Social Media Manager - Military Veterans
at Hearst
We are seeking a dynamic, creative, data-driven, and highly organized Social Media Manager to lead organic content creation and paid social strategy for our iconic character IPs, including Popeye, Olive Oyl, Flash Gordon, The Phantom, among others. The ideal candidate will have a passion for storytelling, a deep understanding of online trends, and experience managing branded social media accounts. This role will be key in growing our online presence and increasing engagement with our global fanbase.
Key Responsibilities:
- Content Creation:
- Strategize and develop engaging, creative content (images, videos, copy) for our character IPs across social media platforms in alignment with each brand's goals and tone.
- Social Media Management:
- Manage the day-to-day operations of our social media accounts, from planning and executing social media content calendars to daily platform monitoring.
- Brand Strategy Execution:
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute strategies that grow our social media following and drive engagement, testing new content formats to discover innovative ways to connect with our audiences.
- Conduct annual social media audits and present tailored strategy recommendations to the Senior Brand Marketing Manager and Senior Vice President of Licensing.
- Community Engagement:
- Engage with followers, respond to comments, and prioritize shareable content to cultivate a loyal, dedicated community around our characters.
- AI Implementation:
- Spearhead efforts to incorporate approved AI tools in the social process, from content development to performance analysis.
- Analytics & Reporting:
- Track, analyze, and report on key performance metrics, providing actionable insights and making data-driven decisions to optimize strategies.
- Campaigns & Promotions:
- Conceptualize and execute innovative social media campaigns, boosting strategies, and content tactics to drive awareness, engagement, and growth.
- Regularly identify strategic bartered social collab opportunities to increase visibility and spark noise on the platforms.
- Trendspotting:
- Stay up-to-date with social media trends, platform updates, and emerging technologies to ensure our content remains fresh and relevant.
- Build deep knowledge of the competitive character brand and licensing industry landscapes to inform content strategies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with other teams (e.g., licensing, PR, product development) to align social media partner collaboration efforts with broader business goals.
- As needed, manage creative agencies, influencer partnerships, and other external contributors.
- Provide social media expertise to support sales and internal presentations.
- As needed, spearhead other creative, strategic tasks to support the larger Brand Marketing and Licensing teams.
- 3+ years of proven experience in social media marketing and content creation for brands, ideally with character IPs or entertainment properties.
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
- Hands-on expertise with social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter(X), TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.
- Experience successfully managing creative agencies and contributors.
- Proficiency in graphic design and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Final Cut Pro).
- Basic knowledge of photography or videography to enhance content creation.
- Interest in AI and an understanding of how it is changing the content creation landscape on social.
- Familiarity with paid social media, with a proficiency in Facebook Ads Manager
- Knowledge of social analytics suites with strong analytical skills and competency in speaking to metrics across multiple reporting systems.
- Strong understanding of brand marketing and ability to develop content that aligns with brand voice and guidelines.
- Passion for pop culture, comics, and iconic characters like Popeye, Olive Oyl, Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and others as needed.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive self-starter with curiosity about social media trends and platforms.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Creativity and enthusiasm for testing new ideas and formats.
- Ability to receive constructive criticism and learn from feedback
- A team player able to work across multiple teams and brands in a fast-paced digital environment.
Bonus Skills: Experience in influencer marketing or collaborations with social media influencers.
How to Apply: Send your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.
The base salary for this role is $65k-70k. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
This position is based in the NYC office a minimum of 3 days a week. No remote flexibility.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
New York, NY

Hearst is one of the nation’s largest global, diversified information, services and media companies. Hearst has been innovating for more than a century, leading with purpose, integrity and a culture of care, with a mission to inform audiences and improve lives. The company’s diverse portfolio includes global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; Hearst Transportation, which includes CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing maintenance of jets and helicopters; ownership in cable television networks such as A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN; 35 television stations; 24 daily and 52 weekly newspapers; digital services businesses; and more than 200 magazines around the world. Hearst is always moving forward, investing in healthcare solutions to improve patient outcomes and technology that curbs emissions; providing vital analysis, data and software to the global financial services industry; delivering important service and investigative journalism; and inspiring audiences with sports and entertainment programming. With a commitment to maintaining the highest quality in its products and services, Hearst is dedicated to serving the communities it operates in, both civically and philanthropically.