Social Media and Audience Development Specialist

Title:  Social Media and Audience Development Specialist

Department: Marketing

Reports to: Sr. Director, Communications

Direct reports: None

Job Location: Houston, TX (on site)

Status: Regular, full-time, exempt from overtime

Summary:

To support this work, the Symphony is seeking a Social Media & Audience Development Specialist to lead the creation and management of organic content across all digital channels. This role collaborates with internal departments, Houston Symphony musicians, and external partners to craft compelling content, track performance through analytics, and authentically connect audiences with the Symphony’s music, mission, and community impact.

Essential Job Functions:

• Create and manage all organic social media (including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Threads and future platforms as appropriate.)
  • Establish a strategic social media content calendar and manage all day-to-day social media operations. 
  • Work closely with the Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Marketing, Director of Web Experience, and Creative Director to ensure social media content aligns with corresponding marketing campaigns and initiatives.
  • Work closely with Performance Marketing Specialist to provide content when needed for ongoing and upcoming paid marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborate with Development, Education and Community, and Artistic Operations teams to support and execute social media initiatives and requests.
  • Maintain consistency in voice, tone, and visual identity across all digital platforms.
  • Safeguard brand alignment and uphold high editorial standards for all content.
• With guidance from the CMO, manage a social media influencer program that identifies, recruits, cultivates, and coordinates relationships with relevant creators to expand brand reach, introduce Houston Symphony to new audiences, drive authentic engagement, and support audience growth and ticket sales.
• Assist the Creative Director in facilitating creative projects that support social media content such as video production and photography.
• Oversee coordination with Artistic Operations department, Education department, guest artists, and musicians on scheduling interviews, filming, and photography for social media content.
• Monitor online review sites such as Google, Yelp and Tripadvisor and manage public-facing customer service responses with support from the marketing and patron services staff as needed.
• In conjunction with the Communications Director and CMO, implement and coordinate audience development initiatives related to the brand ambassador and leadership council programs.
• Maintain strong connections across the organization to keep on top of story and content opportunities and attend rehearsals, concerts, special events, and education events for social media coverage as needed.
• Work concert duty as required by the marketing and communications team (approximately once a month, involving evening/weekend hours).
• Perform additional duties as required by the Houston Symphony.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Digital Media, Public Relations or a related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social media management or digital communications.
• Expertise in developing and executing social media strategies aligned with best practices for businesses.
• Creativity and a strong sense of judgment related to quality photography, videography, and copywriting.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a sharp attention to detail and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in the performing arts and passion for music is a plus.