For today's blog, I'm looking at two different job postings for Social Media Manager and comparing them. One is for a division of the Stride Rite footwear company, Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG). The other is for the non-profit Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).
The job titles are:
The job titles are:
Similarities
What stands out first about these jobs is the sheer scale of their responsibilities. SRCG's job post includes 15 bullet points (so does RBFF's) covering duties that could be summed up in one of its skill requirements: "Ability and desire to work at both the strategic and tactical levels."
Big and small. All teh things.
What stands out first about these jobs is the sheer scale of their responsibilities. SRCG's job post includes 15 bullet points (so does RBFF's) covering duties that could be summed up in one of its skill requirements: "Ability and desire to work at both the strategic and tactical levels."
Big and small. All teh things.
Both jobs include, broadly, managing various parties in the PR department (and social media contributors), researching potential audiences and partners, developing and executing overarching strategy, and writing both on various social media platforms and on company blogs. Another big duty involves metric data analysis. Oh yeah, and editing. Yeah...it's a lot. Or at least, it seems like a lot. I'd be interested in eventually doing more research into the actual on-the-job demands of the average social media manager in the field. |
One key point I noticed relates to our reading this week by Christopher Thames, especially regarding various companies' reticence to make SMM a specific, budgeted position. The SRCG post has this gem of a desired skill: "Must be results oriented--with a high degree of personal initiative and leadership--in a fast-paced, fluid and lower resourced environment." See also: "Proven ability to make solid recommendations in ambiguous situations."
In other words, high expectations with a low budget and please tell us you know what you're doing.
In other words, high expectations with a low budget and please tell us you know what you're doing.
Both postings imply that they already have a social media/brand strategy, but both also imply that the job would require revising and improving on it. Both also desire experience with and knowledge of all the major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Wordpress, etc.).
Differences
Most of the differences between the two jobs lie in the (also long) lists of required skills and experience. Here are some points of note in which they differ.
Most of the differences between the two jobs lie in the (also long) lists of required skills and experience. Here are some points of note in which they differ.
Experience
- SRCG: "3-5 years developing integrated social/digital marketing plans and managing budgets, preferably in retail"
- RBFF: "3-5+ years’ experience in public relations and social media"
Technical Knowledge
- SRCG: "Maintains a working knowledge of principles of SEO including keyword research. Highly knowledgeable in the principles of "Search and Social"
- RBFF: Familiarity with monitoring/management tools such as Cision, Radian6, HootSuite, etc.
Deliverables
Unlike SRCG, RBFF mentions that a writing portfolio should be presented with application. At least I have that!
Unlike SRCG, RBFF mentions that a writing portfolio should be presented with application. At least I have that!
Am I good social media manager material?
Eh...
Going down the list, I meet several of the skills for each job, particularly in terms of writing, customer service skills, content strategy, and CMS familiarity.
But where I lack what it apparently takes is when it comes to technical skills such as those mentioned above. I've never actually managed a company's social media platforms, the work of which would probably put me in contact with the technology mentioned by RBFF and the concepts mentioned by SRCG.
Answer to the question?
Not quite, not yet.
Eh...
Going down the list, I meet several of the skills for each job, particularly in terms of writing, customer service skills, content strategy, and CMS familiarity.
But where I lack what it apparently takes is when it comes to technical skills such as those mentioned above. I've never actually managed a company's social media platforms, the work of which would probably put me in contact with the technology mentioned by RBFF and the concepts mentioned by SRCG.
Answer to the question?
Not quite, not yet.