Social Media Advisor - US base (flexible remote)

Marketing, Media and Communicaitons

Portland,

Oregon

Description

Location: U.S.-based Remote

Position Status: Full-time, exempt

Salary Level: starting salary range $64,000

ABOUT US

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long-term impact.

The Team

The mission of the Marketing team is to advance the organization's strategic goals and support our worldwide team by raising funds, profile, and influence. Our job is to tell the Mercy Corps story to the organization's most important audiences in a clear and compelling way. The Marketing team encompasses several dozen dynamic professionals who possess a wide range of expertise. We are gift officers, direct response fundraisers, web developers, marketers and media relations strategists. We are database managers, digital specialists, creative designers, and storytellers. Most of all, we are passionate about Mercy Corps' mission and believe a better world is possible.

The Position

The Social Media Advisor develops compelling content and multimedia stories for Mercy Corps' global social channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This role identifies timely narratives, creates engaging platform-specific copy and visual content, and analyzes performance data to optimize audience engagement.

Working collaboratively with the Director, Marketing Strategy and cross-functional stakeholders, the Social Media Advisor participates in the development and implementation of content strategies that support organizational priorities including fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships while upholding humanitarian communication principles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation & Storytelling

Identify and develop compelling content ideas by researching current events, humanitarian trends, and organizational priorities. Present story concepts with strategic rationale to the Director, Marketing Strategy for alignment with broader social media strategy. Produce concepts for thumb-stopping social content that align with Mercy Corps' mission (e.g., "Hurricane season is approaching—here are 3-4 relevant story angles"). Monitor trending topics and news cycles to identify content opportunities that authentically connect to Mercy Corps' program work

Write engaging, platform-specific copy for social posts across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn that drives audience engagement and supports organizational goals. Use AI tools for brainstorming as needed, applying editorial judgment and human insight for final content Adapt messaging and tone for different platforms while maintaining brand voice consistency Create calls-to-action that inspire support, advocacy, and engagement.

Produce and edit visual assets including graphics, photos, and videos using design and content creation tools: Canva (mandatory proficiency) for graphics, animations, and rapid social content creation Mobile video editing tools (CapCut, InShot, or similar) for short-form video content Adobe Creative Suite or similar platforms (preferred) for advanced design needs

Collaborate with internal teams including field staff, communications officers, and program teams to source authentic stories and ensure content reflects humanitarian principles, cultural sensitivity, and Do No Harm practices.

Content Strategy & Channel Management

Contribute to the development and implementation of social media content calendars and campaign strategies, under the direction of the Director, Marketing Strategy. Provide story ideas, trending topics, and audience insights to inform strategic planning. Execute content plans aligned with organizational priorities and monthly content themes

Schedule and publish content across owned channels using social media management platforms such as Sprout Social (mandatory proficiency), Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, or similar tools. Ensure consistent posting schedules and optimal timing for audience engagement. Coordinate content publication across multiple platforms.

Compile and analyze social media performance data including engagement rates, reach, click-through rates, and audience growth. Assess trends and patterns in content performance. Summarize findings for monthly reporting and strategic discussions, and identify optimization opportunities.

Stay up-to-date on emerging platforms, technologies, social media trends, and industry best practices, particularly as they relate to nonprofit and humanitarian communications.

Cross-Team Support

Manage incoming social media request from cross-functional departments (e.g., advocacy initiatives, partnership obligations, staff thought leadership) in coordination with the Director, Marketing Strategy assess requests for strategic fit and brand alignment. Coordinate content development and approval processes. Track and fulfill requests within established timelines

Ensure social media plans and assets are documented and available in centralized, accessible locations (e.g., Global Social Microsoft Shared Drive) for use by internal teams, partners, and European social teams.

Shape social media workflows, content templates, and best practices by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and team collaboration.

Community Engagement

Monitor social media channels and respond to comments when appropriate, maintaining brand voice and humanitarian communication standards. Engage authentically with supporters, advocates, and community members. Escalate sensitive content, crisis situations, or complex inquiries to the Director, Marketing Strategy as needed. Maintain response guides and protocols

Supervisory Responsibility

This role currently has no direct reports. But may be required to collaborate with and direct the work of creative partners and social vendors, as needed.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Director, Marketing Strategy

Works Directly With: Graphic designer, video editor, photographer, Creative Director, and other members of the Brand Marketing Team; cross-functional stakeholders in Communications, Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, and Programs.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

QUALIFICATIONS & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 3+ years of professional experience in social media management, marketing, communications, public relations, or related field
• 1+ years experience directly managing social media and creating social content on behalf of a brand or organization
• Excellent copywriting and storytelling abilities including crafting platform-specific content that engages diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to identify timely content opportunities and develop compelling narratives aligned with organizational priorities
• Experience creating multimedia content including graphics, photography, and video for social media platforms
• Proficiency with Canva (mandatory) for creating on-brand graphics, animations, and visual content
• Experience with mobile video editing tools (CapCut, InShot, or similar) for short-form social content
• Basic proficiency with Sprout Social or similar social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, AgoraPulse, etc.)
• Strong familiarity with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, including platform-specific best practices and native features
• Familiarity with social media analytics including native platform insights and performance tracking
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy, brand consistency, and cultural sensitivity in all content
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder requests simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders
• Preferred experience with AI-powered content tools for brainstorming and draft creation
• Preferred experience with Adobe Creative Suite experience (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator)
• Understanding of crisis communication principles and experience handling sensitive topics
• Preferred experience with trauma-informed or Do No Harm communication approaches
• Multilingual abilities preferred , particularly languages relevant to Mercy Corps' program countries (Arabic, Spanish, French)

Success Factors

The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller with strong judgment, cultural sensitivity, and genuine passion for humanitarian work. They are detail-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining quality under deadline pressure. They understand how to adapt messaging for different platforms and audiences while maintaining brand consistency and humanitarian communication principles. They demonstrate curiosity about global issues, empathy for vulnerable populations, and commitment to using social media to inspire meaningful action and support for Mercy Corps' mission. The ideal candidate thrives in collaborative environments, welcomes feedback, and approaches challenges with positivity and creative problem-solving. They stay current with social media trends and platform changes, bringing fresh ideas while maintaining professional judgment about what's appropriate for a humanitarian organization navigating sensitive global contexts.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position is either US base remote or based in Portland, Oregon or Washington D.C. and requires very limited travel.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Engagement and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).

As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. This is done following the conclusion of recruitment and prior to assuming full employment. Our screening process is designed to be transparent and completed in partnership with new Team Members. You will have the opportunity to disclose any prior convictions at the conclusion of the recruitment process before the check is initiated.

We ask that you do not disclose any prior convictions in your application materials or during the recruitment process.