Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate, Communications and Marketing at The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC

Job description

• The Digital Storytelling Associate plays a key role in bringing the Aspen Institute's ideas, events, and people to life through compelling digital storytelling. This role is responsible for producing engaging video-first content for social media, the web, and email while supporting the Institute's broader content strategy across digital channels.
• Our ideal candidate is an excellent visual storyteller who enjoys shooting and editing video, identifying compelling moments, and transforming long-form conversations into engaging digital content. They understand what performs across social platforms, stay ahead of emerging storytelling trends, and collaborate effectively with colleagues across the Institute to create content that inspires audiences and reflects the Aspen Institute's brand. This role reports to the Director of Content Strategy. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $78,000. The expectation is for this role to be in our Washington D.C. office a minimum of 2x a week to collaborate with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Content Creation and Storytelling
• Create engaging short-form videos for Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital platforms.
• Capture video at Aspen Institute events, interviews, convenings, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Edit long-form conversations into compelling social clips optimized for each platform.
• Develop creative concepts for video-first storytelling that extends the reach of Aspen Institute programming.
• Create graphics, captions, and simple motion elements that complement video content.
• Partner with Communications staff and Institute programs to identify stories, speakers, and moments that translate into engaging digital content.
• Curate and publish content across the Institute's website, social media channels, and email newsletters.
• Edit homepage and blog content as needed.
• Optimize web content for search engines to help drive organic traffic.
• Help organize and manage the Institute's growing video archive and digital asset library.
• Pitch fresh storytelling ideas and new content formats.
• Digital Content Strategy
• Collaborate with the Director of Content Strategy and other Communications team members to execute the Institute's editorial strategy across digital channels.
• Stay current on digital storytelling trends, emerging social formats, and platform best practices.
• Identify opportunities to increase audience engagement through innovative content approaches.
• Social Media and Audience Engagement
• Create video-first content for the Institute's primary social media channels.
• Adapt content for platform-specific audiences and formats across LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and other channels.
• Monitor audience conversations and engage with users as appropriate.
• Analyze content performance and recommend improvements based on audience insights and platform trends.
• Brand Voice and Editorial Standards
• Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity across all digital content.
• Ensure content aligns with the Institute's editorial standards and communications priorities.
• Data Analysis and Optimization
• Monitor web, email, social, and video performance metrics to improve engagement and reach.
• Partner with the Audience Insights Specialist to identify opportunities informed by audience data and analytics.
• Collaboration
• Work closely with Communications colleagues to align digital storytelling with broader editorial priorities and campaigns.
• Collaborate with communications staff across the Institute to develop and execute content that supports programs, initiatives, and institutional priorities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to identify compelling stories and ensure seamless content production across teams.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in digital storytelling, video production, social media, digital content, journalism, or a related field; bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media, marketing, film, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience shooting and editing short-form digital video.
• Strong proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, or similar professional editing software.
• Experience creating social-first videos optimized for multiple platforms.
• Ability to capture high-quality video and audio using DSLR, mirrorless, or mobile production equipment.
• Experience creating graphics using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong visual storytelling instincts with an understanding of pacing, hooks, and platform-specific best practices.
• Strong writing and editing skills for concise, compelling digital content.
• Experience managing social media channels including LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
• Familiarity with social media management platforms such as Sprout Social is a plus.
• Experience working with website content management systems and basic SEO best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Curious, proactive, and comfortable working across teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for storytelling, journalism, current events, and cultural trends.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing, Film, or a related field is preferred.

Skills

Required

• Excellent organizational skills
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro
• CapCut
• Canva
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Website content management systems
• SEO best practices

Benefits

• The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.