Summary/Objective
The Social Media Manager is responsible for building and monitoring IFT's social media presence to drive awareness, foster engagement, and deepen relationships with food science and innovation professionals. This role will own the day-to-day strategy, management, and execution of all organic and paid social media efforts, including creating organic content, scheduling posts, developing and building ads, monitoring and engaging with followers, and regularly analyzing social media efforts. Through creativity and collaboration, the Social Media Manager will support IFT’s organizational goals and be a key contributor to the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) team.

Essential Responsibilities
• Manages the development and execution of the organization’s social media strategy
• Manages IFT’s social media profiles and presence, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and additional channels as requested
• Develops and executes the organic social media content calendar, working collaboratively with IMC team members and various departments to ensure timely and relevant content is incorporated
• Executes and manages paid social media ad campaigns, including targeting and optimizing to improve performance, maximize spend, and reach target audiences
• Develops and curates a balance of informative and promotional content from a variety of sources, partnering with team members and other departments to ensure appropriate, relevant messaging by channel
• Ensures content is accurate and up to date, including checking links and performing fact checks, as needed
• Generates ideas to more effectively, efficiently, and creatively use social media to meet IFT’s goals for each channel
• Works closely with the Media and Public Relations team to amplify media mentions and support media relations needs on appropriate IFT social media channels
• Works closely with IFT's in-house production/design staff to secure compelling graphics and/or multimedia to drive engagement
• Tracks and reports on IFT’s organic and paid social media performance including brand exposure, impact on website traffic, membership/product conversion, and social engagement; leverages analytics to inform or adjust content calendar
• Adheres to the in-house writing style, enforces IFT social brand standards, and provides training, as needed
• Acts as a resource for IFT departments, regional sections, and topic-based divisions regarding IFT social media-related needs
• Demonstrates exceptional writing, grammar, and attention to detail
• Engages with and responds to followers of our external social media channels
• Actively engages in brand monitoring/listening to inform and further develop strategic influencer outreach and external community management
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of IFT’s target audiences and their needs
• Monitors trends in social media platforms, tools, applications, channels, design, and strategy
• Stays up to date on food science and technology news and trends, identifying key marketing, social media, communications, and engagement opportunities accordingly
• Ensures compliance with industry and legal regulations and best practices and adherence to company processes and procedures

Travel Required
• Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings??

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• 5 years of hands-on experience with social media program strategy, implementation, and evaluation including social ad campaign management.
• 3 years of hands-on knowledge of and experience with a variety of channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), particularly within the context of overall integrated organizational communication efforts
• 3 years of experience creating and managing social ad campaigns, including audience targeting and performance optimization for best results on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• 3 years of knowledge of current social media best practices for both B2B and B2C audiences
• Proficiency with applying the principles of style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, to different types of writing
• Mastery of spelling, grammar, and punctuation and ability to make constructive suggestions

Preferred Experience
• Experience with a membership-based, B2B non-profit preferred
• Experience with a health, scientific, or food-related organization a plus

Other Duties
This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our Business, other duties may be assigned as needed.