Social Media Specialist

ABOUT HED: We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening and learning from each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share. POSITION SUMMARY: The Social Media Specialist strengthens HED’s digital presence by developing and managing social media content that brings the firm’s work, expertise, people, and culture to life across digital platforms. As part of HED’s Communications team, this role translates firmwide priorities and market-sector expertise into clear, engaging, audience-focused content. The position manages the day-to-day operation of HED’s social media channels, develops original written and visual content, coordinates contributions from teams across the firm, and uses performance data to improve digital communications. The role also partners with leaders, subject-matter experts, Marketing, Business Development, Talent, and other internal stakeholders to ensure social media activity supports HED’s brand, thought leadership, recruiting, and business-development objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Social Media Strategy and Management: Develop and maintain HED’s social media content calendar in alignment with firmwide communications priorities, market-sector strategies, recruiting objectives, and major firm initiatives Manage HED’s presence across LinkedIn, Instagram, and other relevant platforms, including publishing, channel maintenance, and appropriate engagement with comments, mentions, messages, and industry conversationsRecommend platform-specific strategies, content themes, publishing schedules, and audience-development opportunities based on business priorities, audience needs, and performance dataMonitor platform trends, changing audience behaviors, and emerging communication practices relevant to the architecture, engineering, design, and construction industryMaintain a consistent HED voice and visual identity across social media channels while applying sound judgment related to brand reputation, confidentiality, and client/project information Content Development and Storytelling: Create compelling written, visual, and short-form video content featuring HED’s projects, people, expertise, research, culture, and community impactTranslate complex architectural, engineering, planning, and design topics into clear, engaging, audience-focused social contentInterview subject-matter experts and collaborate with project teams to identify meaningful stories, insights, and points of viewWrite and edit social media copy that reflects HED’s brand voice, positioning, and strategic prioritiesCoordinate photography, graphics, animation, and video assets in collaboration with internal creative resources and external partnersAdapt longer-form content—including articles, research, project stories, presentations, and media coverage—for use across social channelsSupport communications associated with project milestones, awards, speaking engagements, conferences, leadership announcements, recruiting, and firmwide initiatives Firmwide Coordination: Build productive relationships with leaders, subject-matter experts, marketing teams, and employees across HED’s offices and market sectorsEstablish and continuously improve a practical process for identifying, collecting, evaluating, approving, and scheduling content from across the firmProvide guidance to employees and leaders who represent HED through professional social media activityCoordinate with Marketing, Business Development, Talent, and firm leadership so social content supports broader business objectivesHelp maintain clear standards for social media participation, approvals, brand consistency, accessibility, copyright and permissions, confidentiality, and appropriate use of client and project information Analytics and Continuous Improvement Track and report on audience growth, engagement, reach, website traffic, content performance, and other relevant measuresUse analytics to identify which topics, formats, channels, and publishing approaches produce the strongest results, and translate findings into practical recommendations for future content and campaignsEstablish benchmarks and performance goals that connect social media activity to brand awareness, talent attraction, thought leadership, market positioning, and business-development prioritiesMonitor HED’s competitive and industry landscape to identify opportunities to strengthen the firm’s digital presence Measures of Success: Consistent delivery of high-quality, on-brand content and increased engagement with HED’s priority audiencesGrowth in the reach, relevance, and visibility of HED’s people, expertise, projects, ideas, and digital presenceIncreased participation and content contributions from across the firmEffective support of recruiting, thought leadership, market positioning, and business-development initiativesClear reporting that demonstrates performance and informs future communications decisions REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, or a related fieldThree to five years of professional experience in social media, digital communications, content marketing, or a related roleDemonstrated experience managing social media channels for a professional organization or brandExceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to make complex information clear and engagingStrong visual judgment and experience creating or directing graphics, photography, and short-form videoWorking knowledge of social media management, scheduling, analytics, and listening toolsExperience using Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or comparable content-development tools; proficiency with Microsoft 365 and comfort using AI-enabled productivity tools to support efficient content development are also valuableAbility to interpret performance data and communicate actionable insightsStrong project-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesAbility to work collaboratively with professionals across disciplines, levels, offices, and areas of expertise PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience within architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, professional services, or another expertise-driven industryFamiliarity with employee advocacy, executive visibility, and thought-leadership programsExperience supporting paid social media campaigns and producing/editing short-form video contentUnderstanding of accessibility, copyright, permissions, and social media best practicesFamiliarity with website content management, search optimization, or digital campaign strategy PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: A curious storyteller who recognizes compelling ideas and develops them into effective contentA strong listener who helps technical professionals communicate their expertise clearlyProactive, resourceful, and comfortable taking ownership of work and recommendationsCollaborative and skilled at building relationships across a complex organizationAttentive to quality while able to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environmentThoughtful about brand reputation, professional judgment, and the responsibilities associated with representing HED publicly PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerMust be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-personVisual acuity to perform responsibilities WORK ENVIRONMENT: We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture. The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work. OTHER DUTIES: This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.