Marketing/Communications Specialist

Job Summary

We are looking for a dynamic, motivated, and creative Content and Social Media Specialist to join our University Advancement Annual Giving team. This role will play a key part in amplifying the university’s annual giving brand through engaging storytelling, content creation, and community engagement across all major social media platforms. The ideal candidate is passionate about digital communication, proactive in capturing stories and visuals, and skilled at translating institutional priorities into compelling social content. Working collaboratively with the marketing and communications team, this position will help strengthen the university’s online presence and drive meaningful connections with students, alumni, parents, and donors.

Digital Content Creation & Social Media Management

Develop, schedule, and publish social media content across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, etc.) that aligns with the university’s brand and campaign goals.

Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Specialist to develop and implement a comprehensive, year-long social media strategy that supports the team’s priorities, aligns with the academic calendar, and integrates with larger marketing campaigns.

Write captions and maintain brand voice across our digital platforms ensuring messaging, tone, and visual style are consistent with the university’s overall communications strategy.

Respond and monitor comments, messages and brand mentions, fostering a positive, engaging online community daily.

Stay current on social media trends, best practices, and platform updates to inform strategy and creative approaches.

Support managing and executing social media calendar to ensure timely, consistent, and strategic posting that aligns with key dates, campaigns, and university initiatives.

Content Acquisition & Management

Collaborate with campus partners, colleges, and departments to identify upcoming events, stories, and opportunities for content capture.

Proactively gather photos, videos, and stories from campus events and partners, students, faculty, parents, donor and alumni to maintain a robust, year-round content bank.

Conduct interviews and gather quotes to add storytelling depth to visuals.

Ensure all collected content reflects diverse voices and experiences across the campus community.

Support and maintain an organized photo / video library with accurate tags, dates, and usage rights for easy access, and audit existing content regularly to ensure assets remain current and relevant.

Repurpose existing content for different formats (e.g., turn event footage into short reels or story clips), and ensure all content meets accessibility standards (alt text, captions, readability).

Event Coverage & Coordination

Attend and cover campus events, student activities, and donor or alumni gatherings to capture photo and video content for immediate and future use.

Coordinate with event organizers to identify key moments, speakers, and participants to feature on social platforms.

Create live or day-of social coverage (stories, reels, or posts) that highlight the energy and impact of university events.

Assist with pre-event promotion and post-event recap content to extend engagement beyond the event itself.

Provide insights and recommendations for improving social coverage and storytelling in future campaigns.

Campaign Collaboration & Measurement

Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Specialist and team to plan and execute integrated campaigns (e.g., Giving Days, awareness weeks, community initiatives).

Adapt campaign messaging and visuals for social media platforms, ensuring alignment with overarching goals and brand tone.

Coordinate campaign timelines and deliverables across social channels to ensure consistent rollout.

Collect and organize user-generated content (UGC) from events or campaigns for use across university platforms.

Track social media engagement and reach during events and campaigns, compiling post-campaign analytics to assess performance.

Brainstorm and pitch creative ideas for event coverage and campaign storytelling (e.g., video features, social series, highlights).

Support campaign visuals and storytelling with platform-specific strategies that drive participation and awareness.

Collaborate with designers and videographers to produce event graphics, countdowns, or recap content.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

1–3 years of experience managing social media channels for an organization, brand, or campaign (internship or student coordinator experience acceptable).

Proficiency with social media management tools (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar).

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills tailored for digital audiences.

Experience creating and editing short-form video content (e.g., Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts).

Familiarity with analytics and data interpretation for content optimization.

Basic graphic design skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).

Photography or videography experience for event coverage.

Creative problem solver with strong attention to detail.

Strong writing, organization, and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strategic thinker with an understanding of audience behavior across digital platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

Current University of Utah student majoring in communication or related field.

Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Must be available to work some evenings for events or weekends as needed.

Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices.

Proficiency in using social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Strong writing, organization, and communication skills.

Basic experience using Canva, InDesign, or some design software.

Video Editing software is a plus.

Creative mindset with the ability to generate engaging content.

Experience with social media analytics and reporting tools.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients. All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. The University of Utah is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director / Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Aff. Action (OEO / AA). More information, including the Director / Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at : Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.

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