Freelance Social Media Manager, Contract
Summary:
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 325,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 70,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people.
Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. The Museum will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.
Description:
The Museum is seeking an innovative and self-motivated Social Media Manager to develop and oversee the Museum’s social media strategy across several channels including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. This role is crucial in supporting the Museum’s mission, goals, and vision by driving audience growth, enhancing engagement, and increasing awareness of the museum's exhibits, events, and educational programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong creative skills, the ability to develop strategic content calendars, and proficiency in Adobe Suite for creating compelling video and graphic content. This position will develop a social media plan that aligns with the broader Museum’s content strategy and positions CMNH as welcoming and relevant.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Social Media Strategy and Execution:
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Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy to achieve growth and engagement objectives aligned with the museum's overall goals.
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Manage and maintain the museum’s presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok, ensuring consistent brand voice and messaging.
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Monitor trends in social media tools, applications, channels, design, and strategy to recommend and implement improvements.
Content Creation and Management:
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Create original high-quality and engaging content including videos, graphics, photos, and written posts using Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools.
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Establishes a consistent tone and message across all digital channels that actively supports CMNH’s larger institutional voice.
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Develop monthly and annual content calendars that align with museum activities, exhibits, events, and promotional campaigns.
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Collaborate with internal teams to ideate and gather content, stories, and updates to ensure timely and relevant posting.
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Consult and collaborate with the Marketing team on paid media plans as needed.
Community Engagement and Customer Service:
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Actively engage with followers and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
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Identify and cultivate relationships with online communities and influencers to amplify the museum’s reach and engagement.
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Implement strategies to encourage user-generated content and community participation.
Analytics and Reporting:
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Tracks social media analytics to establish performance, identify trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, including target demographics.
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Prepares monthly, quarterly and yearly reports that detail and assess key metrics. Makes strategic recommendations to update content strategy based on findings.
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Utilize data-driven insights to adjust strategies and tactics to achieve growth and engagement goals.
Campaign Management and Promotion:
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Plan and execute social media campaigns and promotions to support museum initiatives, exhibits, events, and fundraising efforts.
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Collaborate with the Marketing team to integrate social media with broader marketing and promotional activities.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, digital media, creative writing, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
Other Qualifications
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Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role, preferably in the cultural or nonprofit sector, with dynamic creative thinking skills, and track record of leading social media account growth and engagement.
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Strong portfolio showcasing successful social media campaigns and content creation skills.
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.) and other graphic design and video editing software.
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Intimate knowledge of photography and videography best practices as well as archival and storage platforms.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a keen eye for detail.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Knowledge of social media analytics tools (e.g., Facebook Insights, Google Analytics) and ability to interpret data to inform strategy.
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Understanding of and dedication to the mission of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and a passion for science, nature, and conservation.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE