Social Lead

THE COMPANY:Since 1945, EBONY has celebrated chronicled Black excellence and leadership worldwide. In January 2021, the iconic brand was relaunched under new ownership as EBONY Media Group, a diversified multi-platform media company. This is an exciting chapter for the beloved brand, and we are looking for talented, enthusiastic candidates to join our close-knit, highly collaborative team. We’re calling all innovators and creators who want to be part of the legacy by helping shape EBONY’s futureTHE ROLE:The Social Media Lead is responsible for building and expanding the digital presence and audience for EBONY and future digital properties. This individual owns strategy, execution, team leadership, and audience performance. The ideal candidate has deep experience within multicultural centered brands and a strong record of building community across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging platforms. This person understands culture, digital behavior, and how to scale an audience in a way that feels both intentional and authentic.This role requires strong video expertise including vertical content, on site production, and creative direction. The Social Media Lead will also manage mid-level Social Media Managers and guide early career team members.WHAT YOU WILL DO:Audience Growth and Content StrategyBuild a growth plan that increases reach, engagement, and meaningful communityDevelop daily and weekly social content that aligns with EBONYIdentify cultural moments, trending conversations, and opportunities to elevate the brandCollaborate with Editorial and Studios when needed to build social first franchises and recurring segmentsVideo and Creative ProductionLead all short form and long form video content for social platformsDirect vertical video production during events, red carpets, shoots, and live momentsReview and approve concepts, edits, scripts, captions, and final outputDevelop on brand visual formats that strengthen the digital presence across platformsTeam LeadershipManage and support mid level Social Media ManagersSet clear expectations, creative standards, and performance goalsLead daily check ins, content reviews, and workflow planningMaintain strong communication and accountability standardsPlatform Management and Daily ExecutionOversees daily posting and engagement across all social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Meta, ensuring consistent brand voice and performance.Use tools such as Sprout Social for scheduling, reporting, and publishingMaintain a comprehensive content calendar including planned and reactive contentManage comments, audience responses, and community guidelinesEnsure content is optimized for each platform’s best practicesPaid Social and AnalyticsSupport paid social campaigns when neededReview analytics weekly and monthly to guide content decisionsIdentify patterns and shifts in audience behavior to strengthen performancePresent insights and recommendations to leadershipCross Functional CollaborationWork with teams across EBONY as needed to support brand activations, cover rollouts, partnerships, and major momentsBring digital insights into creative development and campaign planningRequired ExperienceProven success in growing a social presence for multicultural or culturally rooted brands, with a track record of driving measurable audience growth and engagement.Deep understanding of major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn) and their culture.Strong video production experience, including vertical content and on-site shooting.Experience managing mid-level social talent.Experience in digital-first, creator-centric, or community-driven companies.Strong knowledge of analytics, scheduling tools, and applications of platform insights.Excellent writing and creative storytelling skills.Preferred ExperienceExperience authentically supporting Black audiences or diverse communities.Experience covering high-profile events, red carpets, or talent activations.Knowledge of creator partnerships, influencer strategy, and platform relationship building.Ability to build digital franchises and recurring content formats.Key CompetenciesCreative vision and digital intuition.Leadership presence and cultural fluency.Strong communication and organizational skills.Ability to work efficiently and deliver high-quality work.Qualifications5 years of progressive experience in social media management, digital content creation, and platform strategy (with at least 2 years in a managerial role).Deep expertise in major platforms and emerging social technologies.Strong knowledge of CMS platforms (WordPress and others), with an understanding of SEO best practices and web accessibility standards.Demonstrated experience in leading teams and building high-performing social media operations.Exceptional attention to detail, brand alignment, and cultural relevance in storytelling and design.Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.