Job Description

The Social Media and Marketing Specialist plays a critical role in the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM)’s ability to share integrated messaging to target audiences across an array of new and traditional media. This position is responsible for projects that enhance the awareness and understanding of The Citadel, positions The Citadel as the premier choice for higher education, and supports enrollment goals for the Corps of Cadets, graduate college, degree completion and veterans’ programs.

The Social Media and Marketing Specialist will serve as the lead social media strategist for The Citadel’s central brand pages. They will also assist the Director of Marketing in advertising strategy, media buying, and the development of existing and forthcoming brand campaigns.

• Social Media Management: The Social Media and Marketing Specialist serves as the lead strategist for The Citadel’s primary social media platforms by planning, creating, scheduling, and managing content that supports the college’s brand and engagement goals. This role includes developing strategic campaigns, covering major campus events, monitoring audience sentiment, and identifying emerging social media trends and platforms. This role will also coordinate with OCM’s Communications Department and Visual Publications Department as well as the social media interns for content.

The position also requires analyzing performance metrics such as audience growth, engagement rates, and video views to improve content effectiveness. Responsibilities include creating platform-specific content, increasing audience interaction, producing and editing short-form videos for YouTube Shorts, and ensuring content is tailored appropriately for each social media channel.

• Advertising strategy and media buying: Negotiates advertising contracts, coordinates internal purchasing processes, and manages relationships with external vendors to ensure advertising initiatives are implemented effectively. The role also involves identifying new advertising opportunities, emerging marketing tactics, and innovative strategies to better reach target audiences and support the college’s overall communication and branding goals.
• Content collection and project management: Meet with students and campus stakeholders to explore and identify topics and stories for video-based brand campaigns; coordinate video/photoshoots as necessary; Collect testimonials and success stories from students and alumni for inclusion in advertising, recruitment outreach and program webpages.
• Miscellaneous: Represent OCM on councils and committees as needed. Other duties as assigned.

The Social Media and Marketing Specialist will work occasional weekends to facilitate social media coverage during major college events.  They will periodically work early morning or evening hours to assist photographer or videographer with select marketing or communications projects. Overnight travel may occasionally be required for professional development.

The Social Media and Content Strategist reports to the Director of Marketing. The ideal candidate must be able to work autonomously but is also capable of leading projects where they will work closely with a variety of persons and teams. This position resides in the college’s central communications and marketing office.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, writing, or related field
• At least two years of professional marketing experience
• Professional experience in social media management
• Must be comfortable creating, editing and posting content across social media platforms on behalf of a nationally recognized brand
• Competence in the Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design
• Ability to create video content
• Attention to detail and excellent multi-tasking capabilities
• Is equal parts creative and analytical
• Is a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative setting
• Excellent written and communications skills
• Must possess and demonstrate good judgment and confidence to complete competing priorities, and the ability to work with grace under pressure
• Has passion for brand storytelling and keeping up with the latest marketing technology trends. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with WordPress, and Sprout Social or Hootsuite, preferred
• Higher education experience is a plus

Benefits of Working at The Citadel

• Extensive Health Plans
• Great Retirement Options
• Tuition Waiver Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• Isle of Palms Beach Club
• Swain Family Boat Center
• Community Service Opportunities
• Read more about our benefits, on our HR website

About The Citadel College

The Citadel, also known as the Military College of South Carolina, is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1842, The Citadel has a rich history and educational reputation. With our current location on the banks of the Ashley River in downtown Charleston, you are close to great restaurants, shopping and much more.  Ranked #1 Public College in the South (U.S. News & World Report, 2022) for schools with up to a master’s degree, the opportunities are endless.

There are about 2,300 undergraduate students who make up the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Out of the Corps of Cadets, 1 out of 3 graduates earn a military commission. Students can choose from 31 Majors, 57 Minors, pre-health professions, and pre-law (a concentration in political science). The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio guarantees students a quality education. Another 1,000 students attend the Graduate College, evening and online programs.