The Social Media Specialist is responsible for developing and executing a creative social media strategy that elevates APHA’s brand, mission and strategic initiatives. This role places a strong emphasis on producing high-quality, engaging content that resonates with APHA’s diverse audiences and brings the organization’s voice to life across digital platforms. The Specialist will create compelling multimedia content — including graphics, short-form videos, stories and written posts — tailored for all social channels. A key focus will be using creativity and storytelling to enhance APHA’s digital footprint and deepen engagement with the public, policymakers, key influencers and APHA members and partners. This position will be responsible for identifying new and innovative ways to grow APHA’s social audiences, amplify APHA’s presence in online conversations and position the organization as a leading, trusted voice in public health. The role includes posting across all active organic channels, managing paid social campaigns and ensuring content reflects best practices in design, format, tone and audience engagement.

Content Creation & Creative Strategy: Develop and execute a creative, platform-specific content strategy that reflects APHA’s brand and mission. Produce engaging multimedia content — including graphics, videos, stories, reels, animations and written posts — for all APHA social media channels. Bring creative storytelling to APHA’s public health priorities, translating complex topics into accessible, compelling digital content. Social Media Management: Plan, schedule and publish content across LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky and other emerging platforms. Manage day-to-day channel activity, ensuring timely posting and active audience engagement. Audience Growth & Engagement: Working with all relevant departments, identify opportunities to expand APHA’s reach and grow engaged audiences across all social platforms. Position APHA as a thought leader by inserting the organization strategically into relevant online conversations and trending topics. Paid Social & Campaign Support: Support and manage paid social media campaigns, including content development, targeting and performance monitoring. Social Listening & Analytics: Use social listening tools to monitor conversations, trends and sentiment relevant to APHA and public health. Analyze content performance and audience insights to inform future creative direction and improve engagement. Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with the AED, Public Affairs and Advocacy, Campaign for the Public’s Health, communications, marketing, policy and program teams to source stories, gather content and ensure message alignment. Coordinate with design or video partners when needed and manage content workflows from concept through posting.

Technical & Platform Expertise: Proven experience managing professional social media accounts across platforms including LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky and emerging channels. Strong proficiency in creating multimedia content (graphics, short-form video, stories, reels, animations). Experience with social media management and scheduling tools (e.g., Sprout, Hootsuite, Later, Buffer, Vista Social). Content Creation & Creative Skills: Demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into accessible, engaging digital content. Strong writing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms. Strategic & Analytical Skills: Experience using analytics tools to track social media performance, audience behavior and content effectiveness. Ability to interpret social listening insights and apply them to content planning and brand strategy. Project Management & Collaboration: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and content workflows. Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as communications, marketing, policy or program areas. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong attention to detail, especially in proofreading and brand consistency. Ability to engage professionally with online communities and respond to sensitive topics appropriately. Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 2–4 years of professional experience in social media management, digital marketing or content creation. Experience in public health, nonprofit, association or mission-driven organizations is a plus. Physical Requirements: Requires occasional lifting and moving of up to 25 lbs. Must be able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as job duties or projects require. Travel to the Annual Meeting is required with other occasional travel possible.

Position is based in downtown DC near several metro stations. Hybrid work environment.

Hours: 35 hours a week, full-time, Monday - Friday (daytime). Number of openings: 1.

Applicants who meet the requirements and are interested in being considered for this position should submit the following information at: https://careers-apha.icims.com.

• Cover letter;
• Resume;
• A writing sample;
• Salary requirement;
• At least 2 supervisory references and 1 professional reference (name, title, company name and phone number and email).

Vaccination Policy: New Hires and Employees must adhere to APHA COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Policy.

CLOSING DATE:    Open Until Filled

SALARY RANGE:  Mid to high-60’s (salary commensurate with experience & job role). APHA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

EEO/AA/VETS/DISABILITY. APHA is strongly and actively committed to diversity in its workplace.

About American Public Health Association

APHA champions the health of all people and all communities. We strengthen the public health profession. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. We are the only organization that influences federal policy, has a nearly 150-year perspective and brings together members from all fields of public health. Our Mission: Improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status Our Vision: Create the healthiest nation in one generation Our Values: Our values reflect the beliefs of our members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries. APHA publishes the American Journal of Public Health and The Nation's Health newspaper. At our Annual Meeting and Expo, thousands of people share the latest public health research. We lead public awareness campaigns such as Get Ready and National Public Health Week. Together, we are creating the healthiest nation in one generation.

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