Title: Social Media Specialist

Department: Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Director, Social Media and Public Relations

Year-round Full-time

Position Overview:

The social media specialist is responsible for developing engaging content for our online community to drive conversation that contributes to our brand awareness and convert audiences into visitors, members, and brand advocates. The specialist joins our director, social media and public relations, to execute a strategy that enthusiastically communicates directly with our diverse audience as the voice of the Garden. Garden platforms include Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. During this time of transition back to in-person office settings, remote work opportunities are being offered for two days of the regular work week for this position.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Lead ideation around and creation of social content that responds to new social trends, and relevant plant, gardening, environment, or pop culture news.
• Manage the social media content calendar; partner with content and editorial, online marketing, and public relations team members on content curation and development; work collectively with key stakeholders in Visitor Experiences, Education, Science, and Horticulture to share Garden information in an engaging manner.
• Develop, implement, and manage innovative ideas to drive greater relevance, engagement, and grow external social media communities.
• Stay current with social media trends and incorporate, as appropriate, to improve the audience experience, drive visits, and lever ongoing audience involvement.
• Assist with evaluation of Garden presence on new and emerging platforms, such as TikTok.
• Monitor all social media platforms and respond/advise, as necessary.
• Develop monthly reporting and optimization/implications; recommend areas for improvement and implement opportunities to show engagement.
• Maintain community management standards, moderation, and escalation process to ensure design and communication are consistent with standards.

• Work in collaboration with other team members to ensure initiatives have 360-degree support and alignment across all channels.

Key Garden competencies/behaviors desired

• Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of others at all levels.
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances.
• Has a tolerance for opposing points of view.
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions.
• Makes decisions appropriate for level of responsibility.
• Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably; is flexible, and embraces change with a “can-do” attitude.
• Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement.
• Is cool under pressure; can be counted on to hold things together during hectic times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence during a crisis.
• Recognizes problems, constructively identifies and articulates solutions.
• Picks up garbage when it is seen, regardless of position.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment and consistently demonstrates safe work behaviors.
• Is welcoming of new hires.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Four years of experience managing social media platforms for a nonprofit or consumer brand or business, coordinating the strategy, developing content, and facilitating community management.
• Passion for social media and proven experience with how to strategically use social platforms to connect with, engage, and inspire new audiences.
• Experience utilizing photography, graphic design, and video development tools to create unique assets for use on social media platforms.
• Familiarity with social media influencers and partnership opportunities to reach an expanded audience with specific messaging.
• Well-versed in the principles of social media.
• Knowledgeable about social media metrics, monitoring, and measurement tools.
• Experience with using a social media management tool, such as Sprout Social, a plus.
• Highly organized, with proven success managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and results-oriented in a time-sensitive environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Availability to monitor social media platforms on weekends and evenings as needed.
• Interest in public gardens, horticulture, or museums a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Physical Demands:

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners.

*The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.*

Why Apply? Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns.