We're Hiring a Social Media Manager!

THIS  POSiTION HAS BEEN FILLED. Exciting news! We're looking for a skilled, enthusiastic Social Media Manager to join the MDPR Team immediately. If you think you are a good fit for the position and would like to apply, please email your resume and at least one writing sample to emily@monikadixonpr.com with the subject 'Social Media Manager'. Please include a brief cover letter in the body of the email explaining why you are a qualified applicant and why you would like to work at MDPR. We look forward to hearing from YOU soon!

Monika Dixon Public Relations creates integrated marketing communication programs using the client’s business objective as a foundation.

MDPR implements custom marketing and social media strategies specifically tailored to clients’ unique needs. Leveraging expertise in media relations, promotional event planning, strategic marketing, and experience in the lifestyle and retail industries, MDPR brings an extensive network into play to generate dynamic results in name recognition and brand awareness.

Monika Dixon Public Relations is seeking an experienced Social Media Manager (SMM). The SMM will develop, strategize, create and execute the social mediapresence for the MDPR company accounts as well as 6+ clients on multiple platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. This includes the creation of written content as well as accompanying graphics/images. All strategy, campaigns, contests, promotions, editorial calendars and daily content are the responsibility of the SMM to be approved by MDPR's CEO. The SMM will maintain and build the social presence of MDPR clients with engaging, relevant content as well as constant interaction with clients' social communities and potential customers. The SMM will be in constant contact with clients to discuss new social media pitches, strategies, etc, so candidate must be comfortable communicating ideas via email or face-to-face. Creativity is key, because the SMM works almost independently to constantly create fresh, engaging content for a range of clients in a range of fields on a daily basis. The SMM will also contribute to MDPR's blog and various client blogs and will be involved in various other MDPR projects, including event coordination and live posting from events. Passion for social media is a must!
Requirements:
-At least 6 months of professional social media experience
-Bachelors degree in communications, public relations or related field
-Strong writing and editing skills
-Ability to multitask, juggle many projects at one time and to handle unexpected work at moment's notice
-Very independent worker who is self-motivated
-Creative thinker who can execute ideas both through copy and graphics
-Graphic design experience (Photoshop is a plus)
-Must know the best practices for various social media networks and stay current with changing trends and technologies
-Willingness to work outside of office hours when needed and attend client events
-Extremely well-versed in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and other social media platforms
-Previous experience with email marketing tools like Constant Contact
-Versed in Blogger in order to contribute to MDPR blog and client blogs
-Effective communicator
-Experience analyzing and reporting social media metrics
-Previous experience within the lifestyle industry is a plus
-Familiar with Eventbrite.com and WordPress to update MDPR website
-Must be available to occasionally attend evening and weekend events

Escape from Chiberia

According to the forecast, there's no end in sight to this deep freeze. It's looking like the perfect time for a last-minute getaway to a hot, tropical local.

The only problem is last-minute airfare usually costs an arm and a leg, or so we thought. I Fly First Class just introduced their steeply discounted business class and first class tickets to Chicago, keeping our vacation dreams alive!

I Fly First Class specializes in finding ridculously cheap first class tickets at the last minute (we're talking 40-50% off normal fares). You could decide you want to leave this weekend and have your flight booked this afternoon.

Seeing as it's summer in the southern hemisphere, an African safari or a trek around the Indonesian islands sounds like heaven! I Fly First Class offers discounted airfare on all major airlines that fly to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. No itinerary is too complex for their experienced staff of travel experts.

If you're flying international for business rather than pleasure, you can still take advantage of their services. Travelers who book business class tickets through I Fly First Class generally save 20-30% off normal fares.

Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some packing to do.

Doc B's Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty

We usually think of plants as an afterthought in our meals – a slice of lettuce on our burger or a side salad with our steak. Who knew plants would take over the dining scene? Jay-Z, Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson and Ellen DeGeneres have all embraced this vegan diet and we can't wait to see what the buzz is about.

The MDPR team is getting the "leaf-down" on the plant-based diet on February 20 from One Part Plant founder Jessica Murnane when Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty. Jessica will be co-hosting with Citizen Stone owner Alexis Cozzini who has been raving to us about her switch to a plant-based diet. We couldn’t help but be interested when we saw the delicious meals she was cooking up on Instagram.

Doc B’s Executive Chef executive chef Ed McIntosh is creating several 100% plant-based menu items for the dinner that they plan to add to their regular menu in the spring, as well as giving some of their most popular dishes a planty twist. We're looking forward to their tangled noodle salad with tofu!

The new menu items will include a house-made guacamole with herbed vegetable chips, rosemary and lentil wild rice pilaf, grilled baby artichokes with a roasted red pepper puree and more.

Ready to make the dive into plantland? Follow along at #GetPlanty. Tickets for Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen’s “Planty” event are $40 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite (http://www.eventbrite.com/getplanty). 

RSVP early to get in on the action as tickets are expected to sell fast! 

What's New in the Social Media World

With social media constantly growing and changing, it’s important to keep yourself in the loop of all of the latest trends and products. Since researching these new trends can be time consuming, we have done the work for you. You can read this helpful list faster than the time it takes to update an app on your iPhone!

1. YouTube reaches more U.S. adults aged 18-34 than any cable network.

Need something to spice up your current PR strategy? Fast Company recommends utilizing YouTube to attract millennials. You can start small with straightforward and simple videos introducing your team or explaining what your company does.

2. The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55-64 year age bracket.

According to Fast Company, this particular demographic has grown a hefty 79% since 2012. Additionally, this is the fastest growing age group on Facebook. It is important to remember this older audience when creating content. They might not have the same interests as you do.

3. 189 million of Facebook’s users are “mobile only.”
With a large number of Facebook users accessing content on their phones, it is important to remember to consider how easily your content is displayed on social media. Make sure your content is easy to share using a mobile device.

4. Q&A app Jelly launches.
From Twitter cofounder Biz Stone comes a new networking app to keep an eye out for. According to Mashable, Jelly enables users to take a picture and ask a question to other users. This can be as simple as asking whether or not a certain book is worth reading. Other users comment on the photo to answer. With people more connected than ever, this app will be a great way to help others.

What is your go-to social media outlet? Let us know by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor