A new job title definition has emerged: Meme Manager. In an intriguing turn of events, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has posted a job listing for a “Partner Manager, Content and Meme Pages.” This role is not just another digital position; it is a strategic move to engage with the internet’s bustling meme culture. The job involves initiating and managing day-to-day operations with top content and meme pages, with a salary going up to $85,000
Hiring a meme manager underscores the importance of digital strategies in modern political campaigns. Once seen as mere internet humor, memes have now become an important part of political communication. Their rapid spread and deep resonance with younger demographics make them a valuable tool for campaigns aiming to connect with voters online.
Biden hires meme manager to capture the youth
This isn’t the first time memes have played a role in Biden‘s campaign strategies. Previously, the campaign embraced the “Dark Brandon” meme, which significantly contributed to their merchandise sales, showing that memes can have a tangible impact on campaign finance and voter engagement.
The role of a meme manager might sound unconventional, but it reflects a broader shift in how political campaigns are conducted. In the past, canvassing in person was the norm, but today, digital presence can make or break a campaign. The job listing highlights the necessity of meeting voters where they are, which increasingly means online platforms where viral content can reach millions. You can see the relevant advertisement here.
The Biden campaign’s approach is part of a larger trend where digital organizing is valued as much as traditional methods. During the pandemic, for example, many campaigns have accelerated their digital strategies to adapt to the new reality where face-to-face interactions are limited. This shift has not only continued but has become a central strategy for engaging with young voters in particular, who spend a significant amount of time online.
Moreover, the role of memes in political discourse is not limited to one party or candidate. Former President Donald Trump also used memes during his campaigns, demonstrating that memes have become an important part of the digital toolkit for engaging and mobilizing supporters across the political spectrum.
What is a meme?
The job of a meme manager involves more than just sharing funny images. It requires an understanding of internet culture, trends, and the intricacies of online communication. The ideal candidate should be adept at using memes to communicate political messages engagingly and respectfully of the medium’s lighthearted nature.
This role also involves strategic thinking about how to use memes to react to political developments in real-time. Memes can spread quickly and potentially influence public perception in the immediate aftermath of news. Managing memes therefore requires a careful balance between being timely and maintaining the overall message and tone of the campaign.
Internet memes are digital snippets of culture, often composed of images, videos, or texts, that spread rapidly online, primarily due to their humorous, relatable, and easily shareable nature. They have become a language of their own among the younger generation, who not only consume but actively participate in meme culture by creating and circulating new content. This form of digital communication resonates deeply with young people, as it allows for a creative and succinct expression of thoughts and feelings about current events and daily life. Meanwhile, the older generation is increasingly recognizing the influence and reach of memes. Many are making concerted efforts to understand and engage with this new form of communication, seeing it as a vital tool to connect with younger audiences, whether for marketing, political campaigns, or simply bridging generational gaps in everyday interactions. That’s why the position of meme manager was created.
The Biden campaign’s search for a meme manager is a clear indication of the evolving landscape of political campaigning. As digital platforms continue to grow in importance, the ability to effectively engage with online communities through memes and viral content will likely become even more crucial for political campaigns in the future.
Featured image credit: Jon Tyson / Unsplash
