What Jobs are available for Digital Communication Management in the United States?

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Work Arrangement:  This role offers a hybrid schedule, with a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration. Candidates should be in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC area.

Are you passionate about creating thriving online communities and making meaningful connections? We’re looking for a creative and proactive Social Media Strategy Manager  who excels at crafting engaging strategies and building strong relationships with our donors. If you’re ready to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact, this role is for you!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grow the local online and offline Grifols Plasma community
• Explore new community-friendly platforms and groups to facilitate the expansion of Grifols Plasma local user base and influence
• Monitor trends and conversations in local community groups, both online and offline, to spot opportunities for engagement
• Gather user/donor digital feedback
• Create strategies to share localized, compelling content that resonates with the target audience
• Manage and coordinate the social media presence across platforms
• Content scheduling

This job description is intended to present the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. The description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Managers and supervisors may assign other duties as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Preferred: Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas are a plus. Fluent in Spanish is also a plus.
• Deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices, with hands-on experience managing brand accounts across multiple channels (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
• 3-5 years of experience in community management, influencer marketing, or social media outreach, preferably within the digital marketing space. Strategy, content and performance.
• Experience working with key social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• Analytical Skills:  Advanced data management, execution, and conclusion of analysis.
• Critical Thinking : Quickly acquires industry and company-specific technical skills and knowledge, open to change, and experiments with solutions.
• Results Delivery:  Consistently high performer, results-oriented, agile decision-making, and proposing improvement actions.
• Influence and Negotiation : Uses persuasion skills to influence others' decisions with confidence and firmness.
• Leadership : Direct and tolerant with others, listens, and seeks to understand the interests of all divisions and areas before acting.
• Teamwork : Collaborates with others, forms part of a group, and works across areas prioritizing collective interests over personal ones.
• Effective Communication:  Actively listens, asks the right questions to move goals forward, and expresses ideas clearly and concisely.
• Dynamism and Energy : Works hard in changing situations with diverse stakeholders, maintaining productivity.
• Adaptability and Flexibility : Recognizes and is open to constantly changing circumstances, adjusts behavior when necessary.
• Learning and Continuous Improvement : Focuses on developing personal and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities to grow and improve continually

#biomatusa

#LI-KS1

#LI-Hybrid

#app

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.

Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-RTP
NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Durham
NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Raleigh:USNC0001 - RTP NC-Headquarters  

Learn more about Grifols

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.
**Work Arrangement:** This role offers a hybrid schedule, with a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration. Candidates should be in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC area.
Are you passionate about creating thriving online communities and making meaningful connections? We're looking for a creative and proactive **Social Media Strategy Manager** who excels at crafting engaging strategies and building strong relationships with our donors. If you're ready to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact, this role is for you!
**PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES**
+ Grow the local online and offline Grifols Plasma community
+ Explore new community-friendly platforms and groups to facilitate the expansion of Grifols Plasma local user base and influence
+ Monitor trends and conversations in local community groups, both online and offline, to spot opportunities for engagement
+ Gather user/donor digital feedback
+ Create strategies to share localized, compelling content that resonates with the target audience
+ Manage and coordinate the social media presence across platforms
+ Content scheduling
This job description is intended to present the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. The description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Managers and supervisors may assign other duties as needed.
**EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE**
+ Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience
+ Preferred: Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas are a plus. Fluent in Spanish is also a plus.
+ Deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices, with hands-on experience managing brand accounts across multiple channels (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
+ 3-5 years of experience in community management, influencer marketing, or social media outreach, preferably within the digital marketing space. Strategy, content and performance.
+ Experience working with key social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc.)
**KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES**
+ Analytical Skills: Advanced data management, execution, and conclusion of analysis.
+ Critical Thinking: Quickly acquires industry and company-specific technical skills and knowledge, open to change, and experiments with solutions.
+ Results Delivery: Consistently high performer, results-oriented, agile decision-making, and proposing improvement actions.
+ Influence and Negotiation: Uses persuasion skills to influence others' decisions with confidence and firmness.
+ Leadership: Direct and tolerant with others, listens, and seeks to understand the interests of all divisions and areas before acting.
+ Teamwork: Collaborates with others, forms part of a group, and works across areas prioritizing collective interests over personal ones.
+ Effective Communication: Actively listens, asks the right questions to move goals forward, and expresses ideas clearly and concisely.
+ Dynamism and Energy: Works hard in changing situations with diverse stakeholders, maintaining productivity.
+ Adaptability and Flexibility: Recognizes and is open to constantly changing circumstances, adjusts behavior when necessary.
+ Learning and Continuous Improvement: Focuses on developing personal and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities to grow and improve continually
#biomatusa
#LI-KS1
#LI-Hybrid
#app
Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:
Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.
**Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.**
**Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-RTP | NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Durham | NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Raleigh:USNC0001 - RTP NC-Headquarters**
Learn more about Grifols ( ID:**
**Type:** Regular Full-Time
**Job Category:** MARKETING

