Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate, Communications and Marketing

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT

The Communications and Marketing Department creates compelling content that elevates and positions the Aspen Institute as a trusted, global convener of leaders building a better world. The department serves as an in-house agency supporting more than 60 programs, initiatives, public events, fundraising efforts, and the President's Office through strategic communications, marketing, storytelling, and audience engagement.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

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.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO THRIVE

• 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Portfolio

Candidates should submit a portfolio demonstrating examples of video editing, social media content, and other digital storytelling work. Applications without a portfolio or work samples may not be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or hav questions about accessibility, please email [email protected] or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability