Job Description:Position Title: Graphic Designer / Social Media SpecialistPayroll/Personnel Type: 12 MonthJob #: 8947Reports to: Executive Director of CommunicationsShift Length: 8 Hours a DayUnion Eligibility: Not EligibleStarting Salary: $80,000Position Summary:We're looking for a highly experienced and creative Graphic Designer/Social Media Specialist to join our team. This pivotal role will be responsible for defining, developing, and executing our visual brand identity across all platforms, with a strong emphasis on digital channels and social media engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong artistic vision, exceptional design skills, and a proven track record of developing and implementing successful social media strategies that drive brand awareness, engagement, and positive community relations for Saint Louis Public Schools.Essential Functions:Graphic Design (Approx. 60%)
Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of all visual assets, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality aesthetics across all touchpoints (digital, print, video).
Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines for Saint Louis Public Schools, ensuring adherence across all internal and external communications.
Design compelling marketing and communications collateral, including but not limited to:
Website graphics, landing page designs, and UI/UX elements.
Social media graphics, animations, and short-form video content.
Email marketing templates and visuals for parent and community outreach.
Digital advertisements (display, programmatic, social media) for enrollment and events.
Presentations, reports, and internal communications for staff and board members.
Print materials (brochures, flyers, event signage, banners) for school events and district initiatives.
Collaborate closely with various departments, including communications, enrollment, human resources, and school administrators, to translate their objectives into impactful visual solutions.
Oversee and manage external design resources (freelancers, agencies) as needed, ensuring quality and brand alignment with SLPS standards.
Stay abreast of industry trends, design tools, and emerging technologies to continually elevate the visual presence of Saint Louis Public Schools.
Provide design direction and feedback to other team members as required.
Social Media (Approx. 40%)
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive social media strategy that is aligned with Saint Louis Public Schools' overall communication and strategic goals.
Oversee the creation and curation of engaging, on-brand content (visuals, videos, copy) for all active social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok).
Manage and grow our social media communities, fostering engagement, positive brand interactions, and active participation from parents, students, staff, and the community.
Monitor social media trends, tools, and best practices, proactively identifying opportunities for growth and innovation for SLPS's digital presence.
Utilize social media analytics and reporting tools to track performance, identify insights, and optimize strategies for maximum impact on community engagement and awareness.
Conduct audience research to inform content strategy and identify opportunities for connecting with diverse stakeholders.
Manage social media advertising campaigns for district initiatives, events, and enrollment drives, including budget allocation, targeting, and performance optimization.
Develop and maintain a robust content calendar, ensuring timely and consistent posting across all relevant platforms.
Handle community management, responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely, professional, and empathetic manner, adhering to district communication guidelines.
Identify and engage with local influencers, community leaders, and brand advocates to expand reach and credibility for SLPS.
Develop and implement crisis communication plans for social media, ensuring rapid and effective response when needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing exceptional graphic design skills, brand development, and compelling social media content.
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).
Demonstrable experience developing and executing successful social media strategies across multiple platforms.
Proficiency with social media management platforms (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer) and analytics tools.
Solid understanding of digital marketing principles, SEO, and content marketing.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to craft engaging, clear, and audience-appropriate copy.
Strong understanding of branding principles, typography, color theory, and layout.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Highly collaborative and proactive, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, interacting positively with diverse groups.
Experience with video editing and animation for social media is highly preferred.
Understanding of UI/UX principles is a plus.
A team player with excellent interpersonal skills; someone who knows how to communicate the appropriate level of information to keep all key players in the loop on critical issues
Creative agency background a plus
Strong knowledge of latest photography, video, and design equipment trends also a plus
Experience:
5-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design with a significant focus on digital media and social media management, preferably in an educational institution, non-profit, or public sector environment.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle
Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects
Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree
Working Conditions and Environment:
Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment
Very limited or no exposure to physical risk
Disclaimer:The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.Benefits:SLPS believes in taking care of its employees. We offer a fully-insured health care plan along with some amazing perks! Here are some of the highlights of our benefits plan and perks, but you'll want to check out for all of the details.
Fully-paid health insurance for self
$30,000 of tuition reimbursement (certificated staff)
$40,000 group term life insurance
Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs
Pension plan
Robust wellness programs
Please note benefit and perk eligibility may vary by employee status, employment date, and job classification.Attachments