Heron Agency is a Chicago based, award winning public relations, marketing, and social media agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle, entertainment, and beyond. We develop creative, results driven campaigns that elevate brands, build meaningful connections, and deliver measurable impact.

We're looking for a creative, organized, and highly motivated Social Media Manager to join our growing team. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast paced agency environment, has a strong eye for content, understands the strategy behind successful social media accounts, and is confident managing multiple client relationships.

Our ideal candidate is equally comfortable behind the camera, editing a Reel, developing a comprehensive social media strategy, and leading a client conversation. We're looking for a proactive self starter who can independently manage their workload, take ownership of client accounts, and consistently bring fresh ideas to the table.

Key Responsibilities

Social Media Strategy & Daily Account Management

Independently develop and execute comprehensive organic social media strategies for multiple clients, aligned with their brand positioning, target audiences, business objectives, and marketing goals.
Manage the daily organic social media presence of multiple client accounts across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms.
Build strategic monthly content calendars that incorporate creative concepts, content pillars, platform specific approaches, audience engagement, and organic growth opportunities.
Oversee content publishing, scheduling, community management, and daily account activity.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of platform algorithms, organic growth strategies, social media SEO, and platform specific optimization.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve reach, engagement, visibility, and overall account performance.
Monitor and respond to comments, direct messages, tags, and audience interactions while maintaining each client's unique brand voice.
Stay informed on emerging trends, platform updates, and industry best practices, translating insights into actionable recommendations.
Continuously evaluate content performance and adjust strategies based on audience behavior, platform insights, and evolving client priorities.

Content Creation, Photography & Video Production

Conceptualize, plan, and execute original social media content for multiple clients.
Attend and independently lead onsite client content shoots throughout the Chicagoland area.
Capture high quality photography and short form video content optimized for social media platforms.
Create and edit engaging Instagram Reels, TikToks, Stories, carousels, and other organic social content.
Manage the full content production process, including creative planning, shot lists, shooting, editing, caption writing, and final publishing.
Use Canva to create polished, on brand graphics, social media assets, and visual content.
Maintain a strong understanding of visual storytelling, composition, lighting, editing, and social media aesthetics.
Ensure all content meets Heron Agency's creative standards and each client's brand guidelines.

Client Relations & Strategic Account Leadership

Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned social media clients, managing day to day communication, requests, feedback, and approvals.
Develop and present comprehensive social media strategies, including creative direction, content pillars, platform recommendations, audience engagement tactics, and organic growth initiatives.
Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and strategic recommendations.
Lead client meetings, strategy discussions, and monthly content planning conversations.
Take ownership of assigned client accounts, ensuring social media initiatives align with broader brand objectives and marketing priorities.
Manage multiple client priorities, deadlines, and deliverables simultaneously.
Independently organize daily workflows, prioritize assignments, and proactively manage client deliverables without requiring constant oversight.
Collaborate with internal public relations, marketing, and creative teams to ensure cohesive client campaigns.
Anticipate client needs, identify new content opportunities, and consistently bring fresh ideas to the table.
Maintain organized internal workflows, content calendars, and approval processes.

Analytics, Engagement & Optimization

Utilize Sprout Social and other social media management platforms to schedule content, manage publishing workflows, monitor engagement, and analyze account performance.
Monitor social media performance and evaluate key metrics, including reach, impressions, engagement, follower growth, profile activity, and website traffic.
Analyze platform insights and audience behavior to inform creative direction, content planning, and ongoing strategy development.
Use performance data to refine content strategies and improve organic results.
Understand how content formats, posting frequency, timing, keywords, hashtags, and audience engagement influence platform performance.
Identify opportunities for increased visibility through collaborations, community engagement, trending content, and platform specific features.
Demonstrate the ability to connect social media performance to broader client marketing objectives.

Required Qualifications

Must have a vehicle and be able to drive to client locations and content shoots throughout the Chicagoland area.
Must be based in the Chicagoland area and available to work a hybrid schedule, including in office collaboration, remote work, and onsite client content shoots.
1-2 years of professional social media management experience, including direct responsibility for managing brand or business accounts.
1-2 years of client management experience, including direct client communication, relationship management, and account coordination.
1-2 years of professional photography and content creation experience, including shooting and editing content for digital or social media platforms.
Proven experience independently developing and executing comprehensive organic social media strategies for brands or businesses.
Experience managing multiple social media accounts simultaneously, preferably within a marketing, public relations, or creative agency.
Proficiency in Canva is required, with the ability to independently design and produce professional social media content.
Proficiency in Sprout Social or comparable social media management platforms is required, including hands on experience with content scheduling, publishing, analytics, reporting, social listening, and account management across multiple clients.
Strong photography, videography, and short form video editing skills.
Demonstrated understanding of organic social media strategy, platform optimization, audience engagement, and account growth.
Strong working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Excellent written communication, copywriting, proofreading, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to independently plan, capture, edit, and publish social media content.
Highly motivated self starter with the ability to work independently, take initiative, manage their own workload, and proactively identify priorities without constant oversight.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently structure daily responsibilities, manage multiple client accounts, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability in a fast paced agency environment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
Confidence communicating directly with clients and presenting creative ideas and strategic recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working at a public relations, marketing, or social media agency.
Experience creating content for hospitality, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, lifestyle, or consumer brands.
Proficiency in CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite, Lightroom, or other photo and video editing tools.
Experience coordinating influencer collaborations and user generated content.
Familiarity with social media advertising and paid content amplification.
A strong portfolio showcasing original photography, short form video, social media content, and accounts previously managed.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a proactive, resourceful self starter who takes ownership of their work and thrives in an environment where initiative, creativity, and organization are essential.

The ideal candidate can independently manage their schedule, anticipate client needs, prioritize competing deadlines, and consistently move projects forward without needing constant direction.

They understand that successful social media management goes beyond posting content. They know how to build a social media strategy from the ground up, capture compelling content, develop strategic content calendars, engage with online communities, and confidently communicate with clients.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who brings ideas to the table, understands what makes content perform, and is excited to contribute to the continued growth of Heron Agency and our clients.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position based in Chicago, IL, combining remote work, weekly in office collaboration, and regular onsite visits to client locations for content creation, photography, video production, meetings, and events.

Candidates must be comfortable traveling independently to client locations throughout the Chicagoland area and adapting their schedules to accommodate content shoots and client needs.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume, portfolio, and examples of social media accounts they have professionally managed.

A portfolio demonstrating original photography, video content, and social media creative work is required for consideration.

Email your resume, portfolio and examples of accounts you have managed to socialheron@gmail.com with "Social Media Manager" in the subject line.