The Digital Content Specialist is responsible for developing, monitoring and maintaining digital content (primarily social media and email marketing) for Rice's Development and Alumni Relations division. This includes working with in-house writers, designers and web staff to produce visually striking and user-friendly digital content. The Digital Content Specialist will manage website content in a content management system, monitor social channels and engage with and answer questions from alumni online, and collaborate with division partners and creative staff to execute multichannel digital marketing campaigns. The Digital Content Specialist also will consistently gather and monitor metrics to identify trends, make recommendations, and devise digital marketing strategies. Day-to-day responsibilities of the Digital Content Specialist will be focused on building, testing and executing major organic and paid social media marketing campaigns efficiently and expertly, supporting a wide range of high-volume messages. The position will also support marketing and communications team members in executing new and existing messaging strategies.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, curious and creative, with proven experience meeting deadlines and an ability to work cross-functionally on a variety of digital projects, offering advice and expertise while remaining flexible and collaborative.
This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
Essential Functions
Participates in the development of the digital communication and brand strategy for a program(s), department or unit
Writes, designs, and coordinates the production of digital communication and marketing materials
Recommends integrated communications and / or marketing plans to meet objectives
Assists in building and / or maintaining a digital community through social media channels, blogs and the web
Assists in the design and development of graphics and web pages
Drafts content used to engage constituents and grow channels
Curates digital content
Implements social listening efforts and reports back to management
Provides customer service to constituents across digital channels
Represents the organization to constituents
Compiles data, analyzes and reports metrics
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions/Information
Assists with answering questions and addresses concerns from alumni and other university constituents through the ARA (Association of Rice Alumni) Help Desk email address
Collaborates with division partners to facilitate requested social media posts
Supports and updates a multi-department marketing calendar and advises on timing and segmentation of digital communications
Utilizes a project management system to track tasks and collaborate with teammates
Utilizes Sprout Social, Google Analytics and other content tools to track performance on campaigns year over year and make recommendations for improvement
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
One year of related professional experience in a marketing, communications, social media or other closely related field
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Skills Required
Strong oral and written communication skills
Familiar with technology (desktop and mobile devices), social platforms, current and future trends
Organized and creative
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Demonstrated team player
Strong listening skills
Strong overall knowledge of social media systems and processes
Proven knowledge of digital content production
Microsoft Office skills
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, English, or liberal arts
Experience in higher education
Experience with graphic design and video production
Experience building and managing an annual social media calendar
Experience with the web development life cycle
Content management software experience
Experience with social media analytics
Experience with Blackbaud Internet Solutions and/or Blackbaud CRM
Experience in a PC Windows environment
Basic HTML/CSS experience
Experience covering live events on social media
Experience planning and executing paid social media campaigns
Rice University HR | Benefits https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
About Us
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
