Communications Specialist

ABOUT USAC

USAC is a nonprofit, university-affiliated study abroad organization headquartered on the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) campus. Since 1982, USAC has provided students with opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in a global society. USAC currently operates 50+ programs in 25+ countries.

USAC's success is a result of our staff — both in the U.S. and abroad — as well as strong relationships with U.S. universities. We seek high-energy individuals who believe in the importance of international education. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with an energetic, entrepreneurial spirit who is looking to work for an organization that values diversity and teamwork.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications Specialist strategically develops, writes and publishes content for multiple social media channels, digital communications, and the USAC website; manages student, alumni, and study abroad content creator programs; monitors social media user engagement and responds to online activity; and creates reports on social media, campaign, and contest performance. Marketing and Institutional Relations collaboration and support will be required, including assistance with marketing and social media digital materials, study abroad fair season support, and UNR events.

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position and will be paid on a salary basis. Hybrid and remote options are available. Job position is in Reno, Nevada; however, qualified U.S. applicants are encouraged to apply.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications and social media creation, development, and tracking

Creates, develops, edits, records and writes digital content for the USAC website, social media platforms, and digital communications — emails, newsletters, press releases, and videos, and more — using best practices for audiences and cadence.

Duties include, but are not limited to,

• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes social media data and trends for engagement growth; Develops benchmarks and KPIs, tracks and reports quarterly on digital conversions, engagement, and bottom-line ROI; Compiles relevant content and social media analysis and metrics for quarterly and annual reports

• Coordinates and manages alumni and study abroad student content creator programs for USAC promotion

• Creates and monitors user-generated content contests on social media, including writing rules and regulations, determining winners, and distributing prizes

• Conducts internal on-going USAC Resident Director and staff virtual trainings for social media best practices

• Plans, records, edits, and produces video and photography content; adds captions, music and trending audio, motion graphics and more

• Schedules and monitors social media advertising; sets spending budget and reports results

• Collaborates with Website Strategist to create website content, including writing and editing content, optimizing for SEO and target audiences

• Manages communication channels, monitoring and tracking for engagement, trends, and queries, and coordinates content assets including intake and distribution of photos and videos for all USAC study abroad programs and Central Office events and fairs

• Monitors social media engagement daily from USAC accounts, partners, and industry organization, and proactively communicates any issues

Marketing communication listings and inventory/order support

• Manages and updates USAC program information in application databases (Via TRM, Terra Dotta, etc.).

• Problem solves issues regarding shipping processing and orders, inventory compilation assistance, and inventory/study abroad fair order management support.

• Works closely with the Marketing, Communications, and Engagement team to align digital goals to overall communications plan

Institutional Relations team communications and social media support

• Assists with creating and editing digital university materials with IR liaison, including collaborating, organizing, and participating in strategic Instagram takeovers

• Attends USAC-related UNR events and activities; some travel to study abroad fairs may occur on an at-need basis

• Coordinates study abroad fair travel kits as necessary

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have prior experience managing the social media platforms of a nonprofit organization, business, or corporation; awareness of the latest social media platform regulations, creative copyright licenses, and industry trends

• Higher education experience preferred

• Provide examples of long-term or short-term social media campaigns created for an organization, business, or corporate platform

• Provide 2-3 writing samples examples, such as those from a blog, email campaign, website article or content, and press releases

• Adheres to AP style and USAC-specific style and brand format

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 2 - 4 years of experience developing and managing creative content

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong attention to detail, time management capabilities, and organization and file management skills

• Creative and target audience writing experience is preferred

• Experience in audience growth in all major social media platforms where USAC has a presence, such as Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, Canva, and other graphic design, video editing, photography, and website publication software, including publishing social media content online, including in-app or external video, reels, sureys, and more

• Experience with content planning and editorial calendars

• Professional competency in marketing, public relations, and communications

• Some experience with Pardot email marketing platform desired, but not required

• Working knowledge of social media planning tools (e.g. Buffer)

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or journalism

• However, any combination of education, training, or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered

Other duties as assigned

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The duties of this job are mainly performed in a remote environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.