Social Media Manager (Volunteer)

About Minds Matter Chicago:

Minds Matter Chicago is part of Minds Matter, a national organization with chapters in cities across the country. Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.

Through a multi-year, cohort-based model, Minds Matter Chicago provides individualized mentoring, academic enrichment, and college advising to support students as they navigate the path to and through college. Our work is grounded in a student-centered approach and focused on ensuring students have the access, guidance, and support needed to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Role Overview:

The Social Media Manager is a volunteer role responsible for shaping and executing digital storytelling that elevates the mission, impact, and community of Minds Matter Chicago. This role supports a student-centered culture guided by the organization’s mission by creating engaging, authentic content that connects students, families, volunteers, donors, and partners to our work.

This is an opportunity for a creative and strategic communicator to expand Minds Matter Chicago’s digital footprint while contributing meaningfully to student success and access to opportunity.

What You Will Gain From This Role:

Volunteering with Minds Matter Chicago offers meaningful professional, personal, and community-based benefits. In this role, volunteers become part of a collaborative community committed to supporting students as they navigate critical academic and life transitions.

Benefits include:

• Career Compass Exchange, an intentional space for volunteers to engage in professional learning, reflection, and skill-building alongside peers across industries
• Opportunities to build and expand professional networks through collaboration with staff, board members, and volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and expertise
• Experience working within a mission-driven, team-oriented environment that values shared responsibility, collaboration, and mutual support
• Volunteers with Minds Matter Chicago gain not only professional experience and community, but also the chance to be part of work that has a lasting and meaningful impact on students’ lives.

Reporting Structure:

The Social Media Manager reports to the Director of Marketing & Communications and works closely with the Marketing & Communications team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

This role collaborates regularly with:

• Marketing & Communications team to align messaging and strategy
• Program Team to capture stories, milestones, and program impact
• Associate Board and volunteers to amplify events and initiatives
• Design partners to bring visual concepts to life

Responsibilities & Scope:

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute and refine a year-round content calendar across Instagram (primary), Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Develop timely, trend-aware content that aligns with organizational values and resonates with diverse audiences
• Capture and edit high-quality photos and short-form videos using tools such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Premiere Rush, Canva, and CapCut, ensuring content aligns with brand standards and platform best practices
• Produce and optimize visual content for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other relevant channels, managing the full workflow from concept and on-site capture to final edit and scheduling.
• Draft, schedule, and manage social media content that reflect program impact and organizational priorities
• Balance messaging for multiple audiences, including students and families, current and prospective volunteers, and donors
• Monitor platform performance, engagement, and growth metrics to inform content strategy
• Support community growth by increasing follower engagement and reach across platforms

Secondary Responsibilities

• Identify emerging platform trends, tools, and features to keep content fresh and effective
• Test new content formats and iterate based on performance insights
• Collaborate on content capture during programs or events (optional but encouraged)
• Support additional communications projects as needed
• Student Services Support
• Provide student services support in emergency or capacity-related situations as needed to ensure continuity of services

Time Commitment and Schedule:

• Volunteer commitment of approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Flexible schedule with remote work
• Optional in-person engagement for events, networking, or content capture opportunities

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn best practices
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging, on-brand content
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a range of design work across formats and platforms
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently
• Comfort collaborating remotely while maintaining creative ownership
• Commitment to the mission and values of Minds Matter Chicago

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of social media management experience (professional or significant volunteer experience)
• Experience growing digital audiences and engagement
• Familiarity with social media analytics and performance tracking
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or mission-driven marketing

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Relevant professional, volunteer, or lived experience in communications, marketing, or digital media

Language & Communication Skills:

• Strong written communication skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders
• Copywriting and design experience valued

Training & Compliance Requirements:

• Completion of required onboarding and role-specific training
• Participation in training focused on fostering belonging, respect, and culturally responsive practices
• Adherence to organizational policies and expectations that support a student-centered culture aligned with the mission of the organization
• Compliance with applicable funder or regulatory requirements
• Completion of background checks and clearances required for work with students
• Participation in ongoing training or refresher sessions as required

Volunteer Status & Role Continuation:

• This is an at-will volunteer position. Service in this role is subject to ongoing evaluation and assessment throughout the year to ensure alignment with organizational expectations and needs. 
• Minds Matter Chicago reserves the right to modify or discontinue this role, including the removal of responsibilities, at any time and without cause.