Description
Social Media Specialist
Department: Marketing and Communications
Reports To: Director of Marketing
Status: Non-exempt
Organization: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Position Overview
The Social Media Specialist is a key member of The Living Desert’s Marketing Team and serves as the organization’s social media lead. This role is responsible for building, managing, and growing The Living Desert’s digital community across platforms by fostering authentic engagement, managing creator relationships, and translating audience sentiment into meaningful connections with our mission.
This position collaborates closely with other members of the Marketing and Communications Team to ensure social media efforts support the overall marketing strategy, institutional goals, campaigns, and storytelling priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Content & Trend Strategy
Contribute engagement-driven content ideas informed by audience behavior, social trends, and pop culture moments
Align social content with organizational storytelling priorities, conservation messaging, and seasonal initiatives
Translate programs, events, campaigns, and impact stories into engaging posts, short-form video, graphics, and captions
Adapt content for diverse audiences while maintaining consistent brand voice and messaging
Identify emerging platforms, tools, and formats that may enhance reach and engagement
Campaign & Organizational Collaboration
Partner with Marketing team members and cross-departmental stakeholders to support campaigns, events, announcements, and leadership initiatives
Ensure social media content supports broader marketing and communications objectives
Provide guidance and support for social media needs across departments
Community Engagement & Management
Monitor comments, messages, and tagged content across social media platforms
Respond thoughtfully and professionally to general questions, feedback, and engagement in alignment with brand voice and guidelines
Flag audience trends, recurring questions or sentiment shifts to the Marketing Team
Support real-time and timely engagement around campaigns, events, and organizational moments, escalating sensitive issues as appropriate
On-Site & Live Content Support
Provide on-site social media coverage for events, activations, filming, and special moments
Collaborate with photographers, videographers, and staff to capture engaging and timely content
Creator, Influencer & Partner Support
Assist with identifying mission-aligned creators, partners, or community figures for potential collaboration
Support outreach, scheduling, and coordination for approved visits or content opportunities
Ensure participating creators follow established guidelines and brand expectations
Help track basic performance and engagement outcomes from creator-related content
Reporting & Insights
Track and report on engagement metrics, audience growth, sentiment shifts, and content performance
Use insights to inform social media strategy and improve results over time
Monitor competitive and peer organizations to identify opportunities and best practices
Contribute to regular reporting for leadership, funders, or board communications as needed
Additional Responsibilities
Assist with developing social media guidelines, best practices, and governance
Support paid social campaigns as needed
Participate in training, presentations, and professional development related to social media and digital engagement
Adapt responsibilities as organizational needs evolve
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and special events.
Requirements
Experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of professional social media experience
Experience managing brand communities and creator relationships
Agency experience or nonprofit experience is a plus
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
Skills & Qualifications
Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, tools, and analytics
Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to voice and tone
Ability to engage diplomatically with diverse audiences
Working knowledge of photography and video for social media
Experience using Adobe Creative Suite or similar creative tools
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Passion for conservation, wildlife, or mission-driven storytelling
Salary aligned with skills and experience