Social Media Manager (Higher Education / Digital Marketing)

Scottsdale, AZ (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $66,200 - $99,400

About the Role

A digital learning and innovation unit within a major public research university is hiring a Social Media Manager to lead the strategy and growth of its online program's social media presence. The unit focuses on the scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education.

This is a senior strategy role, not a tactical publishing position. The Social Media Manager will own the full social media strategy end to end, defining how each platform contributes to brand awareness, community engagement, and enrollment outcomes. The role includes setting the vision for channel growth, leading platform-specific testing and optimization, managing a growing internal social team, and partnering closely with creative, content, communications, paid media, and analytics teams. Community engagement is the primary KPI, supported by reach, growth, and downstream impact.

A strong fit for a strategic, data-driven social media leader who understands how platforms behave differently and believes performance is driven by community and creative relevance. This is a hybrid position based at the organization's Scottsdale innovation center. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.

What the Role Covers

• Owning and leading social media strategy across all platforms, setting vision, priorities, and success metrics
• Defining and maintaining platform-specific strategies (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, emerging channels) aligned to audience behavior, platform norms, and business goals
• Translating campaign goals and brand pillars into channel-level strategies that drive engagement, growth, and community connection
• Owning social media performance outcomes with community engagement as the primary KPI
• Leading platform-specific testing, experimentation, and optimization to improve creative performance and audience resonance
• Setting the strategic direction for social content, ensuring creative is platform-native, audience-first, and brand-authentic
• Partnering with creative, content, communications, paid media, and analytics teams on content concepts and integrated marketing initiatives
• Serving as the people manager for the social media function, providing coaching, prioritization, and performance feedback
• Establishing clear workflows for efficient publishing, quality control, and rapid iteration
• Acting as the central point of accountability for social media, aligning stakeholders around strategy and execution
• Staying current on platform updates, emerging formats, and cultural trends

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, including 2 years of managerial experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience owning and leading social media strategy, including platform-specific growth strategies
• Strong understanding of how major social platforms differ in audience behavior, content strategy, and performance drivers
• Demonstrated ability to use performance data, audience insights, and testing to inform strategy
• Experience leading or managing social media teams
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with creative, content, communications, paid media, and analytics partners
• Comfort balancing strategic ownership with operational execution
• Familiarity with social media management, analytics, and project management tools
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders around platform best practices
• Passion for mission-driven marketing and audience-centered storytelling

Benefits

Healthcare, financial security, and retirement plans. Tuition reduction for eligible employees, dependents, and spouses. Family resources and discounts.

To Apply

• Visit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions. Applications are due by May 11, 2026. Please address in your cover letter how you approach platform-specific strategy and a time you used performance insights to evolve a channel strategy.