Senior Social Strategist

At GSD&M, we’re on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We’re able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We’re humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that’s what it takes to build and be First & Only.

• DEPARTMENT: Social
• REPORTS TO: Director, Social 
• Travel: 0-10%
• FLSA STATUS: Exempt
• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
• LOCATION: Austin

POSITION OVERVIEW

Senior Social Strategists are responsible for developing and leading the activation of a brand(s) social media strategy and day-to-day decision-making. The Senior Social Strategist is a very dynamic role that demonstrates mastery of the fundamentals of social media including strategy, channel and content plans, community management, influencer strategy, paid social, and measurement frameworks. The role requires a passion for social media and the ability to leverage that deep understanding into effective social-first content and experiences for our clients. This role is a collaboration champion, working closely and productively with disciplines and key stakeholders across brand strategy, comms strategy, creative, account leadership, external agencies, etc. in the pursuit of First & Only solutions.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• Develop holistic social media strategies, including audience definition, channel plan, content framework, social voice and measurement plans.
• Develop social-activation briefs and deliver to creative teams.
• Partner and collaborate with creative teams to translate an idea into social-first application within budget parameters.
• Collaborate with paid social team on both campaign and evergreen strategies.
• Lead and manage brand influencer program (in collaboration with paid media team).
• Oversee the development of communication guidelines and social voice.
• Oversee content/editorial calendar development.
• Identify opportunities to proactively engage with relevant industry influencers and events on social.
• Provide ongoing thought leadership, strategic guidance and industry-best practices to both clients and internal agency teams.
• Leverage a variety of social tools and data (social-media-management platforms, social listening, influencer, etc.) to inform and optimize strategy and content approach.
• Develop and/or oversee POVs on a range of social topics as needed.
• Monitor trends and updates in social media ecosystem and synthesize into clear brand implications and opportunities.
• Actively participate in the growth and development of Social Strategists and Social Media Managers.
• Collaborate with analysts to inform monthly dashboard and ad hoc reporting to drive continuous optimization.
• Identify opportunities to fuel an ongoing learning agenda.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluent across a variety of social channels as an active and passionate participant
• Demonstrate a strong attention to detail ensuring that all creative content follows social best practices and brand guidelines
• Familiarity with social media analytics, insights and reporting
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage client and internal relationships

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years’ experience
• Experience with large national brands is a plus
• Deep understanding and participation in emerging platforms (i.e., TikTok)
• Working knowledge of social-media-management software and monitoring/listening tools is a plus
• Technical understanding and ability to pick up new tools quickly
• Working or applied knowledge of paid social strategies/tactics
• Routinely takes initiative to improve process/workflow/methodologies

At GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower.  An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you’re just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.

GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment.  If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to keisha.townsend@gsdm.com for support. 

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.