Department

PME Content & Media

About the Department

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. UChicago PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. UChicago PME's rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago's unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. UChicago PME is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next growth phase as a School, UChicago PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. UChicago PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Social Media Manager helps UChicago PME maintain and expand the School’s presence across social media platforms. As a key part of the Communications and Marketing team, the Social Media Manager will collaborate to translate the School’s many streams of content to social platforms, keeping in mind that these posts mark many visitors’ principal encounter with the brand. As such, the role will require excellent writing, editing, and spelling skills, strong organizational and communication skills, an immaculate commitment to deadlines, a proactive passion for social media, and a deep interest in the stories and issues covered by UChicago PME.

This role also requires proven experience in digital analytics, social listening, and media monitoring, as well as the ability to capture and edit high-quality photos and videos of live events. Graphic design abilities as they relate to social media are also desired. This role requires occasional work in the evenings and on weekends. This position is a hybrid role, with two days remote and three days in the office, but the schedule may change weekly based on events or other coverage responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assists with writing, editing, and posting content, events, and brand extensions across social-media and mobile-first platforms.
• Identifies news pegs and opportunities to re-promote archival stories and other materials.
• Pitches and produces social-first series that will elevate and expand the brand on social media.
• Attends events or visits labs to snap social media photos as needed in rotation with other team members. Films and photographs live events, and other activities; edits visual content across social channels.
• Helps with other aspects of UChicago PME’s digital-distribution strategy and content, including the newsletter.
• Proactively runs focused social advertising through UChicago PME platforms for degree programs, virtual information sessions, and other key initiatives. Oversees community management and engagement on all social platforms.
• Identifies potential issues quickly and shares with communications leadership for direction before acting.
• Oversees analytics reports to measure content performance and propose actionable recommendations for the team.
• Actively consults with PME team members on relevant matters relating to social media, SEO, and online best practices. Works with the Exec Director and Comms Manager on social media advertising strategies and activities.
• Collaborates with the team to maximize stories’ reach and ensures the brand meets site-wide growth and engagement goals.
• Solves a range of challenges, but partners effectively with the team on complex issues. Manages digital and social media assets, including routine website maintenance; compiles and analyzes relevant metrics based on established strategic goals.
• Uses social listening and media monitoring tools to track online conversations and trends relevant to PME’s mission and reputation. Interprets digital and social analytics to provide regular, strategic insights that inform content creation and engagement efforts.
• Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
• Continues to build higher level knowledge of the University, processes and customers.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of basic science or engineering is a plus.

Experience:

• Two to five years of experience in social media in a fast-paced environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of, passion for, and experience with social-media platforms, both established and emerging.
• Proficient with analytics and listening tools, including Cision, CrowdTangle, SocialFlow, Buffer, Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, Google Analytics 4, Parse.ly, and others.
• Proficient with image editing tools, such as the Adobe creative suite, InDesign, Photoshop, and InCopy and/or Canva.
• Background with video production tools and processes.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Submittable, WordPress, Zoom, Slack, and Google Docs as well as Hootsuite and Mailchimp.
• Fluency in a non-English language is a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Advance the School’s mission, vision, and commitments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of the media landscape and a strong sense of news.
• Ambitious, proactive, and a quick learner.
• A demonstrated ability to write engaging social-media copy across various topics and for various audiences.
• Visual storytelling skills with a sharp eye for compelling images and live event moments.
• Recognize key trends and audience sentiment through social listening.
• Work independently and take direction.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational and communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects at once and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Scrupulously meet deadlines.
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with authors, editors, and colleagues.
• Sound editorial and ethical judgement and discretion.
• Enthusiasm and passion for science and engineering.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
• Writing Sample (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $68,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.