Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate, Communications and Marketing

The Aspen Institute•Washington, DC

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate creates video-first digital content that brings Aspen Institute ideas, events, and people to life. The role produces content for social media, the web, and email and supports the Institute’s broader digital content strategy. It reports to the Director of Content Strategy and is expected to work from the Washington, D.C. office at least twice a week to collaborate with colleagues. The role involves capturing and editing video, turning long-form conversations into social clips, developing video storytelling concepts, and creating complementary graphics and captions. It also includes publishing and adapting content across digital channels, editing website content, supporting basic SEO, managing digital assets, monitoring audience engagement and performance, and collaborating with Communications colleagues and Institute programs. The salary range is $70,000–$78,000. Applicants should submit a portfolio with examples of video editing, social media content, and other digital storytelling work. Applications without a portfolio or work samples may not be considered. The Aspen Institute offers health, dental, vision, prescription, retirement, and paid-leave benefits. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes accommodation requests from individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in digital storytelling, video production, social media, digital content, journalism, or a related field.
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 and 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.
Experience working with website content management systems and basic SEO best practices.
Excellent organizational skills and 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.
Submit a portfolio demonstrating video editing, social media content, and other digital storytelling work; applications without a portfolio or work samples may not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media, marketing, film, or a related field is preferred.
Familiarity with social media management platforms such as Sprout Social.

Responsibilities

Create short-form videos for Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital platforms.
Capture video at 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 Institute programming.
Create graphics, captions, and simple motion elements to complement video content.
Partner with Communications staff and Institute programs to identify stories, speakers, and moments for digital content.
Curate and publish content on the Institute’s website, social media channels, and email newsletters.
Edit homepage and blog content as needed and optimize web content for search engines.
Help organize and manage the video archive and digital asset library.
Pitch new storytelling ideas and content formats.
Collaborate with the Director of Content Strategy and Communications team members to execute editorial strategy across digital channels.
Keep current with digital storytelling trends, emerging social formats, and platform best practices; identify ways to increase audience engagement.
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 using audience insights and platform trends.
Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity and ensure content aligns with editorial standards and communications priorities.
Monitor web, email, social, and video performance metrics to improve engagement and reach.
Partner with the Audience Insights Specialist to identify opportunities based on audience data and analytics.
Work with Communications colleagues and staff across the Institute to develop content supporting programs, initiatives, campaigns, and institutional priorities.
Build relationships with internal stakeholders to identify stories and support seamless content production across teams.