Assistant Director of Digital Strategy

Description

This position advances the visibility and reputation of St. Bonaventure University by leading the strategy and day-to-day execution of the University’s flagship social media channels and producing compelling written, photographic and video content for digital, web and print audiences. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position builds community, strengthens engagement and ensures content reflects the University’s brand, values and Franciscan mission. The position uses social listening, audience insights and performance analytics to shape organic and paid campaigns; collaborates with campus partners; and supports timely communications, including occasional after-hours and crisis response.

Examples of Duties

Lead the strategy and day-to-day management of the University’s primary institutional social media channels. Develop and maintain an integrated social media strategy and editorial calendar; plan, schedule, publish and optimize channel-appropriate content; monitor and respond to comments and messages; use social listening to identify opportunities, issues and sentiment; and escalate time-sensitive or crisis-related matters. Guide campus offices on platform best practices, brand alignment and coordinated messaging, and evaluate emerging platforms and technologies for responsible institutional us

55%

Create original written, photographic and video content that brings St. Bonaventure’s people, programs, outcomes and Franciscan mission to life. Cover campus events and develop, write, edit and proofread social posts, web stories, press releases, newsletters, features and other communications for internal and external audiences. Adapt and repurpose content across channels while maintaining accuracy, accessibility, brand voice and visual consistency.

25%

Design, coordinate and evaluate short- and long-term organic and paid social campaigns in collaboration with colleagues, campus partners and external vendors. Establish objectives and key performance indicators; analyze platform and campaign data, engagement, conversions and return on investment; prepare regular reports and recommendations; and apply insights to improve content and audience strategy. Provide day-to-day direction, coaching and quality review for student social media interns or workers.

15%

Perform other duties as assigned.

5%

Typical Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, digital media, English or another related writing-intensive field (required).

(Preferred) Two or more years of professional experience developing social media strategy and creating written and multimedia content for an institution, nonprofit, agency or organization. Relevant professional internships may be considered. Higher education or nonprofit experience.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute social media strategies aligned with institutional communications, marketing and brand goals.
• Excellent writing, editing, grammar and proofreading skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling, channel-appropriate content.
• Experience creating and editing original photography and short-form video for digital audiences; familiarity with mobile and DSLR capture workflows is desirable.
• Professional knowledge of major and emerging social platforms and their native publishing, business-management and scheduling tools.
• Skill in community management, social listening and audience engagement, with sound judgment about when to respond, refer or escalate.
• Ability to use platform dashboards and analytics tools to establish key performance indicators, evaluate campaign effectiveness and return on investment, and adjust strategy.
• Working knowledge of organic and paid social campaign development, audience targeting and vendor coordination.
• Curiosity about emerging platforms and technologies and the ability to evaluate their responsible, accessible and brand-appropriate use.
• Strong understanding of brand consistency and the ability to articulate the University’s values and Franciscan mission in a contemporary context.
• Ability to communicate the University’s commitment to an inclusive community and to work effectively with diverse students, colleagues and community members.
• Ability to advise campus partners on social media best practices, accessibility, coordinated messaging and institutional guidelines with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong project-management skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound editorial judgment and collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Composure and flexibility in time-sensitive situations, including occasional after-hours, urgent and crisis communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with creative tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva, social media management systems and digital asset workflows.

Working Conditions / Physical requirements

• Physically able to lift various materials and content-production equipment up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to move throughout campus and event locations to gather content and capture photographs and video.
• While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated frequently to continuously.
• Possesses the dexterity required to type, operate a computer and use common photo/video equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• This is a campus-based position and may be eligible for hybrid work in accordance with University policy.
• Occasional evening and weekend work, event coverage and availability during urgent or crisis communications are required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Full-time employees at SBU enjoy unparalleled Benefits

Abundance of Time off

Tuition Remission

• 100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
• 80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
• 50% for spouse (ground programs only)

Full Benefit package

• 403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
• Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
• Dental Insurance
• Employer Paid Life insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Other Perks

• Free access to campus fitness center
• 2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
• Golf course membership discount
• Other National and Local discounts available

St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.

Benefits Overview For Full-Time Employees

St. Bonaventure University is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits program designed to attract and retain high-quality Faculty and Staff.