#54 - How Nikki Sunstrum built high-performing content teams at Indiana University and University of Michigan

Higher Ed Storytelling University

My guest today is Nikki Sunstrum, Assistant VP of Strategic Communication at Indiana University and Instructor at University of Michigan School of Information. Nikki has built social media teams at both IU and Michigan.

In this episode, Nikki shares her insights on building effective social media teams in higher education. We discuss sourcing talent, establishing niches, managing team well-being, and optimizing efforts based on resources. If you’re looking to improve your higher ed social media strategy and team, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Look beyond just communications backgrounds when hiring. Other majors like psychology and organizational behavior provide valuable perspectives.
• Establish niche roles like animator, illustrator, vertical video specialist rather than just generalists.
• Tend to team well-being through being an advocate and buffer from leadership.
• Set realistic expectations for leadership based on bandwidth. Not all platforms deserve equal focus.
• Help team members showcase transferable skills gained from social media roles when pursuing new opportunities.

Connect with Nikki:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkisunstrum/
• Website: https://nikkisunstrum.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkisunstrum/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkisun

Connect with John:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoni
• Website: https://unveild.tv
• Newsletter: https://unveild.tv/newsletter