Social Media Manager

Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, nonprofit university located in Columbus, Ohio, invites applications for the position of Social Media Manager. 

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults balancing educational goals with work, family, and other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin is recognized as an innovator in online education and serves students through applied undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs designed to support career advancement and lifelong learning. More than 50,000 Franklin alumni live and work around the world, making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. 

Position Summary

The Social Media Manager leads the day‑to‑day management, planning and execution of Franklin University’s social media presence. Reporting within the Marketing team, this role is responsible for developing and implementing platform‑specific content strategies that support Franklin’s brand, enrollment and reputation goals.

The Social Media Manager serves as both a strategic contributor and hands‑on executor, working closely with colleagues across Marketing, as well as campus partners, to ensure a consistent, engaging and data‑informed social presence across platforms.

The Social Media Manager possesses strong editorial judgment, platform expertise and the ability to translate insights into action within a collaborative marketing environment.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Support and execute social media strategies developed collaboratively by the Marketing Department in alignment with university priorities.
• Contribute to the planning and optimization of platform specific approaches that drive engagement, brand awareness and enrollment support.
• Develop and maintain content calendars that support marketing campaigns, enrollment initiatives, academic programs and brand storytelling.

• Apply platform‑specific best practices to maximize reach, engagement and effectiveness.

Content Creation & Channel Management

• Write clear, engaging, and brand‑aligned social media copy tailored to each platform.
• Independently shoot and edit photography and video, as well as create basic graphic assets to accompany social postings.
• Publish and manage content across Franklin’s primary social media channels.
• Collaborate with Marketing colleagues, including digital advertising, and creative content and video partners, to support integrated campaigns.
• Monitor comments, messages and mentions; engage with audiences and escalate issues in coordination with Marketing Communications leadership.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

• Provide day-to-day coordination and leadership to external agency partners and contractors supporting social media initiatives.

• Partner with teams across Marketing, Admissions, and other university units to support institutional priorities.
• Guide and support decentralized social media contributors while reinforcing Marketing‑led brand standards.
• Coordinate social media execution for Marketing‑led campaigns and key university initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting

• Track performance metrics and analytics for university social media channels.
• Prepare regular reports and insights for Marketing leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Use performance data to inform content planning and optimization.

Brand & Voice Stewardship

• Uphold Franklin University’s brand voice, tone and visual standards across social platforms.
• Stay current on social media trends and platform updates relevant to higher education marketing.
• The Social Media Manager also performs other duties as assigned in support of Marketing Department initiatives and Franklin University priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, design/video or a related field
• 5+ years of professional experience managing social media for a brand or organization
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate with students, graduates and varying levels of leadership within the university
• Experience using social media analytics tools to evaluate performance
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate within a Marketing team environment
• Proficiency with photo/design/video creation and editing tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, etc.), and online social media management platforms, and Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven marketing environments
• Familiarity with enrollment marketing or brand campaigns
• Experience supporting multiple internal stakeholders or account contributors
• Familiarity with paid social media in partnership with Marketing colleagues

Additional Notes

• 40-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend hours for graduation or events, some travel required.

Additional Information

This position follows an on-site hybrid work schedule and requires flexibility to meet departmental and university needs. Evening and weekend events may be required, and some travel is expected.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program, and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and eligible family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and eligible family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.