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Sr. Social Media Manager

HKS, Inc.
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
πŸ“± Social Media Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Social Media Manager

πŸ”Ή Company: HKS, Inc.

πŸ”Ή Location: Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Raleigh

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing & Communications

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 19, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 8+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and executing a forward-thinking, metrics-driven social media strategy
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create engaging content
  • Monitoring and analyzing performance to drive measurable business outcomes
  • Staying updated with social media trends and emerging technologies
  • Building and maintaining vibrant communities across all social media platforms

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with various teams.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the creation and execution of a proactive, cross-platform social media strategy aligned with HKS’s brand and business priorities.

βœ… Collaborate closely with writers, designers, and producers to create compelling, multi-format content.

βœ… Own and manage the content planning process and editorial calendar for all social media channels.

βœ… Continuously assess new channels, tools, and approaches to strengthen HKS’s digital footprint.

βœ… Ensure brand consistency and quality across all social media platforms, adhering to HKS brand and editorial guidelines.

βœ… Stay at the forefront of social media trends, tools, and emerging technologies to keep HKS’s digital presence fresh and competitive.

βœ… Proactively surface new opportunities to elevate the brand and build community.

βœ… Monitor competitor activity and best practices across the AEC industry and beyond.

βœ… Build and maintain vibrant communities across all social platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook).

βœ… Lead social listening efforts to identify audience insights, inform strategy, and respond to relevant conversations.

βœ… Develop toolkits, training, and educational resources to elevate the social media acumen of HKS team members and help them activate their personal channels effectively.

βœ… Define and track success through key performance indicators (KPIs), using social media analytics to measure ROI and optimize performance.

βœ… Regularly report results, provide insights, and adjust strategies to improve reach, engagement, and conversion.

βœ… Align social media analytics with broader digital and business development metrics to demonstrate impact.

βœ… Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Communications, PR, Business Development, and regional offices to align messaging and campaigns.

βœ… Ensure integration between social media and other digital channels (website, email, etc.) to maximize content reach and campaign impact.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to multitask, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in social media, digital marketing, or communications.

Required Skills:

  • Deep expertise across major social media platforms and tools (Sprout Social, Asana, native analytics, etc.).
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with an eye for visuals and storytelling.
  • Experience developing content that drives brand awareness and business engagement.
  • Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office; video production or editing experience a plus.
  • Experience in the AEC industry or with a professional services brand is highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong collaboration, communication, and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with social media analytics tools and platforms.
  • Fluency in multiple languages.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the AEC industry or a professional services brand will have a competitive advantage.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $140,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for a Senior Social Media Manager in the Dallas area)

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
  • Flexible work arrangements (potential for hybrid remote work)
  • Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential for flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Social Media Manager in the Dallas area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Architecture and Planning

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1939

Company Description:

  • HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, planners, and advisors who create places noted for their beauty and performance.
  • Their 1,500 people in 27 offices are united by the belief that an environmental, social, and governance approach to design achieves design excellence.
  • HKS values honesty, diversity, and inclusion, and they celebrate creative thinking.

Company Specialties:

  • Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Urban Planning
  • Interior Design
  • and Design

Company Website: http://www.hksinc.com

ASSUMPTION: HKS is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the architecture and planning industry. Their global presence and commitment to design excellence make them an attractive employer for professionals in this field.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Marketing Communications.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for hybrid remote work (2-3 days per week)

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to lead and mentor junior team members
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Career progression to Director or Vice President level

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing and communications department at HKS.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with open work areas and private offices

Office Location(s): Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Raleigh

Geographic Context:

  • Dallas: A vibrant, growing city with a strong job market and diverse cultural scene
  • Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Raleigh: Major cities with established architecture and planning industries, offering opportunities for professional networking and growth

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with potential for flexible scheduling)

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at HKS is collaborative and supportive, with a focus on design excellence and innovation. The office locations offer opportunities for professional growth and networking within the architecture and planning industry.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the HR department
  • In-depth interview with the Director of Marketing Communications and other team members
  • Final interview with the Chief Marketing Officer
  • Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Social media strategy and planning
  • Content creation and storytelling
  • Analytics and data-driven decision-making
  • Collaboration and communication skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with HKS 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 strategy, content creation, and analytics experience
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the AEC industry and HKS's brand
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on HKS's marketing and communications department and the company's growth opportunities

ATS Keywords: Social Media Strategy, Content Creation, Analytics, Collaboration, Digital Marketing, AEC Industry, Brand Management, Visual Storytelling, Video Production, Communication, Project Management, Social Listening, Mentoring, Diversity and Inclusion, Training, Emerging Technologies

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at HKS is thorough and designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and the company.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Sprout Social
  • Asana
  • Native analytics (e.g., Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, LinkedIn Page Analytics)
  • Figma
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Microsoft Office
  • Video production and editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in social media management roles. Familiarity with these tools is expected, and proficiency in their use will be assessed during the interview process.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Design Excellence
  • Diversity
  • Sustainability

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Data-driven and analytical
  • Innovative and creative

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you embody HKS's values of design excellence, diversity, and sustainability in your work?
  • Describe a time when you had to adapt your social media strategy based on data or feedback. How did you approach this situation?
  • How do you balance creativity and data-driven decision-making in your content creation process?

ASSUMPTION: HKS values candidates who align with their core values and can demonstrate a strong work ethic, collaboration, and innovation in their approach to social media management.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple social media platforms and content types simultaneously
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the social media landscape and emerging technologies
  • Balancing the need for data-driven decision-making with the importance of creative storytelling
  • Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in social media management roles and can be overcome with strong project management skills, adaptability, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike related roles in marketing or communications, this role focuses specifically on social media strategy and management
  • The AEC industry is unique in its focus on architecture, engineering, and construction, requiring an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in this field
  • Career progression in this role could lead to leadership positions in marketing and communications or specialized roles within the AEC industry

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on social media management within the AEC industry, offering opportunities for career growth and specialization within this field.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote a new building project, including content creation, scheduling, and analytics
  • Conducting a social media audit to assess the effectiveness of HKS's current social media presence and identifying opportunities for improvement
  • Creating and implementing a social media training program for HKS team members to elevate their personal brand and engagement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the candidate's ability to develop and execute strategic social media campaigns, analyze data to inform decision-making, and train and mentor team members.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy at HKS?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the social media team at HKS, and how can this role help address them?
  • How does HKS support the professional development and growth of its marketing and communications team members?
  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
  • How does HKS approach work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the company, and to demonstrate the candidate's interest in and understanding of the position.

πŸ“Œ 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 experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for the interview by researching HKS's brand, marketing and communications department, and the AEC industry
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on HKS's growth opportunities and the specific needs of the social media team
  • Follow up with the HR department after the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role

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