Social Media Manager / Communications Manager I

Working/Functional Title

Social Media Manager

Position Summary

Michigan State University Advancement is seeking a creative, strategic, and hands-on Social Media Manager to lead the day-to-day presence of its social media platforms. This role manages and grows all University Advancement channels, including Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Threads, and emerging platforms, bringing the Spartan story to life for a global audience.

With a community of more than 550,000 alumni and over 100 alumni clubs and affinity groups worldwide, this position plays an important role in fostering connection, pride, and engagement across the Spartan network. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful content development, the Social Media Manager helps amplify alumni voices, campus moments, and philanthropic impact.

Working closely with campus and Advancement partners, this role translates big ideas, campaign priorities, and institutional stories into engaging, platform-specific content. From capturing trends to creating original content and analyzing performance, this position blends creativity with execution to strengthen engagement and support Michigan State University’s advancement goals.

Responsibilities and job duties 

Social Media Management, Content & Execution – 

• Manage and grow University Advancement social media accounts across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Threads, and emerging channels
• Plan, create, and publish engaging content that connects alumni and supporters to the Spartan experience
• Bring alumni stories, donor impact, and campus moments to life through compelling, platform-specific storytelling
• Repurpose existing content into social-first formats that maximize reach and engagement
• Create original content, including basic video and graphic assets
• Maintain a consistent and strategic editorial calendar aligned with key campus, alumni, and Advancement priorities
• Partner with campus communicators, Advancement teams, and Creative Services to source and amplify content
• Identify and act on social media trends to keep content timely, relevant, and engaging
• Ensure all content is accurate, on-brand, accessible, and aligned with university guidelines

Analytics, Optimization & Paid Social – 

• Track and evaluate social media performance, including engagement, reach, and audience growth
• Use data and insights to refine content and improve results over time
• Monitor trends and audience behavior to identify opportunities for growth
• Support and execute paid social media efforts, including boosting and targeted campaigns
• Share insights and recommendations to strengthen performance and engagement

Community Engagement & Collaboration – 

• Engage with a global audience of more than 550,000 alumni through active and thoughtful community management
• Help strengthen connections across alumni clubs, affinity groups, and the broader Spartan community
• Collaborate with campus and Advancement partners to elevate stories and expand reach
• Encourage and curate user-generated content that reflects the energy and impact of the MSU community

Issues Monitoring & Support – 

• Monitor social media channels for emerging issues, trends, and conversations
• Support timely and appropriate responses in collaboration with communications partners
• Assist with social media support during sensitive or high-visibility situations

Communication/Interpersonal Relationships

• Supervisor – to seek guidance, direction, and feedback
• University Advancement staff – to collaborate on storytelling, messaging, and campaign priorities
• Digital Marketing and Analytics staff – to support performance tracking and reporting
• Campus communicators and partners – to source content and amplify stories across the university

Reporting

This position reports to the Interim Director of University Advancement Marketing and Communications, Project Management and Digital Marketing, and works closely with multiple teams across University Advancement.

Responsibility for the Work of Others

May provide first-level supervision over student employees.

Impact on Programs/Services/Operations

This role contributes directly to how Michigan State University is represented to alumni, donors, and the public. Thoughtful, accurate, and engaging content helps build connection and trust, while errors may negatively impact reputation and engagement.

Work Environment

This is currently a hybrid position with at least three full days in the office per week, with the expectation of being readily available to come to campus to support events, meetings, and key moments as needed. This may occasionally result in up to five days per week in the office and non-standard or irregular work hours.

Minimum Requirements

Kowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

May require valid vehicle operator’s license where needed to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in social media, marketing, or communications
• Experience engaging alumni or community-based audiences
• Experience with paid social media campaigns
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or a large, complex organization
• Experience collaborating across teams to source and amplify content
• Track record of success in creating engaging social media content across multiple platforms
• Basic video editing and graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools)
• Experience using social media analytics to evaluate performance (Sprinklr, Sprout, Hootsuite, or similar tools etc.)
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate across teams
• Demonstrated eye for design, with an understanding of how visual content supports social media performance and digital accessibility standards

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at [email protected]. 

#LI-PK1

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Advancement.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends on June 25, 2026, at 11:55 PM