Job Description

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Job Summary:

The Social Media Content Creator is primarily responsible for bringing the College’s brand to life through dynamic social media content. Working closely with the Multimedia and Editorial teams, this individual will conceptualize, shoot, edit, and publish engaging visual content aligned with the College’s core marketing pillars.

Day-to-day, they will manage the College’s active social channels, partner with campus departments to elevate their visual storytelling, and actively engage our online audience. Through this work, the position strengthens engagement, increases awareness of Colby, and showcases the people, programs, and experiences that distinguish the College.

The successful candidate understands how audiences engage across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and emerging platforms. They  understand how to capture attention in the first few seconds, write hook-driven copy, and produce high-performing short-form video content that turns casual scrollers into loyal followers.

The position requires strong creative instincts, sound editorial judgment, an understanding of social media culture, and the ability to produce high-quality content in a fast-moving environment. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

The hiring range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000

Key Responsibilities

1. Content Creation & Storytelling

• Video & Asset Production: Conceptualize, script, shoot, and edit engaging short-form video (Reels, TikToks, Shorts) and static image assets on a daily basis using mobile and DSLR equipment.

• Campus Storytelling: Identify, interview, and feature Colby students, faculty, staff, and alumni to produce authentic content highlighting campus life, events, and College initiatives.

• Copywriting: Write clear, platform-native captions, scripts, headlines, and calls to action aligned with Colby’s brand tone.

• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all assets comply with Colby’s brand, accessibility, editorial, privacy, copyright, and photo-release standards.

• Special Projects: Manage the creation and distribution of the Communications email newsletter and oversee student content workers.

2. Strategy & Platform Growth

• Strategy & Scheduling: Lead the strategy and maintain a consistent posting schedule across key channels (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook).

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with the communications team to align social strategy with broader strategic priorities.

• Trend Adaptation: Monitor industry news, viral concepts, audio trends, and platform updates to keep content relevant and test new formats/hooks.

3. Community, Analytics & Monitoring

• Audience Engagement: Actively engage with the community in comments and DMs to foster a strong digital presence.

• Analytics & Reporting: Use social listening and analytics software to track key metrics (reach, engagement, conversions), optimize future performance, and provide regular campaign reporting.

• Crisis & Reputation Management: Monitor competitor strategies and flag potential crisis, safety, or reputational issues to leadership.

Position Qualifications

Required

• Experience: 2+ years of professional digital/social content creation experience for a brand, agency, publication, or creator account (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Portfolio: A portfolio or reel demonstrating successful short-form video content and digital storytelling.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in mobile/DSLR shooting and video editing software (CapCut, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar).

• Platform & Design Expertise: Deep understanding of current social platforms, basic graphic design (Canva, Figma, Adobe Express or other Adobe platforms), and copywriting.

• Analytics: Ability to interpret social metrics, perform social listening, and apply data insights to content strategy.

• Soft Skills & Collaboration: Excellent organizational, deadline-management, and cross-departmental collaboration skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse community.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education, non-profit, or mission-driven environments.

• Hands-on experience with social management software (e.g., Brandwatch, Asana, Mailchimp).

• Knowledge of digital accessibility best practices (alt text, video captioning, color contrast).

• Experience covering live events under tight deadlines and supporting paid social or student ambassador programs.

Work Expectations

• Location: On-campus position requiring frequent physical presence to capture content and engage with the Colby community.

• Schedule: Occasional evening and weekend hours required to cover campus events and time-sensitive news.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to transport and operate photography, video, lighting, and audio equipment across various indoor and outdoor campus environments.

• Travel: Minimal local or overnight travel as needed.

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.

• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.

• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations.  Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.

• This position includes regular movement throughout the office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.

• Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.

• Physical requirements differ by position.  In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or more, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.

• Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.

• The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.

• The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website.  Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.