Gondola is hiring : Social Media Associate in Chicago

We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role :

The Social Media Associate role supports the Obama Foundation’s digital storytelling efforts by helping to develop and execute a dynamic, high-impact social media strategy. Working closely with the Social Media Manager, this position is responsible for crafting original content, amplifying diverse voices across the Foundation’s ecosystem, and fostering meaningful engagement with online audiences.

Through strategic content creation, community engagement, and collaboration with internal and external partners, this role helps ensure the Foundation’s values, programs, and impact are communicated effectively and authentically across social platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to help promote the Obama Presidential Center that is set to open on the South Side of Chicago in Summer 2026.

As the Social Media Associate, you’ll be reporting directly to the Social Media Manager.

Core Job Responsibilities :

Collaborate with the Social Media Manager to develop and implement a strategic monthly social media plan aligned with the Foundation’s voice, values, and priorities.

Create original, high-performing content tailored to various platforms that authentically represents the Foundation and the Obamas.

Coordinate content and messaging across the Foundation’s full social media ecosystem, leveraging voices from initiatives such as the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the Girls Opportunity Alliance, program participants, and key stakeholders.

Identify compelling stories and produce optimized content that elevates community leadership in Chicago and globally, showcases the Obama Presidential Center, and highlights the impact of Foundation programs.

Use social media analytics tools to track performance, identify trends, and help shape data-informed content decisions.

Have a pulse on trending content and create real-time social posts that are fun, but also relevant to the Foundation’s work, in response.

Support the activation of digital surrogates—including alumni, partners, program participants and social media influencers—to broaden the Foundation’s reach and engagement across platforms.

Lead day-to-day community management, maintaining a consistent and thoughtful brand voice while fostering authentic, two-way dialogue with audiences.

Required Qualifications :

Previous experience managing and directly posting for high profile social media accounts with large audience preferred, nonprofit or cultural institution experience is a plus.

Great team player, willingness to collaborate with multiple departments.

Exceptional project manager who can effectively coordinate both short and long term projects while communicating effectively with others.

Working knowledge of social analytic software such as Sprout Social, Google Analytics, etc.

Exceptional writer with a track record of telling stories effectively through social media and engaging content.

Proven ability to balance multiple priorities without compromising quality.

The salary range for this role is between $59,755 and $74,670.

This is a hybrid role based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

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