Social Media Manager

Social Media Manager (5531-1)

Our client, a global leader in the consumer goods industry, is seeking a freelance Social Media Manager to elevate the presence of several innovation brands across social platforms, with an emphasis on pet care and filtration. This role blends hands-on content creation with rigorous operational and channel management, ideal for a creator who can both ideate and execute with consistency and precision.

Position Details

Title:

Social Media Manager (5531-1)

Location:

Greater Chicago Metro Area (Remote/Hybrid)

Schedule:

Full-time hours (40 hours/week)

Employment Type:

Freelance
Travel:
Up to 10% (typically once per quarter or less)

Position Summary
The Social Media Manager will oversee the day-to-day execution of the organic social media footprint, from planning through publishing and performance tracking. You will concept, capture, and edit social-first content; manage calendars and workflows; and coordinate with internal partners and external creators. This is a collaborative, hands-on role requiring strong creative instincts, comfort in front of the camera, and disciplined operational follow-through.

Core Responsibilities

Content Creation & Channel Execution

• Develop and produce original, platform-native content for Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook, including short-form video, imagery, and simple motion/graphic assets.

• Capture content using mobile devices, including pet care and filtration product demonstrations; appear on camera as needed for how-tos, tips, and product usage content.

• Edit and refine content using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Cap Cut, or comparable software.

• Write engaging, on-brand copy for captions, overlays, and post descriptions aligned with brand voice and campaign objectives.

• Manage the end-to-end content workflow, from intake and asset requests through approvals, final delivery, and posting.

• Publish and schedule content across channels; manage day-to-day posting cadence to ensure consistency and timeliness.

• Support ongoing sourcing, organization, and deployment of UGC, employee-generated content, and partner assets while maintaining quality and brand compliance.

• Identify and vet creators and influencers that align with brand and campaign priorities.

• Coordinate with external creators in partnership with the influencer team, including managing briefs, deliverable timelines, feedback, and quality assurance.

• Monitor social and cultural trends, emerging formats, and platform tools (including AI-assisted production) and propose new content ideas and test concepts.

Social Operations, Optimization & Reporting

• Build and maintain cross-channel social content calendars that integrate brand priorities, product launches, and campaign moments.

• Support the planning and execution of organic social campaigns from brief through final reporting.

• Partner closely with social strategy, analytics, and influencer teams to ensure content reflects strategic direction and KPIs.

• Monitor performance metrics and audience behavior; surface insights and recommend optimizations for content formats, cadence, timing, and engagement tactics.

• Stay informed on platform updates, policies, and algorithm changes and translate them into practical recommendations for the team.

• Assist in compiling regular reports, dashboards, and recaps summarizing performance, learnings, and test-and-learn opportunities.

• Manage community engagement in partnership with internal teams: respond to comments and DMs within guidelines, and escalate issues as needed.

• Ensure clear, proactive communication with internal stakeholders and senior leaders, providing rationale behind plans and summarizing results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, design, or a related discipline preferred.

• 2-3+ years of professional experience managing social media for brands, agencies, or publishers.

• Proven experience producing social-first content (video, photo, and basic graphics) for Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook.

• Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt tone and style across brands and platforms.

• Hands-on proficiency with creative and editing tools (e.g., Adobe…