Digital Marketing Specialist

Mission Statement:

Committed to kindness in service to the community since 1931, the Humane Society of Sonoma County is a donor-supported safe haven for animals. Our mission is to transform animal welfare across Sonoma County through prevention, community veterinary care, and innovative sheltering, partnerships, and education.

SUMMARY:

The Digital Marketing Specialist connects our community to the animals and programs that rely on their support. Working closely with the Communications Manager and staff across the organization, you will create and maintain engaging, accurate, accessible, and on-brand digital content that builds awareness of HSSC, tells the stories of our animals and programs, and drives adoptions, volunteering, and fundraising.

This is a hands-on role with primary ownership of HSSC's social media, plus support across graphic design, website updates, email, and written communications. You will stay close to the work by attending animal rounds, so you always know who is in our care and which stories are emerging.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, organized, and creative communicator who works well independently, balances competing priorities and deadlines, and stays flexible in a fast-moving environment. There is room to grow into broader digital marketing responsibilities as your skills develop.

What We're Looking for in a Nutshell:

1. 2+ years of professional experience in social media, digital marketing, communications, marketing, or a related field, including managing on behalf of a business, nonprofit, or brand.

2. Demonstrated Experience planning, creating, scheduling, and managing social media content, with a strong understanding of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn

3. Familiarity and/or experience with graphics and tools such as Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite

4. Strong writing and editing skills, with an ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and platforms

5. Thorough, conscientious, detail-oriented approach to work

6. A genuine love of animals and the mission behind our work

7. Comfort and flexibility in a fast-moving, ever-changing environment

8. Willingness to learn new tools, platforms, and skills

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media & Digital Content (75%)

• Own day-to-day management of HSSC's social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other strategically relevant platforms: planning, drafting, scheduling, publishing, moderating, and engaging with followers.

• Maintain the social media content calendar, highlighting HSSC's programs, campaigns, and events while staying in line with HSSC's brand voice and tone.

• Partner with the Communications Manager to develop digital marketing strategy.

• Develop social-first content that supports adoption promotions, fundraising campaigns, volunteer recruitment, events, education, and community initiatives.

• Collaborate with the Communications Team and our calendar of current and ongoing programs, campaigns and events, generate, edit, publish, and share inspiring, unique content that is consistent across all platforms, builds meaningful connections, educates the public and encourages engagement by our followers.

• Write and edit content for social media, website updates, campaigns, and events, adapting tone and message for different audiences and platforms.

• Recruit and coordinate select staff and volunteers to assist in collection of high-quality images and content for digital marketing purposes.

• Contribute images and written content, including animal bios, adoptions and shelter med stories, for email and social media communications, grants, promotions and our semi-annual North Bay Pets magazine.

• Understand organic social media strategy and how to leverage it to increase reach, engagement, and audience growth.

• In collaboration with the Communications Manager, design digital and print materials, including social graphics, flyers, email headers, event materials, and signage, resizing and adapting them for each platform.

• Ensure all materials follow HSSC brand guidelines.

• Capture basic photo and video using a smartphone and other available equipment.

• Monitor comments, messages, and engagement; escalate questions or concerns appropriately

• Monitor trends in digital communication and help us incorporate best practices

• Monthly Reporting of Social Media Metrics, top performing content, etc.

Website & Digital Marketing (10%)

• Make routine content updates to the HSSC website using WordPress, including text, images, links, event information, program information, and other content as needed.

• Create and update basic website pages under the direction of the Communications Manager.

• Review website content for accuracy, formatting issues, broken links, and outdated information.

• Assist with email marketing and other digital communications as needed.

• Assist with digital marketing campaigns, fundraising initiatives, events, and special projects.

• Assist in preparing monthly performance and engagement reports.

• Monitor digital marketing trends and platform developments and identify opportunities for improvement.

Administrative & Organizational Support (10%)

· Organize and maintain electronic files and digital marketing assets in Microsoft SharePoint.

· Attend departmental and project meetings, provide follow-up, and contribute ideas and insights.

· Support cross-department collaboration and communication.

· Communicate proactively regarding project status, deadlines, questions, and competing priorities.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Event Support (5%)

· Assist with outreach, communications, and fundraising events, including occasional evening or weekend support with advance notice and scheduling accommodations.

· Help with event setup, materials preparation, photography/documentation, social media coverage, and follow-up.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and directly relevant professional experience is required.

• Two or more years of professional experience in social media, digital marketing, communications, marketing, or related field.

• Demonstrated experience creating and managing social media content.

• Strong written communication skills, including grammar, formatting, audience awareness, and accessibility.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow projects through completion.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite

• Basic photography skills using a smart phone.

• Comfort working around and occasionally interacting with animals of varying sizes and temperaments is required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary and office-based; however, the position requires occasional participation in community and fundraising events. Event support may include set-up and breakdown activities requiring the ability to lift and carry materials up to 30 pounds, stand for extended periods. This work is centered around animals, so experience and comfortably around animals is a must. The work environment is usually quiet, with some exposure to moderate noise levels (such as barking dogs)

Notes

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time and the employee is expected to adhere to all company policies. The above information is representative of the work performed in this position, however it is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar or related to the essential duties and responsibilities.

EEO STATEMENT

HSSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable team. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, especially those historically underrepresented in animal welfare and veterinary medicine.