What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Media Assistant position at George Mason University and Careers?
- 10003868
- Fairfax, VA
- Part-Time / Hourly Wage
- Opening on: Mar 9 2026
Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations
Classification: GMU Worker
Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 full-time employees. Functional units within Advancement include development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.
Advancement's mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's alumni and constituents, while matching their philanthropic interests with the university’s aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.
About the Position:
The Social Media Assistant is responsible for the content creation, management, and posting on the official accounts for the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.
Responsibilities:
Event Coverage & On-Site Content Capture
- Attend Advancement, alumni, and donor events—including evenings and weekends—to capture photos and short-form video;
- Produce real-time social media coverage (stories, quick posts, highlights);
- Identify compelling moments, quotes, and visuals suitable for social media;
- Coordinate with student social media assistants supporting event coverage;
- Ensure key events are documented with social-ready content; and
- Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including evening and weekend events, occasional travel, and time-sensitive assignments.
Social Media Posting & Engagement Support
- Schedule and publish approved content;
- Ensure posts follow brand guidelines and platform best practices;
- Maintain consistent posting cadence across platforms;
- Monitor engagement and audience response to posts; and
- Compile basic performance highlights for staff review.
Content Creation, Editing & Production
- Create original social media content highlighting alumni engagement, donor impact, and university initiatives;
- Produce short-form video, photo features, and social-ready visual content for Advancement channels;
- Edit photos and short-form video using mobile or desktop editing tools;
- Develop quick-turn event recaps, reels, and highlight stories;
- Capture and edit short interviews or testimonials from alumni, donors, students, and university leaders; and
- Adapt campaign visuals or messaging into social-ready formats.
Coordination with Communications & Campus Partners
- Coordinate social coverage with Advancement and Alumni Relations staff;
- Work with schools and university partners to cross-promote events and campaigns; and
- Share captured content with internal teams for additional use.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role
Required Qualifications:
- Experience creating strong, engaging content;
- Demonstrated experience creating social media content, with strengths in storytelling, photography, or video, as demonstrated by a strong portfolio;
- Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices;
- Skill in Adobe creative suite;
- Skill in Canva;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
- Strong organizational skills and time management skills to meet deadlines;
- Ability to maintain a neutral presence;
- Demonstrated skill in writing, proofreading, and editing; and
- Ability to participate in on-campus events occurring during off-hours.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in higher education or non-profit;
- Experience working in George Mason University’s brand;
- Experience creating video content;
- Experience with social media campaigns;
- Digital video and photography skills; and
- Experience with project management.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Social Media Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include, a resume, cover letter, three professional references with contact information (one of which must be a current supervisor), and provide a link to a portfolio.
Posting Open Date: March 9, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 23, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/