Media Strategist jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

POSITION TITLE: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING MANAGER

Overview:

Visit Santa Barbara (VSB) is seeking a dynamic, creative and strategic Social Media Marketing Manager to lead our social media initiatives and bring the Santa Barbara brand to life across digital platforms. As the Social Media Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for creating, curating and executing engaging content that increases awareness of the Santa Barbara brand, fosters community engagement and ultimately attracts overnight visitors to the Santa Barbara South Coast. This role is perfect for a data-driven storyteller who is passionate about travel, has an eye for visual aesthetics and understands the power of social media in shaping perceptions and inspiring audiences.

What You’ll Do:

Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns with VSB’s marketing goals and enhances our brand image across all major social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest, YouTube, X and LinkedIn)

Create and produce compelling, on-brand content for daily social media posts, stories, reels and other digital content formats, using a mix of photography, video and user-generated content

Responsible for maintaining a visually cohesive feed that showcases Santa Barbara’s diversity of experiences available to all travelers

Actively manage and grow social media communities by responding to comments, messages and interactions. Foster a positive community environment that encourages conversation and interaction with both prospective visitors and local residents

Work in partnership with the digital marketing manager to ensure alignment of organic social media channels with paid social media advertising strategy.

Work in partnership with the content manager to execute social media posts to leverage seasonal promotions, events, partnerships and trending topics as aligned with the master editorial calendar

Collaborate closely with VSB member businesses to ensure member content is included in weekly social content, in addition to planning social familiarization tours to develop new content

Manage VSB’s crowdsourcing photo and video library, Crowdriff

Monitor social media analytics and KPIs to track performance, optimize content strategies and report on campaign effectiveness. Use insights to continuously improve engagement and reach

Identify, vet and collaborate with relevant influencers, bloggers and content creators to amplify our reach and showcase authentic Santa Barbara experiences

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field

3 years of experience in social media management, content creation or digital marketing, preferably within the travel, hospitality or lifestyle industries

Proven experience managing social media accounts and building engagement across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube

Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different platforms

Advanced experience with photo and video editing software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro) and in-app editing tools

Hands-on experience with photography and videography, including basic equipment handling and editing workflows

Drone experience and license a plus

Experience working with social media influencers in domestic and/or international markets

Excellent prioritization and time management skills

Basic knowledge of Google Analytics preferred

Passionate about the Santa Barbara community, its unique attractions and its role as a premier travel destination

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Must have valid passport, California driver's license and auto insurance

Able to travel in a limited geographical region

Available to work in the office at least three days per week, with flexibility for evenings, weekends and occasional travel

Must have use of vehicle while on VSB business

Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and transport VSB equipment and materials

Compensation:

Salary range between: $70,000 - $75,000

Compensation will be determined by a number of factors including educational background and experience.

What Visit Santa Barbara Offers You:

Comprehensive medical insurance fully covered by the employer (excluding dental & vision)

401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions

Paid vacation and sick leave

9 paid holidays

Cell phone reimbursement

Opportunities to explore and engage with local hospitality businesses

Flexible work options, including up to two remote workdays per week

Visit Santa Barbara policy ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry, gender, physical or mental disability medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.