Digital and Social Media Manager - Media Services

About the Department

The Social Media Manager oversees the City of Detroit’s digital presence across assigned social media platforms, ensuring consistent, engaging, and on-brand communication that reflects the City’s mission, leadership, and community initiatives. This role manages the day-to-day operations of the Digital and Social Media Coordinator and Content Specialist, including content strategy, planning, scheduling, analytics, and campaign execution. The Social Media Manager is responsible for shaping the City’s online voice, aligning content with strategic priorities, and driving resident engagement through creative and data-driven storytelling.

Position Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement social media strategies to support departmental campaigns and initiatives.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Digital and Social Media Coordinator and Content Specialist.
• Develop, schedule, and manage daily social media content across assigned platforms.
• Provide on-site social media coverage at events and departmental activities, as needed.
• Create digital content, including graphics, videos, and copywriting, to support campaigns.
• Interface with the management, external social media managers, and Media Services Department, as needed.
• Research best practices to improve digital communication strategies, including permits and reservation systems.
• Work evenings and weekends as required to support events and campaign coverage.
• Draft and present digital media metrics.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Digital Media, Film/TV Production, Graphic Design, or a related field. 
• Proven experience in creating and managing digital content across multiple platforms (social media, web, email). 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences. 
• Strong customer service and resident engagement skills. 
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Initiative and ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred 

• Demonstrated ability to capture and edit high-quality photo and video content (short-form reels, event recaps, campaign videos).
• Proficiency with digital content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Canva, or similar platforms. 
• Familiarity with social media management and analytics tools(e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics). • Experience designing social media campaigns with measurable engagement outcomes. 
• Knowledge of SEO best practices for digital content and web management. 
• Ability to develop creative storytelling approachesto highlight programs, events, and community impact. 
• Strong understanding of current trendsin digitalmedia, video production, and social platforms (TikTok, InstagramReels,YouTubeShorts). 
• Experience with email marketing platforms(e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and list management. 
• Motion graphics or graphic design experience is a plus.

Other Qualifications

Working Conditions

• This position operates in a professional office setting within the Media Services Department. 
• The role moderately requires travel to community events, departmental activities, and on-site locations across the City of Detroit for social media coverage and content capture. 
• Standard office equipment such as computers, phones, cameras, and audiovisual equipment will be used regularly. 
• The position involves periods of sitting at a desk working on computers, as well as standing, walking, and carrying equipment at events. 
• Work hours are generally during regular business hours; however, evening and weekend availability is required to support events, campaigns, and urgent communication needs. 
• The role demands the ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and adapt quickly to changing priorities or urgent requests. 
• Collaboration is essential — the Specialist will work closely with other city departments, media partners, and community organizations in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Performance Metrics: Social Media Content 
• Increase departmental social media engagement by 15% per quarter (likes shares, comments, clicks). 
• Grow social media followers by 10% annually across all platforms. 
• Publish 100% of scheduled posts on time according to the content calendar. 

Events Collaboration 

• Provide on-site social media coverage for at least 60% of key departmental events each quarter. 
• Respond to collaboration requests within 48 hours. 
• Successfully manage Communications Events Coordinator, with at least 60% of assigned tasks completed on time. 

Innovation Strategy

• Implement at least 3 new best practices or innovations annually based on industry research. 
• Make at least 1 data-driven adjustment per quarter to improve campaign performance. 
• Maintain orimprove resident engagementsatisfaction scoresthrough surveys and feedback

Detroit is a dynamic, diverse city with an intriguing history.