Associate, Social Media at Communities in Schools – Arlington, Virginia

WHO WE ARE

In 2020, 11.6 million children in the U.S.—16% of all children nationwide—lived in poverty, and those children were disproportionately children of color. Students living in poverty often have physical and mental health, social-emotional, cognitive, and identity development needs that schools are not equipped to support. Rooted in community for more than 45 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS Co-Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that transform children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.”? Bill Milliken’s vision is alive through a strong network of trained CIS staff imbedded in schools nationwide building support and relationships inside schools.

Today, CIS serves more than 3,500 schools, the overwhelming majority are Title I-eligible schools across two channels: (1) independent affiliates and (2) licensed partnerships. Grounded in the power of transformative relationships to unlock a young person’s potential, CIS has a national, research-based history of delivering local results that support improved student relationships with adults, better-quality relationships with peers, and increased engagement and sense of belonging. These outcomes lead to improved attendance, improved academic success, and improved on-time high school graduation rates.

MISSION AND VALUES?

Communities In Schools (CIS) is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do.

Within the national office, we foster a culture inspired by our mission, our values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and excellence, and a commitment to Equity, and Inclusion. Our culture is centered on three core tenants:

• We acknowledge contributions and perspectives.
• We collaborate across roles and departments.
• We honor a whole-person approach and encourage balance.

We aim to create a psychologically safe environment where relationships matter, and mutual respect is paramount.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Do you live and breathe social media and are you excited about taking brands to the next level on social? Then, this position might be for you! The Associate, Social Media will create and distribute content in various formats across CIS’ social media platforms with the goals of enhancing our brand, driving digital follower expansion, and maximizing engagement with target audiences. The Associate, Social Media will work closely with the Director of Digital Strategy and the Digital Communications Specialist to oversee the implementation of our digital/social media strategy and tactics that align with promoting upcoming campaigns, events, and other organizational initiatives. They will also measure and refine platform strategy to ensure continued growth and success. The Associate, Social Media will be a well-organized team player and will have a clear understanding of emerging tools and trends in the digital communications and social media landscape.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute social media campaigns in partnership with the MarComm team and help develop goals, strategies, tactics, and metrics for success in order to integrate overall campaign and program objectives.
• Oversee and maintain social media calendar, which includes editorial planning, writing/storytelling, and publishing social media content with the goals of increasing supporter engagement and attracting new supporters.
• Manage social media marketing campaigns and day-to-day activities, which include creating graphics, video editing and/or creation, collecting and/or writing content, and suggesting new and creative ways to engage our audiences.
• Social listening, which includes monitoring and highlighting affiliate network and partners’ content, in addition to education and social justice-related content.
• Consult on social media strategy for digital fundraising and advocacy efforts and share best practices expertise with National Office staff and the affiliate network through in-person or digital presentations or workshops.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent years of experience) in related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of managing Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn, in addition to using social media management tools such as Sprout or Hootsuite.
• Excellent written and verbal skills with experience developing digital content and presenting best practices to various audiences.
• A passion for storytelling and engaging via social media in creative, new ways and testing new tactics to increase engagement and followers.
• Understanding of the principles of fundraising and communications for nonprofits desired.
• Proficiency with reporting and analytics for social media.
• A willingness to learn and a flexibility to shift as priorities shift.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and willing to help others.
• Excited to work with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.
• Knowledge of current and emerging digital and technology trends.
• Knowledge of implementation of paid social advertising campaigns desirable, but not necessary.

TRAVEL

Travel up to 15% is required including travel in the domestic United States with overnight stay(s).

ABOUT US

CIS staff continue to work in a virtual environment; however, the national office is open and available for staff to use as appropriate.

To ensure the health and safety of staff and job applicants, all interviews will be conducted by phone and/or video conference.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!
• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
• Five weeks of Paid Time Off
• Generous 403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
• Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break*
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much more!

Communities In Schools is committed to a workforce that is representative of the varied communities we are privileged to serve. We provide a work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. CIS prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more information on Communities In Schools please visit our website.