[Remote] Social Media Strategist

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Active Interest Media is seeking a Social Media Strategist to lead the social media presence for its gardening brands. The role focuses on developing and executing multi-platform social media strategies, collaborating with internal and external teams to create engaging content that aligns with brand identity and audience engagement.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and champion a multi-platform social media strategy for each of the three gardening brands, aligned with editorial calendars, seasonal moments, and business goals — bringing ideas forward for team review and collaborative refinementContribute to and help maintain social content production calendars for each brand in coordination with internal team members, flagging deadlines, review cycles, and publishing windowsPitch campaign concepts, content series, and platform-specific strategies to the Executive Digital Editor and brand editors, actively seeking input and incorporating feedback as part of the processIdentify and respond to emerging social media trends, platform algorithm shifts, and audience behavior insights to continuously evolve strategyDefine content pillars, formats, and messaging frameworks for each brand to ensure a differentiated and consistent social presenceDevelop posting cadence based on platform norms and audience expectations, and build systems utilizing platform-native tools, third-party schedulers, and AI assistants to meet social output goalsIdentify, brief, and coordinate with freelance creatives — including graphic designers and multimedia contributors — functioning much like a senior editor working with contributing authors: setting the direction, reviewing the work, and ensuring it serves the brandWrite clear, detailed creative briefs for all contracted talent, communicating brand voice, visual standards, deliverable specs, and deadlinesShepherd content through the production lifecycle — from concept and briefing through scheduling, review, revision, and handoff for final approval — ensuring quality and on-brand execution at every stage, in close collaboration with internal editors and brand leadsProvide input on freelance sourcing decisions and flag any production or timeline concerns to the appropriate team lead or editor, without direct budget ownershipActively cultivate a network of freelance creatives, influencers, photographers, videographers, and external collaborators whose work aligns with the Garden Group's brand aesthetics and editorial standardsPartner with internal and external multimedia contributors (video, photography, motion graphics, illustrations) to ensure platform-specific content needs are met across all three brandsEnsure all content — whether produced by you, internal team members, or external contributors — reflects each brand's established voice, visual identity, and editorial standards, and is ready for submission through the editorial approval workflowCollaborate with editors and the print team to adapt and repurpose editorial content into engaging social formats across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedInReview creative deliverables from freelancers and external contributors, providing clear and constructive direction before work proceeds to editorial sign-offMaintain a consistent look, tone, and quality across all social channels for each brand, including visual templates, caption styles, and formattingMonitor content performance across platforms and use data insights to inform future production decisions and strategic pivotsConduct regular content audits and share actionable recommendations with the broader team based on engagement, reach, and conversion metricsTest new content formats (including AI integration), creative approaches, and publishing strategies; analyze results and integrate learnings into the production processSupport social media partnerships, sponsored content initiatives, and influencer collaborations in coordination with editorial and marketing teamsSkills3–5+ years of experience in social media strategy, content production, or a related digital media role — with demonstrated experience working alongside or coordinating outside creative talentDemonstrated ability to contribute to high-quality social content across multiple brands simultaneously, with a strong grasp of strategy and platform-specific storytellingStrong creative brief writing skills; experience providing clear direction to designers and other creative contributors to deliver on-brand content without micromanaging the processDeep familiarity with major social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads) and their respective content formats and best practicesComfort working within multi-stakeholder content workflows, including collaborative review processes, editorial approval chains, and cross-functional teamsProficiency with social media management and scheduling tools (e.g., Buffer, Later, Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite)Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Trello, Monday.com) for coordinating production timelines, managing freelancers, and tracking deliverablesAnalytical mindset with experience using platform analytics and reporting tools to drive content strategyExcellent written communication skills with a strong sense of brand voice and audience-specific messagingComfort operating in a fast-paced, multi-brand editorial environment with shifting prioritiesExperience in lifestyle, home, garden, food, or enthusiast mediaHands-on experience with graphic design or video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut) — the ability to create or mock up visual content directly is a significant bonus, enabling faster ideation and more informed creative directionBackground working within editorial organizations and an understanding of content review and approval processesExperience managing or producing content for subscription-based brands or e-commerce-integrated editorial propertiesGenuine interest in or knowledge of gardening, horticulture, or outdoor livingCompany OverviewOne of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces leading consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, and TV shows that reach millions of readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. It was founded in 2003, and is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, US, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is http://www.aimmedia.com.