Manager Social Media

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod - Saint Louis, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Louis, MO

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Manager of Social Media at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a pivotal role within the LCMS Communications team, responsible for informing, reporting, and interpreting the Synod's purpose, programs, and positions to its members and the public. This position requires a proactive approach to managing the Synod's social media presence and relationships with outside media organizations. The Manager will explore new and developing media channels, evaluate their usefulness for the Synod, and oversee the production of content for various media, particularly social and digital platforms. In this role, the Manager will implement new media channels when viable and continuously evaluate and improve the engagement and reach of existing social media channels. The Manager will develop defined strategies for each channel, aiming to engage a broader audience, particularly more diverse groups. Collaboration with other communications personnel is essential to create and distribute targeted content effectively. The Manager will also support and advise other units within the LCMS on social media and media relations, working closely with the Executive Director and other departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all platforms. Additionally, the Manager will coordinate with ministries managing their own social media channels to maintain brand consistency and strategic alignment. This role also involves contributing expertise to the marketing of LCMS products and programs, as well as writing and editing content for the department as needed. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the Synod's values and a deep understanding of its doctrine and governance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and evaluate the Synod's use of social media and relationships with outside media organizations.
• Explore new and developing media channels and evaluate their usefulness for the Synod.
• Oversee the production of content for use in various media, especially social and digital media.
• Implement new media channels when viable.
• Evaluate and continuously improve engagement and reach of social media channels.
• Develop defined strategies for each channel to engage more people with the LCMS, especially diverse audiences.
• Work proactively with other communications personnel to create and distribute content to target audiences through social media.
• Support and advise other units within the LCMS on social media and media relations.
• Assist the Executive Director in working with the Synod's Office of the President and other departments.
• Coordinate with managing editors of Synod publications to disseminate news through social media channels.
• Work with ministries managing their own social media channels for brand consistency and strategic alignment.
• Contribute expertise to the marketing of LCMS products, programs, and brand.
• Write and edit/copyedit for the department when needed.

Requirements

• Active membership in an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Five years' or more experience in social media and communications, consistently utilizing and incorporating best practices.
• Excellent knowledge of current and emerging social media and media relations trends and principles.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and maintain strong working relationships.
• Experience with social and digital media management software (i.e. Sprout, Hubspot, etc).
• Experience monitoring and influencing public sentiment through various media channels.
• High aptitude in oral and written communications.
• Strong capability and interest in writing and editing, evidenced by published materials or other written works.
• Ability to work with people, both within and outside the church.
• Broad-based biblical knowledge and a solid understanding of LCMS doctrine, practice, positions, structure, governance, etc.
• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and clarity in the presentation of information.
• Appreciation of deadlines and the ability to meet them.
• Willingness to travel.