Our client is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Social Media Strategy Lead to develop and execute innovative strategies across all social media platforms. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to craft impactful campaigns from your home office. The ideal candidate will be responsible for increasing brand awareness, driving engagement, fostering community growth, and supporting e-commerce sales through compelling social media initiatives.

As the Lead, you will guide the social media team, analyze performance metrics, stay ahead of digital trends, and collaborate with marketing, content, and e-commerce teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign execution. Your ability to translate business objectives into creative and effective social media strategies will be paramount.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive social media strategies aligned with business goals and brand objectives.
• Oversee all social media channels (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest), ensuring consistent brand voice and visual identity.
• Create engaging and shareable content calendars, including text, image, and video posts, tailored to each platform.
• Monitor social media trends, platform updates, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities.
• Analyze social media performance metrics, providing regular reports on engagement, reach, conversions, and ROI.
• Manage social media advertising campaigns, including budget allocation, targeting, and optimization.
• Foster community engagement by responding to comments, messages, and reviews in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with content creators, designers, and marketing teams to develop integrated campaigns.
• Identify and engage with influencers and brand advocates to amplify reach and credibility.
• Manage crisis communication and online reputation on social media platforms.
• Stay abreast of emerging social media platforms and technologies.
• Lead and mentor the social media team, providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Support e-commerce sales through targeted social media promotions and shopping integrations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in social media marketing and strategy, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing successful social media campaigns across various platforms.
• Proficiency with social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social) and analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of social media advertising, including platform-specific ad managers.
• Excellent content creation, copywriting, and visual storytelling skills.
• Experience with community management and online reputation management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Experience in e-commerce or social commerce is a significant plus.

This is an exciting opportunity for a social media expert to drive brand presence and e-commerce growth from a remote location.

Our client, a forward-thinking e-commerce startup, is looking for a talented Social Media Strategy Lead to develop and execute comprehensive social media strategies that drive brand awareness, engagement, and conversions. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within the US. You will be responsible for managing all social media channels, creating compelling content calendars, and fostering a vibrant online community around our brand. Key responsibilities include defining social media objectives, identifying target audiences, and developing platform-specific content strategies. You will also monitor social media trends, analyze performance metrics using social listening tools, and provide regular reports on engagement, reach, and ROI. Collaboration with marketing, product, and customer service teams is essential to ensure brand consistency and integrated campaign execution. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field, coupled with at least 4 years of experience in social media marketing and strategy, preferably within the e-commerce or DTC space. Demonstrable experience in building and managing online communities, creating engaging visual and written content, and running successful social media advertising campaigns is required. You must be highly creative, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have a deep understanding of the social media landscape and its evolving algorithms. Proficiency in social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social) and analytics platforms is a must. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a passion for innovative digital storytelling. We seek a proactive individual who can take initiative and drive meaningful results.

Job Description

Job Description

Bully Pulpit International is an outcomes agency made up of strategists, data scientists, and artists. We come from politics, brands, and government and we communicate without barriers and measure what matters. We have more than 350 team members in six countries and thirteen offices — Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, D.C., London, Los Angeles, New York, Oslo, San Francisco, and Zürich. We apply our unique expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, and digital marketing to create sophisticated and customized strategies that make change possible for both American and European clients.

The Impact You Will Make

BPI is seeking a seasoned social and content strategist to lead integrated social media programs that advance our mission, amplify our impact, and protect our reputation. This role combines strategic planning, content creation, executive visibility, and rapid-response expertise, with a focus on thought leadership, public policy, and values-driven engagement.

