Social Media Assistant
Cairn University
On-site
Pennsylvania, United States
Communications & Marketing
Social Media Assistant
The Social Media Assistant supports the development and execution of a strategic social media plan to advance Cairn University’s marketing and enrollment objectives. This role oversees Cairn’s presence on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, etc., crafting engaging, differentiated content that connects with prospective students, parents, alumni, and professional networks. The Social Media Manager focuses on enhancing brand recognition, building community engagement, and driving measurable results.
This position requires staying ahead of industry trends, applying data-driven insights, and pursuing professional development to ensure Cairn’s social media strategy remains innovative and effective. The Social Media Manager also mentors and manages social media interns, fostering their professional growth while supporting the university’s broader communication goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
- Develop and execute a social media strategy aligned with Cairn University’s goals and values.
- Tailor strategies for different platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), emphasizing audience-specific content and generational relevance.
- Monitor and assess emerging platforms and trends to expand Cairn’s digital footprint effectively.
- Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform and optimize content strategy.
Content Creation and Management
- Plan, create, and manage a high volume of posts annually (target minimally: 1,806) across primary platforms, ensuring consistent brand voice and message.
- Collaborate with the Content Strategist, Admissions, and Student Life teams to produce high-quality visual, video, and written content.
- Lead content creation efforts for key recruitment events such as open houses, Experience Cairn, SOAR, and academic showcases.
- Ensure all content reflects Cairn’s voice, tone, and values, striking a balance between professionalism and relatability.
Engagement and Community Building
- Monitor social media channels daily to engage with followers and respond to inquiries promptly.
- Develop and maintain influencer partnerships, including alumni pastors and other mission-aligned individuals, to amplify Cairn’s message.
- Build and nurture relationships with audiences to foster a sense of community and increase affinity with Cairn.
Paid Social Media Campaigns and Advertisements
- Manage the planning, execution, and optimization of paid social media campaigns to support enrollment and marketing objectives.
- Boost posts and create ad campaigns tailored to specific target audiences and platforms.
- Analyze and report on the performance of paid campaigns, ensuring a measurable return on investment (ROI) and alignment with enrollment goals.
- Collaborate with the VP of Marketing and Enrollment to allocate budgets effectively for maximum impact.
Analytics and Optimization
- Use tools like Google Analytics and social platform insights to analyze campaign performance and refine strategies.
- Provide regular reports to the VP of Marketing and Enrollment, offering actionable recommendations for improving social media outcomes.
- Experiment with new content formats, tools, and approaches to enhance reach and engagement.
Professional Development
- Stay informed on the latest social media marketing practices, tools, and trends by attending webinars, conferences, and professional events.
- Actively research and test new social media platforms and technologies, proposing innovative solutions to meet Cairn’s goals.
- Pursue ongoing learning opportunities to bring cutting-edge strategies to Cairn’s digital presence.
Team Collaboration and Training
- Work closely with the Web Manager, Content Strategist, and other departments (e.g., Admissions, Alumni Relations, Student Life) to align messaging and campaigns.
- Ensure social media initiatives are integrated with broader marketing and enrollment strategies.
Education an Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of experience managing social media platforms, preferably in higher education or non-profit organizations.
- Familiarity with newer platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat is a plus.
Skills and Abilities
- Proven ability to execute multi-platform social media strategies that achieve measurable results.
- Strong storytelling and visual content creation skills (e.g., video, photography, copywriting).
- Expertise in analytics tools such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Meta insights.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines.
- Familiarity with CRM tools like Slate is preferred.
Mission Alignment
- A clear commitment to Cairn University’s mission and values, with the ability to integrate them authentically into all content.
- Understanding of Cairn’s Biblical worldview and its application in higher education and digital storytelling.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while writing, editing, designing, and working on a computer or digital platforms.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, camera, mobile devices, and standard office or media equipment.
- Visual and auditory ability to review detailed content, proofread materials, edit images and video, and communicate effectively in person and through digital and print channels.
- Occasional walking and movement around campus or to external locations for meetings, photoshoots, interviews, or event coverage.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, and setting up of marketing materials, signage, camera equipment, or displays weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Physical stamina and flexibility to support live events, media production, or communications needs that may occur outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Sustained mental focus and attention to detail required for content creation, branding alignment, multi-channel communications, and deadline-driven projects.
- Ability to respond quickly and professionally to urgent communication needs, last-minute edits, or time-sensitive media releases.
- Capacity to engage with a wide range of campus constituents in a courteous, professional manner while upholding the University’s voice and brand.
- Adaptability to evolving technologies, shifting priorities, and fast-paced environments that require creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
This position may require occasional local or regional travel for events or professional development and must adhere to all University brand, copyright, and communications policies.
Serving at Cairn University
Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor’s degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling.
Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn’s Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.
To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.
Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.
Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability
or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.