📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Social Media Specialist
🔹 Company: Loyola Marymount University
🔹 Location: Westchester Campus, Los Angeles, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing social media strategies to promote LMU's mission and initiatives
- Creating engaging content (copy, photos, and videos) for various platforms
- Collaborating cross-functionally with various campus stakeholders
- Analyzing KPIs to evaluate performance and inform content strategy
- Managing community engagement and responding to comments and messages
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and analytics. Candidates should be creative, strategic thinkers with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for visual storytelling and branding.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, produce, and create compelling social content (copy, photos, and videos) that aligns with LMU’s brand voice and messaging across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X.
✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Public and Media Relations, Academic Communications, and various campus stakeholders to source stories and content that highlight the LMU experience.
✅ Track and analyze KPIs across platforms to evaluate performance, inform content strategy, and contribute to reports and campaign recaps.
✅ Manage community engagement by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely, professional, and brand-aligned manner.
✅ Schedule and publish content using social media management tools, optimizing for timing, format, and platform-specific best practices.
✅ Monitor social platforms for emerging trends, campus conversations, and engagement opportunities; escalate issues and partner with the Media Relations team as needed.
✅ Contribute to and manage the overall content calendar in collaboration with marketing leadership, aligning social content with institutional priorities and campaigns.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Typically a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field preferred.
Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in social media management. Experience in higher education, entertainment, branded content, or nonprofit space preferred.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrable experience creating impactful social video for TikTok and/or Instagram Reels.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content and engage diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in social media platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems (Sprout Social, Brandwatch, Hootsuite, YouTube Analytics)
- Creative thinker with a keen eye for visual storytelling and branding.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of social media best practices, trends, and emerging technologies in the digital landscape.
- Excellent writing skills with demonstrated range; ability to tailor voice for distinct audiences and campaigns, and in diverse short-form and long-form venues.
- Experience with multi-channel communication plans and marketing campaigns.
- End-to-end video production experience, including writing briefs, coordinating photo/video shoots, and coaching talent.
- Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, timelines, and budgets in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative work style with the ability to build and maintain broad relationships, including with students, faculty, alumni, and other staff.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills preferred.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of marketing and communication principles and strategies, as well as the ability to implement them in the execution of complex communications projects.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $63,000 - $68,000. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans (403b and pension)
- Tuition remission for employees and dependents
- Generous time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market research for social media specialist roles in the higher education industry in the Los Angeles area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a mid-sized university, LMU offers a balance between a large institution's resources and a smaller one's personal touch.
Founded: 1911. LMU was founded by the Society of Jesus and is a Catholic, Jesuit institution.
Company Description:
- LMU is a comprehensive university offering 60 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs in the arts and sciences, business, communication and fine arts, education, film and television, health and human sciences, and law.
- LMU is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence, a culture of service, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- LMU is located in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, with a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Company Specialties:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Sustainable Innovation
- Accounting
- Management
- Data Analytics
- MBA
- Tax
- International Business
Company Website: lmu.edu
ASSUMPTION: LMU is a highly regarded university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to its mission and values.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role is an excellent opportunity for a social media professional to grow their career in a dynamic and impactful environment.
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Associate Director of Social Media.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for certain tasks.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior role or management position within the marketing and communications department.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and initiatives, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
- Access to professional development and training opportunities through LMU's employee resources.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn, develop, and advance their career within the university.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus. The LMU campus is a beautiful and vibrant environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong sense of community.
Office Location(s): Westchester Campus, Los Angeles, CA
Geographic Context:
- The Westchester neighborhood is located in the western part of Los Angeles, near the beach and the airport.
- The campus is easily accessible by public transportation and offers on-site parking for employees.
- The area offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. The work schedule may vary depending on the needs of the department and the university.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at LMU is collaborative, supportive, and inclusive, with a strong commitment to the university's mission and values.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the department head or other stakeholders
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Social media strategy and content creation
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision making
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with LMU's mission and 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 content creation and management experience.
- Demonstrate your understanding of LMU's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the university's goals.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the department, and the university.
ATS Keywords: Social Media Management, Content Creation, Video Production, Analytics, Community Engagement, Creative Thinking, Written Communication, Visual Storytelling, Project Management, Collaboration, Customer Service, Trend Monitoring, Brand Alignment, Interpersonal Skills, Presentation Skills, Marketing Strategy
ASSUMPTION: The application process at LMU is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the role through their application materials and interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Sprout Social
- Brandwatch
- Hootsuite
- YouTube Analytics
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in the use of social media management tools, analytics tools, and content creation software. Familiarity with LMU's specific tools and technologies is not required, but candidates should be willing and able to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in all endeavors
- Cura personalis - care for the whole person
- Men and women for and with others - a commitment to service and community
- Discernment - the ability to make informed and ethical decisions
- Integrity - a commitment to honesty, fairness, and accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Data-driven and analytical
- Creative and innovative
- Committed to LMU's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to LMU's mission and values?
- Are you able to work collaboratively and adaptably in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- Do you have strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions?
- Are you a creative and innovative thinker with a keen eye for visual storytelling and branding?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with LMU's values and work style through their application materials and interviews.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media platforms and content creation deadlines
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of social media trends and best practices
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the need for consistency and alignment with LMU's brand voice and messaging
- Managing community engagement and responding to comments and messages in a timely, professional, and brand-aligned manner
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, and a willingness to adapt and pivot as needed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Social Media Manager or Social Media Coordinator role in other industries, but with a focus on higher education and the unique needs and goals of a university.
- LMU's social media strategy is focused on engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community, rather than on driving direct sales or conversions.
- This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to advance to a senior role or management position within the marketing and communications department.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique challenges and opportunities of working in higher education, and be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of and alignment with LMU's mission and values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote LMU's annual giving day, with a goal of increasing engagement and donations from alumni and other stakeholders.
- Creating a series of short videos to highlight the LMU student experience, showcasing the university's academic programs, campus life, and student success stories.
- Managing LMU's social media presence during a major university event, such as commencement or a high-profile speaker series, ensuring real-time engagement and coverage.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that the Social Media Specialist may face in this role, and the importance of strong project management, communication, and analytical skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the department's social media strategy and how this role fits into it?
- How does the Social Media Specialist collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to source content and highlight the LMU experience?
- What are the most challenging aspects of managing social media for a university, and how can this role help to address them?
- How does LMU support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the marketing and communications department?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in and understanding of the role, as well as their ability to think strategically and critically about the challenges and opportunities of social media management in a university setting.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the LMU Careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your social media content creation and management experience.
- Prepare for your interview by researching LMU's mission, values, and social media presence, and by thinking critically about the challenges and opportunities of social media management in a university setting.
- If selected for a final interview, be prepared to present a portfolio of your social media content and to discuss your approach to social media strategy and management.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and to ask any remaining questions.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
