Social Media and Communications Officer, Critical Language Scholarship Prog

Social Media and Communications Officer, Critical Language Scholarship Program

SUMMARY:
American Councils seeks applications to the position of Social Media and Communications Officer for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. The CLS Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight weeks abroad studying one of fifteen critical languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish or Urdu. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. By prioritizing inclusion and access, the CLS Program ensures that the next generation of America’s global leaders reflects its diversity.

Based in Washington, DC, the Social Media and Communications Officer for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program assists in the administration of intensive language institutes virtually and abroad for approximately 600 U.S. graduate and undergraduate students each year, as well as recruitment and outreach activities for the program, which generates approximately 5,500 applications per year. The Social Media and Communications Officer will work closely with the Assistant Director, Senior Outreach and Selection Officer, and Alumni Engagement Officer to develop multimedia content that will be used to highlight the broad impact and successes of the CLS Program to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

The Social Media and Communications Officer will work closely with a dedicated team of CLS staff members and report to the Senior Outreach and Selection Officer. The position will require close attention to detail and the ability to work independently on multiple tasks. Frequent collaboration within the department and across the organization will be an integral component of the job, calling for a readiness to communicate with diverse groups of people. Experience and interest in study abroad and international education in the U.S. context is also important for this position. Limited domestic travel may be required.

This is a full-time position funded through September 2022, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Social Media Content Creation and Management
• Conceptualize, create, and manage engaging social media and digital marketing content to promote the CLS Program brand, events, initiatives, and impact, as well as to highlight scholar and alumni accomplishments.
• Develop and implement a social media strategy and calendar. Leverage cross-promotion opportunities for content generated throughout the organization and funder entities.
• Manage an editorial calendar and ensure timely collection and review of copy and graphics for on-schedule distribution. Ensure steady flow of high-caliber, innovative content, achieving key metrics of reach, engagement, and shareability.
• Maintain consistent messaging and adherence to brand voice, as well as accuracy and appropriateness of content across all channels. Uphold design and brand cohesion throughout all channels.
• Manage, monitor, and grow the official social media channels by collecting data and analyzing metrics on social media and other digital channels to inform social media and content strategy to maximize engagement. Provide creative solutions to improve reach and foster community building.
• Stay up-to-date with trends, technologies, and applications. Research, recommend, and implement third party tools to monitor, manage and promote social media content.

• Communications and Outreach
• Conduct interviews with program alumni and advisors and develop multimedia content such as written stories for online and print distribution.
• Develop written content for the CLS website.
• Respond to inquiries related to recruitment, advisor, and alumni activities.
• Assist in maintaining alumni and advisor databases.
• Participate in program outreach activities, including occasionally giving recruitment presentations.

• Office Administration
• Process invoices, check requests, and payments.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and events.
• Compile data and materials for reports and mailings.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of relevant full-time work experience in higher education, communication, marketing or a related field.
• Experience with social media content creation and management.
• Effective interpersonal skills and commitment to inclusivity and culturally competent communication.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and the ability to communicate with clarity and precision to diverse audiences.
• Interest in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in study abroad.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to an overall team effort.
• Skill with graphic design, video, and photo-editing software, especially in the context of social media.
• Advanced knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and other digital communication tools. Experience using social media management tools such as HootSuite, SproutSocial or Buffer.

PREFERRED:

• BA degree preferred, but not required.
• Experience with study abroad or in an international setting.
• Familiarity with American higher education.
• Understanding of social media listening, SEO, Google Analytics and other analysis tools.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.

Position contingent upon funding.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information

Job Type: Full-time