Social Media Specialist at Ampersand Brands, LLC – Denver, Colorado

About Us

Ampersand Brands is a growing portfolio of beloved confectionery brands, including Hammond’s Candies, the iconic hand-crafted candy maker, and Lolli & Pops, a premium retail and gifting brand with a national presence. The company is backed by strong growth ambitions, combining innovation, brand storytelling, and operational excellence to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leading player in the U.S. confections industry.

Position Overview

We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic Social Media Specialist to develop and execute engaging social media strategies across both Lolli & Pops and Hammonds Candies brands. The ideal candidate excels at creating authentic, UGC-style video content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. You'll bring strong video creation skills, platform expertise, community management, and a data-driven approach to growing our social presence. This role will help build brand awareness, drive engagement, and support our marketing objectives through compelling visual storytelling that captures the joy and excitement of our confectionery brands.

Primary Responsibilities Social Media Management (65%)

• Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies for both Lolli & Pops and Hammonds Candies across multiple platforms with primary focus on:
• • Meta (Instagram primary, Facebook secondary)
  • TikTok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
• Create and maintain content calendars for all social platforms, ensuring consistent and timely posting
• Build engaged communities across all platforms with platform-specific strategies
• Master platform-specific features (Instagram Reels, TikTok trends, Pinterest boards, YouTube Shorts)
• Stay current on social media trends, platform updates, and best practices to ensure our content remains relevant and effective
• Manage social media advertising campaigns, including audience targeting, ad creation, and budget management
• Monitor social analytics and provide regular reports on performance, insights, and recommendations by platform
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure social media initiatives align with broader marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions

Content Creation (25%)

• Plan, shoot, and edit authentic, iPhone-style UGC videos optimized for social platforms (Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
• Create quick-paced, engaging video content that follows current social media trends and formats
• Develop platform-specific content strategies with a heavy emphasis on video
• Showcase products in natural, relatable settings that drive engagement and conversion
• Develop compelling written content that reflects each brand's unique voice and appeals to their respective audiences
• Create visually appealing graphics and designs that maintain brand consistency while standing out in social feeds
• Build a library of content assets that can be leveraged across multiple platforms and campaigns
• Stay ahead of content trends and continuously refresh creative approaches

Community Management (10%)

• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions across all social platforms in a timely manner
• Address customer service inquiries received through social channels, coordinating with the customer service team as needed
• Foster community engagement through interactive content, questions, contests, and user-generated content initiatives
• Identify and develop relationships with influencers and brand advocates who align with our values and aesthetic
• Handle potential crisis situations with grace and in accordance with company guidelines

Qualifications Required Skills & Experience

• 1-3 years of professional experience in social media, preferably in food, retail, or consumer goods
• Experience creating engaging content across Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube
• Strong video content creation skills with experience creating authentic, UGC-style content
• Proficiency with mobile video creation, editing apps, and basic video production
• Understanding of each social platform's unique features, audience behaviors, and best practices
• Experience with social media management tools (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Later, etc.)
• Ability to analyze performance data and adjust strategies accordingly
• Strong communication skills and ability to represent brands online
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities across various platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience managing paid social media campaigns
• Knowledge of email marketing and SMS marketing strategies
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools
• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to social content
• Experience managing multiple brand accounts simultaneously
• Knowledge of or passion for the confectionery or specialty food industry
  
  

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• The chance to lead not one, but two iconic brands — with very different but equally lovable personalities.
• A small, scrappy team that punches above its weight.
• A culture rooted in thoughtfulness, creativity, and joy.
• Hybrid position with four days per week in office.