Freelance Social Media Coordinator – Ops 2026-01

• Contract Position: 6 months (with option to renew)
• Time Commitment: 10 hours per week, or up to 15 for special projects.
• Location: San Francisco Bay Area
• Reports to: Development Coordinator

About SFEI

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which has a30-year track record of providing robust and innovative science to decision-makers, policy-makers, practitioners, and community members to measurably improve the health and resiliency of Bay-Delta ecosystems. As a boundary organization, SFEI operates at the interface between science and policy, recognized nationally for our ability to build consensus to support effective environmental decision-making and policy. Our mission is to deliver visionary science that empowers people to revitalize nature in our communities.

SFEI employs an interdisciplinary staff of more than 90. SFEI has three major programs: Clean Water, Environmental Informatics, and Resilient Landscapes. Our program staff represent numerous scientific and technological fields, including chemistry, modeling, ecology, wildlife biology, landscape planning, historical ecology, geomorphology, geospatial analysis, and web development.

For more information on our mission, values, programs, and staff, visit the San Francisco Estuary Institute website.

Position Overview

We're seeking a creative and detail-oriented Social Media Coordinator to manage and elevate our social media presence across platforms. This freelance role offers the opportunity to tell environmental science stories through engaging, scientifically credible content while maintaining consistency with our organizational voice and visual identity. The ideal candidate will be an experienced social media user and science communicator, with enthusiasm for translating complex scientific concepts into accessible, exciting stories.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with social media liaisons across the organization to create engaging graphics and copy for posts, stories, and reels.
• Plan, schedule, and publish regular content across all platforms, ensuring consistency in tone, messaging, and branding.
• Proofread and edit content for consistency in tone, style, and platform best practices.
• Develop and edit occasional short-form video content in collaboration with program staff.
• Monitor and respond to messages and comments across all social media platforms; escalate inquiries to appropriate staff members when responses require subject matter expertise.
• Repurpose posts as stories or reels on Instagram and Facebook for maximum reach.
• Maintain our visual identity across platforms.
• Follow and implement current social media trends and best practices.

Special Projects

• Revisit and update social media templates with versatile, accessible designs.
• Participate in a team to develop a social media strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
• Working with the development team, develop and execute social media campaigns and initiatives to support fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns, events and advocacy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing social media accounts for organizations or brands. Science communication experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of platform-specific best practices (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube).
• Experience working with a social media scheduling platform(Metricool is a plus, but not required).
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design tools.
• Experience creating and editing short-form video content (reels, stories).
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with distributed teams.
• Comfortable attending events and participating in field work (may include outdoor environments).
• Interest in environmental science, conservation, or related fields is a plus.