Edtech.com's Summary

Michigan State University Advancement is hiring a Social Media Manager to lead and grow its social media presence, managing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Threads. The role involves creating engaging content, fostering community connections among over 550,000 alumni, and collaborating with campus partners to amplify the Spartan story through strategic storytelling and social media analytics.

Highlights

Manage and grow social media accounts for University Advancement across multiple platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Threads.
Create and publish original and repurposed content featuring alumni stories, donor impact, and campus highlights.
Use social media analytics tools like Sprinklr, Sprout, or Hootsuite to track performance and optimize content strategy.
Develop and implement paid social media campaigns to boost engagement and reach targeted audiences.
Engage with a global alumni network of over 550,000 and collaborate with alumni clubs and affinity groups.
Coordinate with campus communicators and Advancement teams to source and amplify relevant content.
Basic video editing and graphic design skills using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar software.
Minimum of a four-year degree in Journalism, Marketing, PR, or related field, plus 3-5 years of relevant experience.
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or large complex organizations preferred.
May provide first-level supervision to student employees and reports to the Interim Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications.

Social Media Manager / Communications Manager II Full Description

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.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field; three to five 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; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; 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 karampat@msu.edu.

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Work Hours

8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends

Website

Advancement.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends on June 16, 2026, at 11:55 PM

Original Job Description