Coordinator, Digital & Social Engagement

Position Title:             Coordinator, Digital & Social Engagement (Entry Level)

Location:                     Washington, DC (hybrid; 2-3 days/week in office required)

Department:                Communications

Reports to:                  Manager, Digital & Social Engagement

Organization Summary:

Founded in 1968 , Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org. 

Position Summary:

The Coordinator, Digital & Social Engagement will help drive social media engagement for the Special Olympics movement, using multiple established and emerging social media channels and platforms. Working closely with the Senior Director, Digital & Social Engagement, the successful candidate will ensure compelling content is published to a full range of online resources to engage and activate a global community of athletes, families, volunteers, coaches and supporters to promote our mission and strategic business goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate global content on an extensive range of high-trafficked social media channels owned and operated by Special Olympics, including: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Linkedin and X.
• Publish posts across multiple platforms on a daily basis, including: writing engaging social copy and headlines, creating and posting videos, photos, graphics, infographics and other content, scheduling posts using 3rd party API software.
• Strategize and implement a consistent cadence of social posts to maximize traffic and engagement, and ensure our social media posting calendar is up-to-date and reflects optimal posting times.
• Plan social media content and create toolkits for global campaigns, calls to action and landmark days.
• Work with global Special Olympics departments, regional partners, sponsors, supporters and key stakeholders to maximize social engagement.
• Identify and editorialize key storylines, news and content that amplify the global impact of our work including: Sports and Competition, Inclusive Health, Global Youth and Education and Athlete Leadership.
• Amplify content around key events such as Special Olympics World Games and Unified Cup, and travel to such events to work independently in producing social content.
• Edit compelling video content when required (video editing experience a huge plus).
• Be across fast-moving social media industry trends and understand ‘what works’ on social. Help identify future social trends, explore new platforms and stay ahead of the curve.
• Analyze key performance indicators of Special Olympics social posts and translate metrics into easily digestible reports for internal distribution.
• Experiment with innovative tactics and strategies to engage new audiences and demographics and raise brand awareness.
• Work closely with Special Olympics athletes and put their stories front-and-center of our posts.
• Assist executive leadership in establishing, refining, and executing social media profiles and communications protocols in select channels.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of experience in social media, public relations, marketing, journalism or a related communications field.
• Good knowledge of all aspects of the social media environment: platforms, brands, vendors, measurement, content creation, earned media, internal communications, emerging digital and social media technologies, & user experience
• Outstanding writing and communication skills with proven experience in creating engaging social media content, resulting in enhanced engagement and followers.
•  Proficiency in video editing (e.g. Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere). Experience in using camera and audio equipment a welcome bonus.
• Ability to successfully execute multiple internal and external initiatives/projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of the fast-paced nature of the digital/social and technology space with the ability to adapt accordingly and keep pace with current trends.
• Great interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment are an absolute must.
• Must also be a self-starter and be able to work independently when required.
• Willingness and ability to travel both nationally and internationally; including non-traditional work hours (nights and/or weekends) to attend to events and unexpected projects.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of the Special Olympics brand.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with people with intellectual disabilities.
• Experience working in international markets a plus.

Special Olympics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.