Today's inductee into the 2024 Enrollify Hall of Fame is Jon-Stephen Stansel, founder of Saturn Nine Media, whose transformative social media strategies are reshaping higher education engagement. In this episode, Jon-Stephen discusses the immense potential of social listening, advocates for rethinking the role of social media managers, and shares actionable insights for empowering these professionals. His vision is setting a new standard for leveraging digital platforms in higher ed.

Check out the full episodes Jon-Stephen appeared on: 

• Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager - Episode 9
• Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO - Episode 55
• Mission Admissions - Episode 35

• Expand Social Listening Beyond Social Media: Social listening should inform institutional decisions, from curriculum design to event planning, not just content strategies.
• Elevate Social Media Management Roles: Social media managers should be experienced professionals, supported by entry-level staff, to reflect the critical responsibilities of the role.
• Support Social Media Teams: Leaders must trust and empower their social media professionals, especially during crisis communication.
• Foster Staff Advocacy: Encourage staff to share their expertise online and engage in professional communities to elevate both personal and institutional branding.

How Can Social Listening Drive Institutional Strategy? 
Jon-Stephen Stansel argues that social listening’s utility extends far beyond crafting social media posts—it should influence major institutional decisions. From adjusting event logistics like parking at commencement to refining messaging strategies, higher ed institutions can benefit immensely by analyzing audience feedback. Social listening provides real-time, data-driven insights that can guide decisions on curriculum updates, event planning, and even cafeteria offerings. By integrating these insights, institutions can better align their strategies with audience needs, fostering stronger connections and more effective operations.

Why Should Social Media Management Be a Senior Role? 
Social media managers often operate under immense scrutiny while managing the public face of their institutions. Despite this, these roles are often treated as entry-level positions. Jon-Stephen calls for a paradigm shift: these critical roles should be filled by experienced professionals who are supported by entry-level staff or assistants. This approach ensures nuanced decision-making, reduces burnout, and provides space for mentorship. Social media managers must have the authority and trust to represent the institution effectively, especially during crises, to build credibility and maintain public confidence.

How Can Leaders Better Support Social Media Teams? 
Jon-Stephen emphasizes the importance of leadership support for social media managers, particularly during high-pressure situations. Leaders should act as shields, ensuring their teams feel empowered to make decisions without fear of undue backlash. This trust fosters creativity and resilience within teams. Additionally, encouraging staff to share their expertise and engage with their professional communities can amplify the institution’s reputation. By investing in professional development and showcasing staff talent, institutions can cultivate stronger networks and attract top-tier talent.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register