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Posted April 15, 2024
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

Social Media and Content Manager

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Chicago, IL, USA Hybrid ⚠ [Archived] No Longer Accepting Applicants
Compensation: $70,000 to $80,000 Annually

Summary/Objective

The Social Media and Content Manager is responsible for building and monitoring IFT's social media presence to drive awareness, foster engagement, and deepen relationships with food science and innovation professionals. This role will own day-to-day management of all organic and paid social media efforts, including planning, developing, and executing IFT's social media strategy, creating content, scheduling posts, monitoring and engaging with followers, and regularly analyzing social media efforts. Through creativity and collaboration, the Social Media and Content Manager will support IFT’s organizational goals and be a key contributor to the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) team by proofreading, copyediting, and ensuring alignment with IFT’s overall content strategy.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Manages the development and execution of the organization’s social media strategy
  • Develops and executes the social media content calendar, working collaboratively with IMC team

members and various departments to ensure timely and relevant content is incorporated

  • Generates ideas to more effectively, efficiently, and creatively use social media to meet IFT’s goals for

each channel

  • Monitors trends in social media platforms, tools, applications, channels, design, and strategy
  • Enforces IFT social brand standards and provides training, as needed
  • Acts as a resource for IFT departments, regional sections, and topic-based divisions regarding IFT social

media related needs

  • Develops and curates a balance of informative and promotional content from a variety of sources,

partnering with team members and other departments to ensure appropriate, relevant messaging by

channel

  • Works closely with IFT's in-house production/design staff to secure compelling graphics and/or multimedia

to drive engagement

  • Works closely with the Sr. Manager, Media and Public Relations, to amplify media mentions and support

media relations needs on appropriate IFT social media channels

  • Demonstrates exceptional writing, grammar, and attention to detail
  • Ensures content is accurate and up-to-date, including checking links and performing fact checks, as

needed

  • Adheres to the in-house writing style guide and becomes a resource for team members seeking

grammar/style guidance

  • Manages IFT’s social media profiles and presence, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,

YouTube, and additional channels as requested

  • Engages with and respond to followers of our external social media channels
  • Actively engages in brand monitoring/listening to inform and further develop strategic influencer outreach

and external community management

  • Executes and manages paid social media ad campaigns, including targeting and optimizing to improve

performance, maximize spend, and reach target audiences

  • Tracks and reports on IFT’s organic and paid social media including brand exposure, impact on website

traffic, membership/product conversion, and social engagement; leverages analytics to inform or adjust content calendar

  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of IFT’s target audiences and their needs
  • Stays up-to-date on food science and technology news and trends, identifying key marketing, social

media, communications, and engagement opportunities accordingly

  • Ensures compliance with industry and legal regulations and best practices, and adherence to company

processes and procedures

Travel Required

  • Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and

overnight meetings

Required Education And Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating social media programs,

including social ad campaign management

  • 3+ years of hands-on knowledge of and experience with a variety of channels (LinkedIn, Facebook,

Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), particularly within the context of overall integrated organizational

communication efforts

  • 3+ years of experience creating and managing social ad campaigns, including audience targeting and

performance optimization for best results on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

  • 3+ years of knowledge of current social media best practices for both B2B and B2C audiences
  • Proficiency with applying the principles of style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, to different

types of writing

  • Mastery of spelling, grammar, and punctuation and ability to make constructive suggestions

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with a membership-based, B2B non-profit preferred
  • Experience with a health, scientific, or food related organization a plus

Other Duties

This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our Business, other duties may be assigned as needed.