National Democratic Institute (NDI)

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About The Role

This position is responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies that will leverage the digital media capacity for NDI’s overarching social media strategy and building digital media capacity for NDI’s programs, teams and local partners in consultation with the Director of Digital Communications.

Employing a deep understanding of all major social media platforms, the Social Media Strategist plays an essential role in shaping the public conversation around NDI by building brand awareness, driving Institute reach, and socializing the organization’s success stories by engaging with target audiences as required such as key partners, government entities, donors and others. This position’s incumbent provides training, consultation and project support on social and digital media strategies to NDI regional/country/functional teams and their local partners in service of NDI’s programmatic commitments and core mission.

• When you apply, please include your portfolio for all social media platforms mentioned in the job description.

Your Purpose And Impact

• Develop and execute comprehensive and cohesive social media strategies to leverage and build awareness of the NDI brand and work across various platforms, particularly NDI’s flagship social media accounts, while incorporating innovative and compelling content (i.e. visual and multimedia) in order to foster and achieve high levels of user/audience engagement.
• Collaborate and partner with others within the GRC team, as well as internally across NDI, to leverage cohesive, current, and integrated messaging and content across social media platforms as well as alignment with NDI’s overall mission and values.
• Lead the creation and curation of original and engaging content for NDI’s social media channels including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram and others, including publishing and sharing regular content to the Institute’s nearly half million followers across all platforms.
• Manage social media content calendar for various media channels and digital campaigns, planning and scheduling posts to ensure continuity in the availability of relevant and up-to-date content and messaging, as well as highlighting key touchpoints (e.g. Pride Month, International Democracy Day, Speak Youth to Power). Ensure real time engagement on social media platforms for NDI’s live public events on social media and major NDI activities and initiatives, such as the Democracy Gala, including direct engagement with high-profile guests, speakers and partners.
• Serve as a resource and provide guidance on social media strategies to NDI staff and partners across regional and functional areas. Develop and lead training workshops in order to build and strengthen institutional knowledge and best practices around social media. Create social media toolkits for Institute projects and targeted campaigns, and liaise across teams to build buy-in and facilitate efficiencies around Institute-wide initiatives and other issues requiring broader reach in social media messaging.
• Monitor and respond to social media posts and questions on behalf of NDI whether through direct messages, comments, replies, etc. Identify potential and unfolding crises to ensure timely and appropriate social media response/presence, particularly acting proactively through the presentation of recommendations for appropriate response/content to mitigate reputational threats to the Institute.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for NDI’s social media efforts, capturing and analyzing relevant data, metrics and insights, reporting trends related to web traffic, user engagement and return on investment from campaigns as well as search engine optimization (SEO). Identify and make recommendations to facilitate continuous improvement in NDI’s social media strategies in order to broaden and leverage audience reach and user engagement.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest social media best practices and trends, monitoring platform updates and emerging technologies in the market, continuously refining NDI’s social media strategy in response to ensure that NDI maintains a competitive edge in the social media landscape.
• Manage an assigned budget for promoting social media posts and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Optimize posts and advertising to gain the broadest audience reach and engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, digital media, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of four years of related experience working in social media, preferably with content management and outreach responsibilities, along with a portfolio of successful social media content and campaigns.
• Proven track record of managing successful social media campaigns, particularly Google Ad campaigns, that expand external audiences and increase engagement.
• Prior experience in creating and delivering training on social media strategy and content management.
• Proven graphic design experience, including the editing of photos, video and text, with a working knowledge and some proficiency in the use of design software (such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva).
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in the use of Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms and online marketing tools/channels for determining how best to utilize these to target varying audiences with appropriate voice and messaging to leverage engagement and build online communities, particularly relative to complex and politically sensitive issues and topics in ever-changing external environments.
• Thorough understanding of social media metrics and success factors and how best to measure impact and reach through SEO and social media KPIs.
• Creativity, as well as strong problem-solving, analytical, and judgment skills, to allow the ability to assess information/data, draw conclusions, determine options and recommend next steps—particularly with the review of audience and stakeholders’ data and for determining innovative and effective social media strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communications vehicles. This includes the ability to present to varying sized audiences in a manner that influences and drives understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally to support and leverage audience development/engagement and leverage outreach with partners, vendors and other critical stakeholders. The ability to maintain composure, apply discretion, and maintain confidential NDI information in interactions with others.
• An attention to detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• Results-oriented, with a high level of confidence, integrity, and initiative; organizational and project management skills; the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines through good time management; and, flexibility, along with the capability to adapt and respond to shifting priorities.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint required; knowledge of Google Suite tools preferred.
• Google Ads certification a plus

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $70,300 – 87,900.

Additional Information

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI.

This is a union position to be represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.