Title: Social Media Associate

Department: Social Media

Reports To: Manager of Social Meda Brand Integration 

Overview

The Associate Development Program is a paid 12-month full-time (temporary) experience designed for new or recent graduates who are looking to grow their processional sports experience. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning.

The Chicago Bears Social Media Department stives to connect fans to our iconic brand and grow affinity by telling unique, authentic stories that excite, inform and build relationships for generations. The Social Media Associate will elevate the social media presence and voice of the Chicago Bears through the club’s social activity. This person will help engage current fans and grow the next generation of Bears fans by creating and distributing social content that is relevant, timely and innovative across all platforms the club is active on. The Social Media Associate will adhere to the brand’s social media strategy and style guidelines when posting to any of the club’s social media accounts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills as well as a strong knowledge of football and the Chicago Bears organization. This position would work primarily at the team’s headquarters in Lake Forest, IL plus at Soldier Field for gamedays, with the ability for some remote work.

Program Dates: Monday, June 3, 2024 – Friday, May 23, 2025

All candidates must include samples of published social media work as part of application to be considered. 

Who We Are

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is the core of who we are. We’re different from other companies. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences and perspectives and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community. We believe every person matters and we can collectively achieve success through integrity, respect, a team-first mentality, open communication, and trust.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture.

As such, we recognize the additional hurdles marginalized communities may face when applying for a job. Don’t meet every requirement for the role but feel you have many of the skills needed? Please apply! Our culture is rooted in providing the resources needed for all staff to succeed, including job specific training. We want you to help us achieve our goals and to be part of one of the most storied franchises in all of sport.

Responsibilities

• Support social media strategy, inclusive of social media brand standards, voice and platform-specific execution in order to superserve avid fans and reach new, younger fans.

• Assist with writing compelling, branded, timely and engaging copy for social media posts, while keeping in mind the Bears platform-specific strategy. Promote various content types with the goal of maximizing reach and engagement while being mindful of the organization and maintaining the Bears best interest. 
• Help maintain the social content calendar and aid in execution of day-to-day posts, including around tentpole moments and gamedays. Support content capture opportunities when necessary.
• Brainstorm new concepts and monitor emerging tools/updates on priority platforms including but not limited to TikTok and Instagram in order to connect with the next generation of Bears fans. 
• Help monitor and engage with fans and accounts of players, NFL and other sports, leagues, clubs and entertainment entities. 
• Aid in the creation of weekly social media analytics reports by tagging content and providing takeaways that can shape our strategy.

• Assist full social media team when needed, inclusive of corporate partnership content, social media analytics, player social media marketing, international social media marketing and influencer social media marketing. 

• Support and communicate best practices and brand standards across main Bears social media accounts and affiliated social media brand platforms. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, or a related field 
• Strong knowledge/understanding of social media best practices and pitfalls across the industry and social platforms, including (but not limited to): TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook & Threads
• Impeccable attention to detail, grammar, and proofreading skills 
• Possess professional communication skills, including written and oral correspondence. This includes the ability to establish a rapport with others and build strong interpersonal relationships with a variety of personalities 
• Possess strong time management, organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate the ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects while keeping key stakeholders updated 
• Must be dependable, willing to take initiative and able to adapt to a variety of situations 
• Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings including some nights, weekends, and holidays and able and willing to travel to off-site events as needed 
• Ability to work both independently and desire to work collaboratively within larger group discussions, brainstorms, and meetings 
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, Premiere and principles of photography, videography, graphic design is a plus 
• Experience in sports is a plus 

What We Offer

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. Our goal is to provide quality support and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our most important resource, our people.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Our Associate Program offerings include but are not limited to: 

• Paid Holidays
• Paid PTO (5 days) & Sick Time (2 days)
• Complimentary Bears gear kit
• Complimentary breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks
• Access to onsite gym facilities Bears Fit
• Eligible for medical insurance
• Networking opportunities
• And more 

CORE CURRICULUM

• Quarterly programming & professional development
• Assignment of a “buddy” from another department
• Formal check-ins for Associates and managers through surveys and live conversations
• Two Associate dedicated social events
• Associate dedicated Microsoft Teams chat

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.