• Salary range - $110,000 - $40,000

• Expectation to work from one of our offices (DC, NYC -preferred, SF, CHI, LA) at least 3 days a week

What Day-to-Day Looks Like

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute social and content strategies aligned with BPI’s mission, reputation priorities, and audience needs
• Lead always-on campaigns across key platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, Snap)
• Design strategic growth plans and KPIs, leveraging audience insights and analytics

Content Development & Campaigns

• Oversee content calendars, draft engaging and regulation-compliant copy
• Deliver proactive and reactive messaging that shapes narratives around BPI’s work
• Create thought leadership content and support executive visibility across channels

Executive & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as strategic partner and ghostwriter for executives, including posts, Q&As, and replies
• Support visibility tied to events, media coverage, and philanthropic initiatives

Rapid Response & Crisis Management

• Monitor real-time conversations to identify risks, misinformation, and reputational threats
• Collaborate with comms, legal, and crisis teams to craft aligned responses
• Maintain and update a rapid-response playbook with clear protocols

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor direct reports, ensuring best practices in publishing, moderation, and engagement
• Partner across teams and stakeholders to drive alignment and impact

Measurement & Optimization

• Deliver performance reports and insights on audience engagement and reputational trends
• Refine strategies based on analytics and high-impact content themes

Requirements

What You Bring

• 8-10 years of experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creation
• Background across agency and corporate environments preferred
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and analytical skills; ability to balance strategic and creative demands under tigh timelines
• Proven project and team management experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives

Benefits

BPI offers a wide range of benefits to U.S.-based employees, including 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) program with employer match up to 4%, generous time off for vacation, $50 onthly phone reimbursement, unlimited sick time, and 16 weeks of paid leave for new parents . BPI’s benefits prioritize employee wellness and progressive support to our diverse workforce.

We’re looking for all kinds of people.

BPI Group is an integrated public affairs agency that delivers outcomes for the top organizations and leaders around the world. With expertise in strategic communications, digital marketing, creative, research, and measurement, we offer a cohesive approach across corporate, policy, and public affairs strategy in today’s interconnected world. By combining incisive strategy and deep tactical expertise, we make change possible. Our transatlantic presence includes offices across thirteen markets in the US and Europe.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on individual commitment to excellence. We want to have the best qualified people in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

BPI 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 . We consider applications holistically and you may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Let’s keep in touch. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter at bpigroup.com

**Duration: 4 months contract**
**Job Description:**
+ We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Social Media Manager to oversee the strategy, execution, and optimization of our owned social channels. In this role, you will manage a dynamic content calendar, bring branded storytelling to life, and deliver best-in-class social experiences that deepen consumer engagement and drive measurable business impact.
+ You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and agency partners to ensure content is culturally relevant, on brand, and resonates with global audiences.
+ The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading global social programs for major brands, with the ability to balance big-picture strategy and day-to-day execution.
+ You should be fluent in platform nuances, comfortable working with creator and influencer talent, and skilled at turning insights into actionable strategies that align with brand and business objectives.
**Responsibilities:**
+ Manage and maintain a robust organic social content calendar across multiple platforms.
+ Lead the end-to-end development of evergreen and campaign-based content, from strategy through execution and reporting.
+ Collaborate with creators/influencers and agency partners to deliver multi-channel social campaigns.
+ Drive platform-specific content strategies, ensuring cultural relevance and audience engagement across YouTube, Client, X, TikTok, and emerging platforms.
+ Monitor and analyze social performance, connecting insights to brand marketing objectives and broader business KPIs.
+ Deliver regular performance reports and recommendations to cross-functional, matrixed teams.
+ Oversee social listening and real-time response, joining conversations in brand-right, authentic ways.
+ Ensure compliance with brand guidelines and legal requirements for high-visibility campaigns.
+ Partner with internal teams (creative, legal, product, communications) to ensure alignment across initiatives.
**Experience:**
+ 5+ years of experience managing organic social media programs in major brand environments or top-tier agencies.
+ Demonstrated ability to lead social content production workflows, from strategy to execution.
+ Deep knowledge of YouTube, Client, X, TikTok, and other major platforms, with expertise in community engagement.
+ Proven experience collaborating with creators, influencers, and external agencies on integrated campaigns.
+ Strong understanding of how social media drives brand marketing objectives and connects to business outcomes.
+ Skilled in synthesizing data and insights into clear recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
+ Familiarity with social listening tools, analytics platforms, and rapid response best practices.
+ Comfort working within structured brand and legal review processes.
+ Proficiency with social media analytics/reporting tools.
+ Passion for technology, storytelling, and developing culturally resonant content.
**Skills:**
+ Organic social media programs
+ Knowledge of YouTube, Client, X, TikTok, and other major platforms
+ Social listening tools, analytics platforms
**Education:**
+ Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
**About US Tech Solutions:**
US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit ( .
US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Our client is seeking a dynamic and innovative Head of Social Media Strategy to lead their digital presence across all social media platforms. This is a fully remote position that requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing successful social media campaigns that drive engagement, brand awareness, and measurable business results. You will be responsible for shaping the overall social media vision, managing content creation and distribution, and staying ahead of emerging trends and platform changes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with marketing and business objectives.
• Oversee the creation, curation, and scheduling of engaging and relevant content across various social media channels (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube).
• Manage the social media team, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
• Monitor social media trends, platform updates, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
• Develop and execute paid social media advertising campaigns, optimizing for performance and ROI.
• Analyze social media data and metrics, providing regular reports on campaign performance, audience engagement, and key insights.
• Foster community engagement and manage online reputation through proactive interaction and crisis management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, PR, product, and sales, to ensure cohesive brand messaging.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with influencers and brand advocates.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in social media marketing, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing data-driven social media strategies that have achieved significant growth in engagement and reach.
• Expertise in social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer) and analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of SEO, keyword research, and content marketing principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and creativity.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Experience with paid social advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager).

