What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Media Strategist position at Cato Corporation?
JOB SUMMARY: The Social Media Specialist is responsible for building and growing the online presence of the company's three retail brands (Cato Fashions, Versona and It’s Fashion) through engaging social content, community management, content creation, influencer partnerships and emerging digital platforms. This role develops and executes organic social media strategies that strengthen brand awareness, increase customer engagement, support marketing initiatives and drive traffic to stores and ecommerce.
The ideal candidate is a creative, trend-conscious digital marketer with a passion for women's fashion, visual storytelling and digital content creation. This individual has hands-on experience producing engaging social content, including short-form video, photography and copy. They stay current on evolving social media trends, platform best practices, creator marketing, AI-powered content tools and publishing platforms, and are excited to test new ideas that keep the brands relevant and engaging.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, execute and optimize organic social media strategies across all three brands, ensuring content aligns with each brand's voice, objectives and target customer.
- Capture and create original social-first content, including photography, short-form video, behind-the-scenes content and lifestyle storytelling. Concept, shoot and edit content that feels authentic to each platform while maintaining brand standards.
- Create, edit and publish engaging content across social platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube and emerging channels. Content may include photography, graphics, short-form video, Stories, Reels and written copy.
- Develop, manage and schedule social media content calendars using social media management platforms, coordinating content around marketing campaigns, seasonal initiatives, product launches and key business priorities.
- Write compelling social media copy that reflects each brand's unique voice while encouraging engagement and driving traffic to stores and ecommerce.
- Monitor social media communities by responding to comments, messages and customer inquiries in a timely, professional and brand-appropriate manner, escalating customer service issues when needed.
- Identify emerging social trends, platform features, viral content opportunities and cultural moments that can be leveraged for the brands.
- Collaborate with photographers, stylists, creative teams, merchandising, ecommerce and marketing partners to develop engaging content that supports business objectives.
- Partner with paid media teams and agency partners to ensure alignment between organic and paid social initiatives.
- Monitor social media analytics and prepare regular performance reports, providing insights and recommendations to improve engagement, audience growth, traffic and content performance.
- Conduct competitive analysis and monitor industry best practices, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Assist with on-location content capture, store visits, photoshoots, influencer events and other marketing initiatives as needed.
- Utilize AI-powered tools to support content ideation, copy development, trend research and workflow efficiency while maintaining brand standards and editorial quality.
- Stay current on evolving social media platforms, content formats and algorithm updates to continually improve strategy and performance.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support special projects, brand initiatives and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
Bachelor's degree in marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
Experience
- 3 years of professional social media marketing and content creation experience, preferably within retail, fashion, ecommerce or consumer brands.
- Demonstrated experience creating original social content, including photography, short-form video and written copy that drives engagement.
- Photography, video editing and content production experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Strong understanding of current social media platforms, algorithms and best practices.
- Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt to multiple brand voices.
- Proven experience creating original social-first content, including short-form video, photography and lifestyle content that resonates across platforms.
- Proficiency with social media management and publishing platforms such as Sprout Social, Sprinklr, Hootsuite, Later or similar scheduling and analytics tools.
- Strong knowledge of social media analytics, reporting and performance optimization.
- Experience using content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, CapCut, Canva and mobile editing applications.
- Familiarity with AI tools that support content ideation, copy development and workflow efficiency.
- Understanding of retail, fashion, merchandising and consumer trends.
- Excellent organizational, communication and project management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail with a collaborative, proactive approach.