Social Media and Channel Manager (Marketing)/Career Opportunity

The Social Media and Channel Manager will lead the storytelling strategy across all Chautauqua Institution digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging platforms. This role manages the day-to-day execution of social media, ensuring content is engaging, brand-aligned, and designed to convert audiences into active participants and patrons.

The position leads day-to-day channel execution while building content strategies that grow audiences, strengthen engagement, and convert interest into active participation, visitation, patronage, and support. This role combines creativity, editorial judgment, audience insight, and analytics to ensure Chautauqua remains relevant and resonant in the digital space.

About the Opportunity

Channel & Content Strategy

• Develop and implement annual and seasonal strategies for all social channels, aligned with Chautauqua’s mission, goals, and audience segments.
• Create original written, visual, and short-form video content optimized for each platform.
• Serve as the brand storyteller across digital platforms, crafting narratives that elevate Chautauqua’s programming, people, community, and national relevance.
• Manage Chautauqua’s YouTube channel as a primary storytelling and engagement tool, curating playlists, collaborating on video concepts, and optimizing content for discovery and retention.
• Develop on-grounds social activation concepts that encourage participation, sharing, and audience interaction during the Summer Assembly and special events.
• Identify trends, conversations, and cultural moments that create opportunities for relevant engagement.

Collaboration & Production

• Partner with the video production team to identify YouTube opportunities and ensure content is optimized for platform-specific engagement.
• Work closely with marketing, communications, advancement, and program teams to plan campaigns that meet institutional goals.
• Provide editorial guidance on digital storytelling, ensuring brand voice, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms.

Community Engagement & Management

• Oversee daily channel management, publishing, and scheduling across platforms.
• Monitor and respond to online conversations, engaging with audiences to strengthen relationships and resolve patron concerns.
• Provide on-site coverage of major events, capturing content in real time and engaging audiences across platforms.
• Identify and execute opportunities for user-generated content, creator collaborations, contests, and experiential social moments on the grounds.
• Cultivate digital communities around Chautauqua’s programs and values.

Analytics & Performance

• Establish KPIs for each channel (reach, engagement, conversions, subscriber growth, etc.) and monitor performance.
• Produce regular reports and insights to inform strategy and recommend adjustments.
• Utilize A/B testing and analytics tools to continuously improve content effectiveness.

About You

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, or a similar field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience managing multiple social media channels, including developing content strategies and managing paid social media marketing.

• Demonstrated history of managing multiple social channels.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with keen attention to detail, strong news judgment, and proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely on a wide variety of topics.
• Deep understanding of and enthusiasm for internet culture and all major social media platforms, and expertise in how best to leverage those platforms to reach particular audiences.
• Ability to craft engaging content (paid and organic) that aligns with customer trends and market changes to interest and engage target markets.
• Aptitude and initiative to learn new skills, programs, and platforms quickly and independently.
• Using data and metrics to measure ROI and determine enhancements on campaigns.
• Facebook Business Manager or Suite, Facebook Ads Manager, SproutSocial, or other management tools.
• Photography and video production skills.
• YouTube Creative Studio.
• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of visual communication and design (composition and color).
• Proficiency in AP style.
• Google Tag Manager.

Total Rewards for Our Talent 

Compensation for this position starts at $62,350 - $65,000/annual.  Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite include a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options.  The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period. 

About Your Department 

The Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise department at Chautauqua Institution serves as a vital hub for strategic communication, brand management and revenue generation. This department is responsible for promoting the Institution's diverse cultural, educational, religious, and recreational offerings to a wide audience. Through thoughtful planning and targeted messaging, the team engages stakeholders and new audiences and enhances the Institution's visibility and impact. By leveraging both traditional and digital channels, they strive to foster meaningful connections and uphold the Institution's reputation as a center for intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment.

About Your Work Schedule & Location 

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).  The schedule is full-time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York, but may require some travel.

About Chautauqua Institution 

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization.   

About the Referral Program 

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.  

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience 

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  

Our Commitment to IDEA 

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. 

Joining Our Talent Community 

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.