📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Social Media Specialist I
🔹 Company: Liberty University
🔹 Location: Lynchburg, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing the university's social media strategy
- Collaborating with various teams to create engaging content
- Monitoring and analyzing social media performance
- Providing guidance and training to other departments on social media best practices
- Staying updated on industry trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms and trends, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement the university's social media strategy
✅ Collaborate with teams to create engaging content for various social media platforms
✅ Monitor and analyze social media performance using analytics tools
✅ Provide guidance and training to other departments on social media best practices
✅ Stay updated on industry trends and best practices, and share insights with the team and users
✅ Adhere to the university's brand identity guide, web policy, and editorial style guide
✅ Plan, direct, and implement organizational communications activities
✅ Requires forward thinking, creative problem-solving, and strong attention to detail
✅ Support the team when needed in assisting with social media and marketing approval inboxes
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative content development, and analytical work, requiring a well-rounded skill set.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Communications, Graphic Design, Art, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 1-2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
- Ability to understand and follow directions, and work under limited supervision
- Ability to work well with clients and co-workers, and present a positive attitude
- Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals, and ability to think creatively and critically
Preferred Skills:
- Ability to reason, analyze information, and apply judgment to solve problems
ASSUMPTION: While a bachelor's degree in a related field is required, relevant experience or a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of a degree.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in Lynchburg, VA)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Tuition assistance
- Paid time off
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1971
Company Description:
- Liberty University is a private, nonprofit Christian research university located in Lynchburg, Virginia
- Offers over 500 degrees and certificates in various fields
- Committed to providing a world-class education with a solid Christian foundation
Company Specialties:
- Online Learning
- Higher Education
- Christian Education
- Corporate Partnerships
- Biblically based Curriculum
- Innovative Curriculum
Company Website: http://www.Liberty.edu
ASSUMPTION: Liberty University is a well-established institution with a strong focus on Christian values and a commitment to providing a high-quality education.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Social Media Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Social Media Specialist II or similar roles with experience
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various teams
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the marketing department and the university as a whole.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, traditional office environment
Office Location(s): 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515, US
Geographic Context:
- Lynchburg, VA is located in the central part of the state, approximately 180 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
- The city offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a population of around 80,000 people
- Lynchburg has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Liberty University is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on Christian values and ethical behavior.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Understanding of social media platforms and trends
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Provide specific examples of your social media experience and achievements
- Demonstrate your understanding of Liberty University's mission and values in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Social Media Strategy, Content Creation, Analytics, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Attention to Detail, Training, Brand Identity, Teamwork, Organizational Skills, Research, Policy Development, Client Interaction, Multi-tasking, Fast-paced Environment
ASSUMPTION: The application process at Liberty University is competitive, and candidates should take the time to tailor their application materials to the specific requirements of the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Sprout Social, Hootsuite)
- Content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for social media and marketing professionals, and candidates should have a strong working knowledge of these platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Christ-centered
- Champions for students
- Collaborative
- Committed to excellence
- Culturally intelligent
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and goal-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share Liberty University's commitment to Christian values and ethical behavior?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share Liberty University's commitment to Christian values and ethical behavior, and who are comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, are likely to be a good fit for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media accounts and platforms simultaneously
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of social media trends and best practices
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with adherence to brand guidelines and university policies
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders to create engaging content
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents several challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the university's online presence and engagement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to Social Media Coordinator or Specialist positions at other universities or organizations
- However, Liberty University's commitment to Christian values and ethical behavior sets it apart from other institutions
- This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the chance to make a significant impact on the university's online presence and engagement
ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other social media positions, the unique context of Liberty University's commitment to Christian values and ethical behavior sets it apart from other institutions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a social media strategy for a university-wide campaign
- Creating engaging content for various social media platforms, tailored to specific audiences
- Analyzing social media performance and providing data-driven recommendations for improvement
- Providing training and guidance to other departments on social media best practices
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for this role, from strategic planning and content creation to analysis and training.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy for the university?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the social media team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Liberty University support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the expectations for this role in terms of collaboration and teamwork with other departments and teams?
- How does Liberty University measure the success of its social media efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the university, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position.
📌 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 examples of your social media experience and achievements to discuss during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
