What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Media Specialist position at Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.?
About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.
Social Media Specialist
Purpose: to co-develop, manage, and execute the Foundation’s social media strategy. Manage and evolve social media channels to support the organization’s goals regarding visitation, events/programming, partnerships, and mission-aligned initiatives.
We will look to you to:
- Content creation and strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns with Monticello’s visitation, revenue, and educational goals. Create and curate compelling, visually appealing, on-trend content for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X. Collaborate with curators, educators, and other staff to generate content that highlights exhibitions, events, and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Community Engagement: Foster online community growth by strategically responding to comments, messages, and mentions in a timely and professional manner. Monitor and analyze audience insights to identify opportunities for deeper engagement. Develop campaigns to connect with diverse audiences and promote inclusivity.
- Analytics and Reporting: Track, analyze, and report on key performance metrics to evaluate the success of campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly. Stay updated on social media trends, algorithms, and tools to ensure the museum remains innovative and relevant.
- Collaboration and Cross-Promotion: Partner with marketing, development, and programming teams to amplify promotional efforts. Coordinate with external collaborators, such as influencers and partner organizations, for co-branded campaigns. Manage relationships with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to produce high-quality content.
- Provide guidance for Monticello subbrand social media channels (e.g., Archaeology, research, retail, Jefferson Vineyards). Coach colleagues on how to create more compelling content that reaches target and new audiences.
- Assist Digital Content Producer on brand photoshoots. Assist Communications Specialist with on-site media filming visits as needed.
- Run point on influencer marketing strategy. Evaluate and make recommendations on potential influencers to Marketing Manager and Director of Marketing & Communications. Pitch and plan approved influencer visits in cooperation with relevant departments. Thoroughly communicate influencer visit details to internal stakeholders and report on influencer content performance.
- Create, update, and communicate out social media content calendar. Contribute to larger organizational futures calendar as needed.
- Stay abreast of social media trends and topics that are germane to Monticello’s work, flagging relevant stories or content for department and organizational leadership.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- 2 years of experience in social media management, preferably in a cultural or nonprofit organization.
- Proficiency in social media platforms, analytics tools, and content scheduling software (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer).
- Strong storytelling skills with an ability to craft engaging narratives.
- Experience with photo and video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, history, business, or liberal arts; or equivalent experience which demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Physical Demands and Work Considerations:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will sit for extended periods of time, occasional standing, walking. Repetitive use of computer. Monticello is located on a mountaintop and walking on steep and uneven ground is necessary.
- Work Environment: Normal office working conditions. The office for this position is located in the Jefferson Library.
- Monticello is open 364 days a year. Occasional non-traditional shifts such as early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays are necessary.
- Ability to work all signature major events including Fourth of July.
We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees:
- Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more!).
- Fitness club membership discount.
- Discount in the Monticello Café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free for employee and dependents.
- $500 employee referral bonus.
- Exciting quarterly social events for all employees.
If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!
