Classification Title:

AST DIR, Communications

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director of Digital Communications, the Assistant Director of Social Media & Digital Engagement will help direct, create and implement strategic communications, marketing and engagement aimed at University of Florida Advancement (UFA) and the University of Florida Alumni Association's (UFAA) social audiences. The Assistant Director will ensure a multichannel approach to distributing original content and leverage social channels and tools to effectively engage UFA's and UFAA's diverse audiences. This position will serve as a collaborative resource with UFAA, serving as a liaison between UFAA and the digital communications teams. The incumbent will employ the latest methods and trends to ensure UFA's and UFAA's digital engagement platforms support the UF brand, strengthen its reputation and remain at the leading edge.

Strategic Social & Digital Engagement

• Provide oversight and day-to-day management of UFA's and UFAA's current and future social media accounts, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and other emerging platforms.
• Using current social media trends and best practices, determine which social channels are most effective for specific messaging and audience.
• Ensure promotion of original UFA and UFAA content, particularly in the areas of fundraising, donor impact, engagement and stewardship.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Project Management, support fundraising, appeals and special projects by developing and executing social media campaigns as part of strategic multichannel campaigns and constituent journeys.
• Ensure efforts on social media and other digital engagement platforms are reportable and trackable. Partner with digital colleagues on ensuring appropriate tracking is in place for every post/execution.
• Perform and regularly report on social listening to identify trends, gauge constituent sentiment, identify influencers and improve customer service.
• Use social listening and comparative analysis to stay apprised of peer institutions' social channels and ensure that UFA's and UFAA's channels remain at the leading edge of social communications and engagement.
• Engage social media followers through post replies, retweets, direct messages and other customer service means.
• Provide regular reports to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement and Director of Digital Communications on social analytics. Based on collected analytics, make strategic and tactical recommendations to the Senior Director and Director in support of comprehensive digital strategy.
• Research standards, best practices, trends and breakthroughs in social media, communicating results and recommendations to Strategic Communications leadership.
• Oversee and manage the Gator Nation App mobile application, including its push notification capabilities.
• Ensure that app content reflects the breadth and depth of UFA, including content about fundraising, impact, alumni, engagement, membership and stewardship.
• Provide content oversight and management for other future online communities, including the forthcoming donor portal.

Digital Short-Form & Marketing Content Development

• Manage and support the social content calendar by developing original content and curating existing content to ensure a vibrant, rich and interactive social media presence for UF Advancement (UFA) and the UF Alumni Association (UFAA).
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Project Management, ensure the organizational voice is employed in all social content and complements other UFA and UFAA communications.
• Collaborate with other Advancement Strategic Communications, Marketing & Engagement teams, such as the creative team, multimedia team and content team, to leverage their content on digital platforms as it aligns with overall digital strategy.
• Develop original, compelling short-form and marketing content to enhance the UFA and UFAA websites to promote philanthropy, alumni engagement and other UF Advancement priorities.
• Develop marketing copy for email marketing and event marketing efforts as requested by the Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Project Management or Director of Digital Communications.

Web Content Management

• Manage the day-to-day content management of the UFA and UFAA websites, using the department's project management framework and in collaboration with other Strategic Digital Operations & Engagement teammates.
• In collaboration with strategic communications writers, post original story content on the UFA and/or UFAA websites in a timely manner, ensuring accurate presentation of style and brand.
• Collaborate with the editor of Florida Gator Magazine and Director of Digital Communications to create digital versions of magazine features and other content as needed.
• Upload and manage digital assets for the UFA and UFAA websites, including original photography and other curated imagery.
• Provide regular Web analytics reports on the UFAA website to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement and the Director of Digital Communications.
• Develop landing pages for UFAA signature events and initiatives. Coordinate page updates with the Web Developer/Programmer and ensure appropriate tracking measures.
• Manage the UFAA online calendar.

Operations & Project Management Support

• Assist the Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Project Management with overall communications project management by serving as a project lead as necessary on collaborative Strategic Communications, Marketing & Engagement projects.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience, up to $70,000.
The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and work life support. Learn more.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Prior experience in alumni relations, development, or marketing/communications is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Should be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• A successful track record in a related profession - such as marketing, communications, non-profit management, development or membership work - combined with a strong affinity for the University of Florida and The Gator Nation - will also be given strong consideration.
• Experience developing and executing social content, including shooting and editing social videos.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement engagement programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating audiences.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse constituencies, meet deadlines, be self-motivated, and work independently.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, a customer service-oriented attitude and the ability to work in a complex organization are necessary for success in this position.
• Ability to work both individually and collaboratively.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Effective time management and organizational skills that are essential for success in this position.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Experience using Facebook Ads and social management platforms such as Hootesuite, Sprout Social, or Salesforce Social Studio.
• The incumbent should be computer proficient in these areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Analytics, HTML. Experience using Web content management systems preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, a list of references, and a short portfolio of work (pdf with short 3-5 pieces and/or links to content).

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:
No
Advertised: 18 Mar 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 17 Apr 2024 Eastern Daylight Time