Digital Media Manager
Starting Wage: $20- $25 per hour depending on experience. Increases with results!
Position Title: Digital Media Manager
Social Media, Content Creator, Website and Content Manager
Reports To:
Advocacy Communications Manager
Return to Freedom:
Founded in 1998, Return to Freedom (RTF), is a premier national non-profit wild horse conservation organization. RTF does this through sanctuary, education, conservation and advocacy. RTF operates the American Wild Horse Sanctuary on Central Coastal California, which is home to 450 wild horses and burros who've survived traumatic capture from their home on our public lands. The sanctuary has pioneered and modeled alternatives to costly and devastating roundups and advocates for the redirection of funds away from roundups and holding facilities --to--minimally intrusive on the range management alternatives.
RTF is looking for a prolific and creative individual who can leverage social media and other digital platforms to increase engagement and help expand our supporter base. Reporting to the Advocacy Communications Manager, the DMM will design, implement, and manage RTF's social media & digital strategy, including discovery, content, and promotion. The DMM will collaborate with program, development and advocacy teams to produce cinematic and educational content to inspire change and be able to respond appropriately to comments on various platforms.
If you have a passion for justice and advocacy for the natural world, social media management, content creation, and storytelling through written word, video, graphics, web and digital channels and platforms - Join our team and help us create an engaging and impactful online presence for our brand. Necessary skill sets are a background in social media marketing, campaign strategy and design, branding, and performance/data measurement.
Our ideal candidate has a high standard of aesthetics and proficiency in digital platforms, and channels and analytics, is a self starter, highly prolific, creative, and organized, can work independently and as part of a team. This individual can be edgy, classic & clean , create diverse styles, has a finger on the pulse, drive messaging and branding through all platforms.
*As a content creator, it is necessary to be onsite a few days per week. Occasional, travel may be necessary to document roundups, events and conferences, interviews as needed.
Purpose Summary:
The Digital Media Manager is responsible for managing and enhancing our social media presence, as well as curating compelling content and stories to engage and inspire our audience.
Individuals with professional experience in social media content creation and management who have worked with national wildlife & conservation organizations (Wild Aid, NRDC, and similar) a plus.
Essential responsibilities In accordance with organizational policies, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Media organization: video and photo files
Social Media Management:
· Develop and implement social media strategies to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, promote fundraising campaigns, and generate leads.
· Manage and maintain our social media channels, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
· Create, schedule, and publish engaging and relevant content across all platforms.
· Monitor social media trends, tools, and applications, and recommend innovative strategies to improve our social media presence.
· Analyze social media metrics and provide regular reports on performance, insights, and recommendations for optimization.
Website Management:
· WEBSITE Posts, updates etc: including recent news, action items, Press, adoption,
Website / SEO
Handle website maintenance and basic site building
· using major website-building platforms, including WordPress and Shopify
· assisting with posting a variety of new content on website, from text to video
Troubleshooting
· locating and resolving technical problems, including, in some situations, during off hours or on short notice
Search Engine Optimization
· using your knowledge about the algorithms behind search engines and evolving tools and best practices to help RTF rank on search engine result pages
Analytics
· track and regularly report on website and social media data with an eye toward constant improvement
Content/Story Collection:
· Research, identify, and collect captivating stories and content related to our work throughout the organization, including conducting interviews with RTF staff, volunteers, and members of the public (RTF guests, experts in related field etc).
· Collaborate with various teams within the organization as well as collaborative partners, contractors and educators to gather relevant stories and content that align with our brand identity and messaging.
· Ensure all content collected is accurate, authentic, original, on brand and on message.
· Organize and maintain a comprehensive database of collected stories and content for future reference and easy access by other RTF staff and content creators current and future.
· Work closely with staff to understand their storytelling needs and project timelines and identify, recommend, and supply suitable content.
Content Curation and Creation:
· Create engaging and informative content, videos, infographics, and social media posts.
·. Optimize content for SEO and ensure it is tailored to different social media platforms.
Engagement and Community Management:
· Monitor and respond to comments, messages, across all social media platforms.
· Engage with our audience in a timely and meaningful manner
Other Responsibilities Include:
· Collaborate with the Development, Programs and Advocacy teams to develop visually appealing and shareable content.
· Market RTF online store and merchandise on social media
· Work with graphic designers and outside contractors as needed
· Stay up to date with industry trends, news, and relevant topics to develop fresh and relevant content ideas.
· Identify and leverage user-generated content to enhance brand advocacy and engagement.
· Collaborate with admin teams to address inquiries, concerns, and issues effectively.
· May perform other related duties as assigned.
Controls Over Work
The Digital Media Manager works under the general guidance of the Development Associate but will frequently work directly and collaboratively with the Executive Director and other staff as appropriate and is expected to pursue the established duties without direct supervision.
Physical Requirements:
The work may require occasional long periods of sitting at a desk while using a computer, calculator, or other office equipment. Work is performed both in and out of RTF office, which may require lifting and carrying equipment and display materials, walking on uneven terrain, up & down hills. Local, and some regional, travel may be required.
Requirements:
- Photography and videography skills, including experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Editing video
- Graphic design
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field (preferred).
- Must possess advanced Microsoft 365 skills.
- Proven experience in social media management and content creation, preferably in a similar role.
- Proficiency in using social media management tools and analytics platforms.
- Familiarity with SEO principles and practices.
- Familiarity with Google Analytics and practices.
- Experience/basic familiarity accessing a WordPress website interface is a plus.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid California driver’s license
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong knowledge of various social media platforms, their best practices, and emerging trends.
- Creative mindset and ability to think outside the box to develop innovative content ideas.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- A passion for storytelling and an understanding of how to engage and inspire audiences through content.
- A sincere interest in wild horse & wildlife conservation, animal welfare policy.
- Must exemplify the values of the organization in all interactions with coworkers and members of the public, including respect, trust, compassion, commitment, and kindness.
- High standard of aesthetics
- Quality video editing for social media
- Knowledge of Canva and other tools for quality graphic design including info graphics for social media and website
Benefits: Benefits include paid vacation time, three paid holidays and paid sick leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
RTF is an equal opportunity employer. RTF’s employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. RTF is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. RTF embraces the diversity of individual unique identity, diverse points of view and experiences and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment for all employees.