Sr Social Media Manager - Youth Audience Expansion

The Sr Social Media Manager at ESPN plays a key role in formulating and executing comprehensive social media strategies aimed at expanding audience reach among young fans. This includes overseeing the management of the SportsCenter NEXT brand’s social media accounts, analyzing data to improve engagement, and collaborating with various teams to drive initiatives targeting Gen Z and Alpha audiences across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

To apply for the Sr Social Media Manager position at ESPN, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in social media or a related field, along with at least 3 years managing direct reports or agencies. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, a proven track record in sports social media management, and an understanding of intersecting interests with sports, such as gaming and pop culture.

The Sr Social Media Manager engages with the audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram by creating dynamic, relatable content that speaks to the interests of young fans. This involves crafting strategic content plans, leveraging user-generated content, and reacting to sports events to foster a sense of community and belonging among youth audiences.

Valuable experience for a Sr Social Media Manager at ESPN includes a background in managing large-scale social media accounts, a deep understanding of youth culture, and a history of executing successful campaigns that attract younger audiences. Experience in sports social media management and knowledge of current trends in gaming and technology are also beneficial.

The team structure for the Sr Social Media Manager role at ESPN includes overseeing a team of three content creators and collaborating with external agencies. The role involves leadership responsibilities, where the manager is expected to mentor their team and engage with various internal stakeholders to create cohesive and effective social media strategies.

To create a social media strategy targeting young fans, I would start by researching current trends and behaviors of Gen Z and Alpha audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I would analyze data related to engagement and demographics to inform content creation, ensuring it resonates with youth interests. Collaboration with marketing teams for promotions and potential partnerships with young influencers would enhance our reach.

I have extensive experience using social media management tools such as Hootsuite and Sprout Social. These platforms help efficiently schedule posts, analyze engagement metrics, and respond to audience interactions in real-time, which is crucial in maintaining an active and engaging online presence for ESPN.

User-generated content plays a significant role in my strategy as it not only increases engagement but also builds a community around the SportsCenter NEXT brand. By highlighting content created by our audience, we foster a sense of belonging and authenticity, making our social presence more relatable and dynamic.

I measure the success of a social media campaign through various KPIs such as engagement rates, growth in followers, and overall reach. Using analytics tools, I track how our content performs across platforms, adjusting strategies based on what resonates most with young fans to optimize future campaigns.

To drive audience engagement for SportsCenter NEXT, I would implement strategies that include compelling storytelling through video content, interactive challenges or polls on social platforms, and collaborations with influencers who appeal to our target demographic. These initiatives would create dynamic conversations and a stronger connection to our young audience.

Handling negative comments involves a balanced approach of transparency and professionalism. I would assess the comment and respond appropriately, addressing concerns or clarifying misconceptions. If needed, I would direct the conversation to private messages to resolve issues while maintaining a positive brand image.

I utilize tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and listening platforms to analyze audience behavior. These tools provide invaluable data on what content resonates most, how demographic trends shift, and what times our audience is most active, allowing for informed decision-making.

I stay updated on social media trends through continuous learning, attending industry conferences, and following leading social media blogs and influencers. Engaging with forums and communities focused on youth culture also helps me remain in tune with the latest developments in this fast-paced environment.

A successful social media campaign I led involved a collaboration with emerging athletes to create a branded content series. By focusing on authentic storytelling and leveraging multiple platforms, we achieved a significant increase in engagement and followers, showcasing the human side of sports and connecting with fans on a personal level.

Integrating traditional marketing with social media efforts can be achieved through cross-promotional strategies, such as using on-site activations at sports events to encourage social sharing. Additionally, leveraging traditional media, such as ads or promotions, can drive traffic to our social channels, maximizing our reach and engagement across multiple touchpoints.