Role Overview

The Chicago Reader is seeking a creative and strategic Social Media Manager to grow and engage our audience across multiple platforms. This role emphasizes developing and executing social media strategies, reporting on performance, and ensuring our voice resonates with Chicago’s unique culture. 

The role will collaborate closely with the Reader's editorial and marketing teams to create a weekly media strategy and social media content, including videos, taglines, hashtags, graphics, and other production assets to build and increase the Reader brand's presence. This role is also responsible for increasing engagement by responding to comments and following up on inquiries. Other responsibilities may vary depending on the organizational need. 

• A strong background in newsroom social media management with proven experience growing and engaging audiences
• A strong background in shooting and editing short-form video content
• Proficient in Adobe Premiere, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other digital media design tools
• Proficient in analyzing performance data and turning insights into actionable strategies
• Knowledge of social platform best practices, algorithms, and trends
• Skilled at writing, editing, and packaging content for multiple platforms
• Excellent organizational, scheduling, and time-management skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, multitasking, and a sense of humor

Platform Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute the Reader’s social media strategy across key platforms (Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Threads, and other platforms
• Create content daily that can be utilized across our social media platforms, that promotes Reader journalism and editorial products, event coverage, fundraising, and other promotional products
• Work collaboratively with Reader teams to create copy and craft compelling taglines (short, memorable phrases) that define the Reader’s essence and values, for optimal social media engagement

Analytics & Optimization

• Track performance and provide monthly reporting on reach, engagement, growth, and conversions.
• Monitor audience insights, analytics, and trends and adapt approaches while maintaining the Reader brand
• Analyze and report on performance metrics and work with Reader teams to guide and direct content decisions
• Strategically optimize headlines, posting times, and creative formats based on data.

Audience Engagement

• Engage directly with audiences through direct messages (DMs), comments, shares, and conversations, maintaining the Reader’s humor, integrity, and cultural sensibility.
• Identify and act on opportunities and trending topics to create social content, from reels, episodic digestible breakdowns of Reader journalism in the form of explanatory short videos, and staff takeovers

Brand Stewardship

• Stay informed on current trends in social media and local culture to keep The Reader relevant and surprising

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions
• Paid Time Off: 16 paid holidays, birthday off (or a day off during your birthday month), vacation accrual starting after your first payroll
• Employee Assistance Program: FREE health, wellness, and financial support services
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dependent care, and other expenses

Why Join Noisy Creek?

Aside from being an equal opportunity employer, we’re also a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices that are at the table, the better the conversation—and the work! We affirm Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, and justice for Native people, and we strive for equity for all persons, regardless of where they were born. We believe that our society only works when everyone can live to their fullest potential.

We recognize that opportunities aren't always equal, so if you don’t meet all the qualifications above but still think you’d be a good fit, please consider applying. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you!

Additional Information 

This is a hybrid (some office time each week is required), full-time, non-exempt, union position. The typical schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, though hours can vary with this role, including some evening and weekend work. Applicants should live in the Chicago metro area.