Title: Social Media Assistant

Location: Fairfax United States

Job Description:

Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 full-time employees. Functional units within Advancement include development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.

Advancement's mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's alumni and constituents, while matching their philanthropic interests with the university's aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.

About the Position:

The Social Media Assistant is responsible for the content creation, management, and posting on the official accounts for the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Responsibilities:

Event Coverage & On-Site Content Capture

• Attend Advancement, alumni, and donor events-including evenings and weekends-to capture photos and short-form video;
• Produce real-time social media coverage (stories, quick posts, highlights);
• Identify compelling moments, quotes, and visuals suitable for social media;
• Coordinate with student social media assistants supporting event coverage;
• Ensure key events are documented with social-ready content; and
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including evening and weekend events, occasional travel, and time-sensitive assignments.

Social Media Posting & Engagement Support

• Schedule and publish approved content;
• Ensure posts follow brand guidelines and platform best practices;
• Maintain consistent posting cadence across platforms;
• Monitor engagement and audience response to posts; and
• Compile basic performance highlights for staff review.

Content Creation, Editing & Production

• Create original social media content highlighting alumni engagement, donor impact, and university initiatives;
• Produce short-form video, photo features, and social-ready visual content for Advancement channels;
• Edit photos and short-form video using mobile or desktop editing tools;
• Develop quick-turn event recaps, reels, and highlight stories;
• Capture and edit short interviews or testimonials from alumni, donors, students, and university leaders; and
• Adapt campaign visuals or messaging into social-ready formats.

Coordination with Communications & Campus Partners

• Coordinate social coverage with Advancement and Alumni Relations staff;
• Work with schools and university partners to cross-promote events and campaigns; and
• Share captured content with internal teams for additional use.

Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role

Required Qualifications:

• Experience creating strong, engaging content;
• Demonstrated experience creating social media content, with strengths in storytelling, photography, or video, as demonstrated by a strong portfolio;
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices;
• Skill in Adobe creative suite;
• Skill in Canva;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills to meet deadlines;
• Ability to maintain a neutral presence;
• Demonstrated skill in writing, proofreading, and editing; and
• Ability to participate in on-campus events occurring during off-hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or non-profit;
• Experience working in George Mason University's brand;
• Experience creating video content;
• Experience with social media campaigns;
• Digital video and photography skills; and
• Experience with project management.