Social Media Associate

Social Media Associate

U18: $55,142.18 – $88,214.84 (Salaries for internal candidates are determined by a promotional formula. Salaries for external candidates are determined up to step 4: $63,410.34, or dependent on qualifications)

Office of Communications

111 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion. Fifty years later, it proudly serves a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming in a predominantly online delivery. Our team of high-energy student-focused professionals is welcoming new members who are making their mark in education and are ready to help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.

Candidates who are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, should submit an application.

Summary:

The social media specialist supports the daily management of the University’s social media presence. Key responsibilities include creating and scheduling multimedia content across major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube), monitoring engagement, responding to comments, and tracking performance metrics. The specialist will help maintain brand consistency, research emerging trends, support content strategies to strengthen the University’s presence, and assist during crisis communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Management: Create, schedule, and publish engaging multimedia content (written posts, graphics, and short-form video) across all university social media platforms while maintaining consistent brand voice and visual identity
• Community Engagement: Monitor social media conversations, respond to comments and messages in a timely and thoughtful manner, and escalate concerns or sensitive issues to appropriate leadership
• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Track social media metrics and analytics, and research emerging trends and best practices in higher education social media
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Coordinate with university departments, content creators, and stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and support institutional communications initiatives
• Social Listening & Reputation Management: Monitor university mentions across platforms, identify trending conversations, and contribute to crisis communication efforts by sharing official information during emergencies
• Event Coverage: Attend campus events, activities, and programming to capture real-time, behind-the-scenes content that showcases university life and drives audience engagement. Occasional nights and weekends required.
• Content Support: Assist with drafting and editing supplementary communications content including blog posts, articles, press releases, and other materials as needed to support broader communications initiatives

Qualifications:

• Platform Expertise: Competence in producing and managing content across major social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube, with understanding of how to tailor content and format for each platform's unique audience
• Content Creation Skills: Ability to create and edit compelling visual content using design tools (e.g., Canva or similar platforms) and produce short-form vertical videos through mobile shooting and editing. Experience with Adobe Dreamweaver is a plus.
• Writing & Communication: Exceptional writing and editing skills with strong grasp of tone, clarity, and audience; ability to craft engaging captions, community responses, and platform-appropriate messaging. Attention to detail is a must.
• Social Media Acumen: Demonstrated passion for social platforms, internet culture, emerging creator formats, and current trends with ability to translate cultural moments into relevant University content
• Organizational Excellence: Detail-oriented with strong time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Positive, collaborative attitude with ability to work cross-functionally across departments; willingness to learn from feedback, take direction, and continuously improve performance
• Work Style: Highly motivated self-starter with proactive, problem-solving mindset who can work both independently and as part of a team

Requirements:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or equivalent experience.

Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in an institution of higher education or in education, higher education or other field that directly relates to the functions of the position, or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.

The minimum education experience standards for positions classified under this class title will vary depending upon the requirements of the specific position. In each case, these minimums will be determined at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 credit hours is considered one year of college).

A Master's degree in a field related to the position may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

TESU strives to offer a flexible work environment while balancing the operational needs of the University. As such, we have several options for hybrid-work schedules. Positions determine what type of hybrid-work schedule is available and, if necessary, adjustments are made to support University operations.

Thomas Edison State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer