Communications & Social Media Manager

$104,780 - $104,780/Yr

Howard University - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Washington, DC

Educational Services

About the position

The Communications and Social Media Manager at Howard University plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic communications and marketing efforts for the Division of Enrollment Management. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, this position is responsible for the creation, implementation, maintenance, and assessment of integrated communications and marketing plans. The manager will oversee the development and management of dynamic communication campaigns across various platforms, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding while effectively engaging diverse audiences. The role requires a deep understanding of social media trends and the capabilities of different platforms, as the manager will be tasked with managing the university's presence on key social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat. The manager will collaborate closely with the Office of University Communications to create impactful social media campaigns that drive conversations and engagement. Additionally, the manager will monitor and curate content from other university entities to enhance recruitment efforts and will be responsible for the creation and promotion of original content on YouTube. In terms of marketing and communications management, the Communications and Social Media Manager will handle admission communication processes within the CRM (Slate), manage various portals, and create communication materials that promote the university. This includes developing print materials aimed at attracting prospective students and ensuring that all communications align with the university's enrollment goals. The manager will also conduct quality assurance on all published materials, review and edit web content, and provide training to internal stakeholders on effective CRM usage. Overall, this position is pivotal in supporting undergraduate recruitment and enhancing the university's visibility and engagement through strategic communication initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage enrollment management presence on key social media and digital platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat.
• Partner closely with the Howard University Office of University Communications social media team to create high-impact, conversation-driving social campaigns.
• Develop and implement platform strategy for @FutureBison and @HowardFinAid on X, continuously developing engagement-driving tactics and content optimized for other social platforms.
• Monitor social platforms managed by other Howard entities for compelling content that can be repurposed for recruitment and yield purposes.
• Assist with the creation and promotion of YouTube original content across social platforms.
• Facilitate creative development of social content and communicate and implement social media best practices for recruitment and yield purposes with Howard stakeholders.
• Leverage analytics in continuous data-backed decision-making to evolve social media campaigns.
• Partner with the Howard University Office of Communications on live social media event coverage, digital activations, and other creative media.
• Manage admission communication processes in the CRM (Slate).
• Manage all portals (applicant, admitted student, athletic, alumni) in the CRM.
• Create and maintain appropriate microsites consistent with university priorities to bolster recruitment efforts.
• Create communication materials and campaigns across traditional digital platforms to promote the University.
• Assist in the development of print materials designed to attract prospective students to visit, apply, and enroll.
• Consult with and advise colleges/schools and other units regarding communication strategies, ensuring targeted, consistent efforts that link individual department goals with the overall enrollment goals of the University.
• Perform quality assurance/control on correspondence, publications, and reports to ensure all materials are grammatically correct, free of spelling errors, and branding, format, layout, and graphic representations are consistent with style guidelines.
• Review and edit Enrollment Management websites (e.g., Admissions, Financial Aid, and Registrar).
• Provide feedback and suggestions for enhancement of admissions and financial aid websites maintained by individual colleges/schools.
• Partner with the Howard University Office of Communications on video and other multimedia event coverage, digital activations, and other creative media.
• Train internal stakeholders on how to effectively utilize the CRM for communications and campaigns as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 5 years of related social media and marketing communication experience.
• Deep understanding of social platforms and their functionalities.
• Experience with social media content management systems.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies to support admission and student recruitment.
• Exceptional public speaking, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build solid working relationships.
• Creative, proactive, and independent thinking.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Strong creative writing skills and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, Photoshop).
• Experience creating, executing, and managing communication plans and campaigns within Slate or similar CRM.
• Strong familiarity with all major and emerging social media platforms.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• 403(b) matching
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs
• Flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and career advancement paths