This is an exciting opportunity to lead social media efforts for a growing organization from the comfort of your home office. Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that encourages innovation and remote collaboration. If you are a social media visionary ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.

Our client is a rapidly growing e-commerce innovator seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Social Media Strategy to lead their online presence and engagement efforts. This pivotal role, based in New York City, New York, US , will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy that drives brand awareness, customer acquisition, and community growth. You will oversee all social media channels, including content creation, community management, paid social advertising, and influencer collaborations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the evolving social media landscape, including emerging platforms and trends, and be adept at leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decisions and optimize campaign performance. This role demands exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to manage a team of social media specialists and collaborate effectively with marketing, product, and sales departments. You will be instrumental in shaping the brand's voice and narrative across digital touchpoints, fostering meaningful connections with our target audience, and ultimately contributing to the company's e-commerce success. This is a unique opportunity to leave your mark on a forward-thinking organization in the heart of the e-commerce revolution.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, data-driven social media strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the creation of engaging and high-quality content across all social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Manage and grow social media communities, fostering positive engagement and brand advocacy.
• Develop and execute paid social media advertising campaigns to drive conversions and ROI.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key influencers and brand ambassadors.
• Monitor social media trends, competitor activities, and emerging platforms, providing actionable insights.
• Analyze social media performance metrics and generate regular reports on key KPIs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, design, product) to ensure brand consistency.
• Manage and mentor a team of social media managers and content creators.
• Stay ahead of algorithmic changes and platform updates to optimize reach and engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in social media marketing and strategy, with a significant portion in e-commerce.
• Proven success in developing and executing impactful social media campaigns.
• Expertise in social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social) and analytics platforms.
• Deep understanding of SEO principles and their application to social media.
• Strong leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Creative mindset with a passion for storytelling and brand building.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable business results through social media.

Our client is looking for a visionary and results-oriented Lead Social Media Strategy Manager to shape and execute groundbreaking digital strategies. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in the US while making a significant impact. You will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive social media strategies that align with our marketing objectives, drive brand awareness, engagement, and conversions across all relevant platforms. The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller with a deep understanding of current social media trends, platform algorithms, and audience behavior.

Your primary responsibilities will include overseeing the creation of compelling content, managing social media campaigns from conception to execution, and analyzing performance metrics to optimize strategies. You will lead a team of social media specialists, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative environment. This role requires extensive experience with social media management tools, analytics platforms, and advertising strategies. You will be expected to identify emerging trends, evaluate new social media platforms, and propose innovative approaches to reach and engage our target audiences. Strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills are essential. A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred, along with a minimum of 8 years of experience in social media management and digital marketing, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity. This role is perfect for an individual passionate about the evolving digital landscape, eager to drive brand growth through impactful social media initiatives in a remote-first setting.