-
SUMMARY
-
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
The Digital Communications Specialist is responsible for leading Gaston College’s digital communications efforts and ensuring alignment with the college’s brand identity and strategic goals. In collaboration with team members, this position focuses on digital storytelling across various platforms, including social media (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.), the website, email, and more. This is a hands-on, creative role that actively engages with the Gaston College Community on a daily basis.
The Digital Communications Specialist is part of the Marketing and Communications team and reports to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.
-
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
- Work collaboratively with the marketing and communications team and other areas of the College, including, but not limited to Admissions and Student Services, Athletics, Human Resources, the Foundation, and key external partners to develop and execute digital communication strategies that amplify Gaston’s stories.
- Develop innovative digital communications strategies for the College focused on increasing engagement of external and internal constituents including current and prospective students (i.e., lead generation), alumni, donors, parents, employees, and the public based on best practices.
- Plan, create, produce, edit and publish impactful digital and multimedia content (photos, videos, copy, etc.) across all relevant platforms that is on-brand, timely, and maintains a positive, uniform, style and voice. Ensure all content reflects our voice and messaging and aligns with strategic goals.
- Handle various marketing tasks in our Element451 CRM, including designing, building and managing the email campaigns, communication workflows and other digital communication assets as needed. Assist in managing content for the CRM knowledge hub.
- Manage content calendars and coordinate scheduled content with key stakeholders.
- Write, edit and review various types of digital content, including articles/stories, announcements, email communications, social media posts/ads, etc.
- Assist in capturing and sharing real-time content that highlights various college events.
- Monitor social media activity, respond to messages, and promote an overall positive college presence by engaging with audiences through posts, feedback, and comments when appropriate.
- Identify digital advertising opportunities as appropriate to increase brand awareness and elevate the reputation of the College to specific audiences. Assist with building and managing paid digital campaigns to ensure they are meeting goals and budgets. Oversee and manage any digital advertising work that occurs with external vendors.
- Provide regular reports on the overall activity and success of social media communications and campaigns. Identify trends and insights and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
- Assist in maintaining and developing social media guidelines and policies. Develop training materials and collaborate with other departments to ensure best practices are followed for creating and publishing digital content that aligns with the college’s digital communications strategies. Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures of the College, NC Community College System, and applicable State and Federal Agencies.
- Manage copyright and data protection matters as it relates to digital communications and ensure compliance with applicable copyright and other relevant laws. Ensure digital content follows accessibility guidelines.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to manage the production/use of creative assets (photos, videos, infographics, etc.) on social media and other digital communications. Assist in maintaining the College’s electronic photo database including uploading, tagging, and organizing photos.
- Stay current on emerging technologies, platforms, and best practices, and regularly evaluate and update social media strategies to elevate the College’s digital presence.
- Assist with communication tasks during critical events and support the crisis communications plan.
- Assist with special projects, college events or other marketing and communications activities and perform other duties as assigned.
- Maintain a high standard of professional and ethical practice in representing the College. Maintain confidentiality of applicable information. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the field or discipline with continued adherence to professional accountability. Accept responsibility for managing situations and problems. Provide a high level of service to customers by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships. Work cooperatively with team members and colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of team and College objectives. Adhere to the College’s policies, procedures, and other established guidelines.
-
MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
-
-
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
-
- A minimum of two years of proven experience in digital communications, building and elevating a brand through social media, working in-house or for an agency. (required)
- In-depth knowledge of social media platforms and their audiences, digital engagement strategies and analytics tools. (required)
- Experience and proficiency utilizing multimedia production tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.), and basic photography and video production and editing skills. (required)
- Exceptional writing skills with proficiency in AP style. (required)
- Must have strong organizational skills with a high degree of detail orientation; the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines; take initiative, collaborate, and communicate effectively.
- Valid driver’s license. (required)
- Higher Education experience
- Experience developing and managing paid digital advertising campaigns
- Experience working in CRM platforms and building email campaigns
Physical Requirements
- This position is on-site and based in Dallas, NC. Must be able to travel between the main campus and other campuses and college events.
- Generally works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods.
- Some walking, standing, and bending required, and the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Work environment can be stressful at times when dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
- This position requires work to occasionally be done outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
recblid ooa9pirxus8kffjaebeg5fzp9j4ecq

|