Social Media Strategist

Description

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About the Role

This position is responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies that will leverage the digital media capacity for NDI’s overarching social media strategy and building digital media capacity for NDI’s programs, teams, and local partners in consultation with the Director of Digital Communications. Employing a deep understanding of all major social media platforms, the Social Media Strategist plays an essential role in shaping the public conversation around NDI by building brand awareness, driving Institute reach, and socializing the organization’s success stories by engaging with target audiences such as key partners, government entities, donors, and others. This position provides training, consultation, and project support on social and digital media strategies to NDI regional/country/functional teams and their local partners in service of NDI’s programmatic commitments and core mission.

When you apply, please include your portfolio for all social media platforms mentioned in the job description.

Your Purpose and Impact

• Develop and execute comprehensive and cohesive social media strategies to leverage and build awareness of the NDI brand across various platforms, particularly NDI’s flagship social media accounts, while incorporating innovative and compelling content (i.e., visual and multimedia) to foster and achieve high levels of user/audience engagement.
• Collaborate and partner with others within the GRC team, as well as internally across NDI, to leverage cohesive, current, and integrated messaging and content across social media platforms as well as alignment with NDI’s overall mission and values.
• Lead the creation and curation of original and engaging content for NDI’s social media channels, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others, publishing and sharing regular content to the Institute’s nearly half-million followers across all platforms.
• Manage the social media content calendar for various media channels and digital campaigns, planning and scheduling posts to ensure continuity in the availability of relevant and up-to-date content and messaging, as well as highlighting key touchpoints (e.g., Pride Month, International Democracy Day, Speak Youth to Power). Ensure real-time engagement on social media platforms for NDI’s live public events and major activities, such as the Democracy Gala, including direct engagement with high-profile guests, speakers, and partners.
• Serve as a resource and provide guidance on social media strategies to NDI staff and partners across regional and functional areas. Develop and lead training workshops to build and strengthen institutional knowledge and best practices around social media. Create social media toolkits for Institute projects and targeted campaigns, liaising across teams to build buy-in and facilitate efficiencies for Institute-wide initiatives and other issues requiring broader reach in social media messaging.
• Monitor and respond to social media posts and questions on behalf of NDI, whether through direct messages, comments, replies, etc. Identify potential and unfolding crises to ensure timely and appropriate social media response, particularly acting proactively through presenting recommendations for mitigating reputational threats to the Institute.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for NDI’s social media efforts, capturing and analyzing relevant data, metrics, and insights. Report trends related to web traffic, user engagement, and return on investment from campaigns, as well as search engine optimization (SEO). Make recommendations for continuous improvement in NDI’s social media strategies to broaden and leverage audience reach and user engagement.
• Keep up to date with the latest social media best practices and trends, monitoring platform updates and emerging technologies in the market. Continuously refine NDI’s social media strategy to ensure NDI maintains a competitive edge in the social media landscape.
• Manage an assigned budget for promoting social media posts and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Optimize posts and advertising to gain the broadest audience reach and engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, digital media, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of four years of related experience working in social media, preferably with content management and outreach responsibilities, along with a portfolio of successful social media content and campaigns.
• Proven track record of managing successful social media campaigns, particularly Google Ad campaigns, that expand external audiences and increase engagement.
• Prior experience in creating and delivering training on social media strategy and content management.
• Proven graphic design experience, including editing photos, video, and text, with proficiency in design software (such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva).
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in the use of Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms and online marketing tools/channels to target varying audiences with appropriate voice and messaging.
• Thorough understanding of social media metrics and success factors, with expertise in measuring impact and reach through SEO and social media KPIs.
• Creativity, problem-solving, analytical, and judgment skills to assess information/data, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps, particularly when reviewing audience and stakeholder data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and receiving information. This includes the ability to present to audiences of varying sizes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally, to support audience development/engagement and outreach with partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on quality and accuracy in work.
• Results-oriented, with a high level of confidence, integrity, and initiative; organizational and project management skills; the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines through good time management; flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; knowledge of Google Suite tools is preferred.
• Google Ads certification is a plus.

What We Offer

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as core aspects of our culture. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face globally.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $70,300 – $87,900.

Additional Information

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to starting at NDI.

This is a union position represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions and equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, and local laws. NDI encourages individuals with disabilities to apply, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants based on inquiries or disclosures regarding their own or others’ pay, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, or (c) consistent with legal obligations. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Learn more here