communications strategies?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other teams and departments within the Wikimedia Foundation?
- How does the Wikimedia Foundation ensure that its social media content is accessible and inclusive for a global audience?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Wikimedia Foundation careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and scenario-based interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, creativity, and communication skills
- Demonstrate your passion for the Wikimedia Foundation's mission and commitment to free knowledge
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
