Digital and Social Media Strategist

Digital And Social Media Strategist

The Digital and Social Media Strategist leads and supports Mesa Public Schools' (MPS) social media strategy, digital storytelling, and online engagement efforts in alignment with the district's vision, goals, services, achievements, the MPS Promise, and Portrait of a Graduate. The Digital and Social Media Strategist is responsible for enhancing the district's online presence through strategic social media management, content development, community engagement, and the implementation of systems that support coordinated storytelling and content creation across schools and departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, and manages the district's social media strategy to enhance brand awareness, increase engagement, and support district strategic priorities.
• Leads the planning, development, and execution of a comprehensive districtwide social media content strategy, including the creation and management of editorial calendars, content workflows, and systems that support timely, consistent, and strategic storytelling across schools and departments.
• Develops and maintains systems for content creation, collection, scheduling, approval, and distribution to improve efficiency, collaboration, and alignment across district communication channels.
• Collaborates closely with Regional Engagement & Outreach Specialists to identify, gather, develop, and amplify school and district stories; coordinates content priorities and ensures consistent messaging and strategic distribution across social media and digital communication platforms.
• Oversees the district's social media presence, ensuring message consistency, brand integrity, accessibility standards, and compliance with district policies and public information laws.
• Creates, curates, and distributes high-quality digital content for social media, websites, newsletters, video, and related digital platforms.
• Collaborates with Strategic Communications staff to align social media campaigns and digital messaging with broader district marketing and communication initiatives.
• Designs and manages cost-effective social media advertising and paid digital campaigns; analyzes campaign performance data and provides insights, reporting, and recommendations for continuous improvement and return on investment.
• Develops and supports a districtwide Social Media Ambassador group and facilitates collaboration, content sharing, and alignment with communications best practices.
• Designs and delivers professional learning and training for staff on social media, digital storytelling, and web content management; distributes a quarterly newsletter to share strategies, tools, and best practices.
• Provides ongoing support for school-based and district communications, including crisis response, emergency communications, and serving as a back-up public information officer.
• Supervises and mentors assigned staff, including student interns, promoting alignment with district branding standards and providing professional development opportunities.
• Collaborates with administrators, school leaders, designers, content creators, and communications staff to identify and implement improvements in communication operations and service delivery.
• Develops and implements streamlined communication processes to increase efficiency, reduce redundancy, and enhance districtwide outcomes.
• Integrates emerging technologies, digital tools, and communication platforms to support staff effectiveness and improve engagement outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations in all communications practices.
• Facilitates the development and alignment of the Communications & Engagement department's vision and mission with district strategic goals.
• Initiates, plans, and manages innovative programs, events, and special projects aligned with district and departmental priorities.
• Applies change management strategies to lead and sustain district and departmental initiatives.
• Monitors and ensures the timely completion of communication projects and initiatives.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and accountability for student-centered outcomes aligned with Mesa Public Schools' mission.
• Maintains positive, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, emphasizing high-quality customer service and responsive communication.
• Prioritizes and supports the effective recruitment, development, and retention of staff.
• Leads or participates in special assignments and additional duties as directed by district leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three years of work experience in digital marketing, social media, or communications field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field.
• Management and/or supervisory experience.
• Public school district experience.
• Ability to speak Spanish.

Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, discretion, and a strong interpersonal presence in all interactions.
• Models the attitudes, behaviors, and skills aligned with the Mesa Public Schools' Portrait of a Graduate.
• Applies knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and compliance requirements to ensure regulatory alignment.
• Understands and utilizes principles of organizational development, strategic planning, and continuous improvement to advance departmental and district goals.
• Applies change management frameworks and leads initiatives that promote innovation, sustainability, and positive impact.
• Designs and facilitates high-quality professional learning and staff development opportunities tailored to diverse audiences and district needs.
• Uses data and analytics to inform decision-making, evaluate performance, and optimize communication strategies and outcomes.
• Develops, executes, and evaluates comprehensive digital marketing and communications campaigns across platforms.
• Proficient in digital tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems, social media platforms, and digital advertising (e.g., Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager).
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail, clarity, and consistency; proficient in AP Style.
• Engages effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders through clear, consistent, and culturally responsive communication.
• Leads and collaborates across teams to support alignment, problem-solving, innovation, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Manages multiple projects and competing priorities with efficiency, adaptability, and focus on deadlines and quality.
• Fosters a student-centered, service-oriented culture that values equity, inclusion, and continuous growth.
• Embraces adaptability and change, demonstrating openness to innovation in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Leads or contributes to special projects, initiatives, and cross-functional collaborations aligned with district goals and priorities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an office, media production studio, or editing suite within the school district's media center or administrative office.
• Frequent visits to schools to coordinate media projects, provide training, or oversee educational broadcasts.
• Generally following school district hours, may require evening or weekend work for live events, board meetings, or special programming.
• Extended use of computers, video editing software, and broadcast equipment.
• Setting up and transporting cameras, lighting, microphones, and other media equipment.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 75 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.