Senior Social Media Specialist

The Senior Social Media Specialist supports the execution of Hot Topic's social media strategy by planning, coordinating, and executing owned content and campaigns across all social platforms. This role is responsible for managing the social content calendar, coordinating cross-functional partners, and ensuring timely execution of content supporting product launches, licensed collections, brand campaigns, and ongoing business initiatives. Working closely with Merchandising, Creative Services, Photography, Video Production, Ecommerce, and Influencer Marketing, the Senior Social Media Specialist helps bring campaigns to life from concept through execution while identifying creative opportunities to drive engagement and brand awareness. This role stays on top of social trends, understands the fandom and licensing landscape, and ensures content reflects the Hot Topic brand while supporting business goals. This role operates on a hybrid schedule and will require to work from our HQ located in the City of Industry, CA three days a week. WHAT YOU'LL NDO: Help develop and execute short- and long-term social media marketing strategies aligned with brand and business objectives. Own the planning, development, and execution of social media campaigns and content plans for assigned business areas. Manage relationships with internal and external partners to ensure successful campaign execution. Own and maintain the social media content calendar for assigned business areas, ensuring content is planned, prioritized, and executed on schedule. Develop creative briefs and manage campaign assets from concept through execution. Partner with Social Media Photography, Creative Services, Video Production, Merchandising, and other cross-functional teams to lead the development of engaging content across all social media channels. Oversee the scheduling and publishing of daily content across owned social platforms. Monitor campaign execution and ensure content aligns with brand standards, licensing requirements, and social media best practices. Analyze and report on social media performance through weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting, providing actionable insights and recommendations for optimization. Identify opportunities to improve reporting methods and campaign measurement to better evaluate the effectiveness of social media strategies. Collaborate with Copywriting and the Social Media team to ensure all messaging and external communications are consistent with the Company's brand voice. Manage sweepstakes, giveaways, and promotional activations, including prize fulfillment and identifying opportunities to enhance engagement through future programs. Manage the user-generated content (UGC) process, including sourcing content, obtaining creator permissions, approving assets, and scheduling publication. Stay current on social media trends, platform updates, influencers, and content creators to identify opportunities that support brand growth. Partner with Influencer Marketing to identify and activate creators who align with campaign goals. Continuously brainstorm and recommend creative content ideas that increase engagement, grow audiences, and support marketing initiatives. Build strong partnerships across Marketing, Merchandising, Ecommerce, and Creative teams to successfully execute integrated campaigns. May supervise or provide day-to-day direction to Coordinators or other junior team members. Provide coaching, training, and ongoing guidance to support employee development and performance. WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 4+ years of experience in social media, digital marketing, brand marketing, or content marketing. Experience developing and executing integrated social media campaigns and content strategies. Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, audience behavior, and best practices. Experience managing editorial/content calendars and coordinating multiple concurrent projects. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners. Experience analyzing campaign performance and translating insights into recommendations. Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Windows-based applications. Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. Experience using social media analytics and reporting tools. Ability to travel up to 20%