Digital Media Specialist

The Future of Free Speech is hiring a Digital Media Specialist to produce the video, social media content, and graphics to amplify our research to policymakers, scholars, journalists, and the public. The role sits on the Communications Team and reports to the Director of Communications.

This is a hands-on production role. You will cut video from our events, interviews, and research, create explanatory videos, design social graphics, and own the day-to-day growth of our audience on our social media platforms. We are looking for someone with a track record of building a following and driving engagement , who can explain complex ideas clearly and who uses AI tools to work faster without sacrificing accuracy. You will work closely with our research fellows to turn research into content that is accurate, visually sharp, and easy to share.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF FREE SPEECH
The Future of Free Speech (FOFS) is an independent, non-partisan think tank located at Vanderbilt University. We will reaffirm freedom of expression as the bedrock of free and thriving societies through actionable research, empowering tools, and principled advocacy.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Social media growth and engagement

Contribute to our social media channels day to day: write and schedule posts and publish daily, following a content calendar planned with the Director of Communications

Work toward growth targets for each platform set with the Director of Communications, and propose the formats and tactics to reach them

Develop platform-native formats (threads, carousels, short video, polls, live coverage of events) and test what moves the numbers

Track analytics across channels, report monthly on video retention, reach, engagement, follower growth, newsletter subscriptions, and traffic to our research, and adjust the plan based on what works

Help research fellows build and use their own social presence to amplify FOFS work

Graphics

Design social media graphics, quote cards, data visualizations, and infographics that follow our brand guidelines

Video

Edit short-form video for social channels from event recordings, fellow interviews, and explainer scripts

Add motion graphics and other visual enhancements to drive engagement on video-first social media platforms

WHAT YOU BRING
Required

One to three years of experience creating social media content, including video, for an organization, publication, newsroom, agency, or your own channels

A demonstrated record of growing an audience, with numbers you can point to and a clear account of your own contribution

Deep working knowledge of social media platform formats, posting rhythms, algorithm behavior, and community norms

Proficiency in Premiere Pro and at least one design tool at least one other Adobe Creative Cloud product

Practical experience using AI tools to improve the speed and quality of production, along with the judgment to check AI output for accuracy

Attention to detail, including the ability to proof your own work against a style guide

A self-starter mindset, including a willingness to learn new tools and skills, as well as to identify social media opportunities

Preferred

Motion graphics skills in After Effects

Experience with listening tools such as Sprout, Buffer, or Hootsuite

Experience growing audiences for a think tank, newsroom, or advocacy organization; interest in free expression, press freedom, technology policy, or international affairs

We know that strong candidates rarely match every line. If you are excited about the role and bring most of what is listed, we encourage you to apply.

BENEFITS
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, with benefits including:

Medical and Dental Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

401K Retirement Account with Employer Match

12 Paid Holidays

Flexible work environment with opportunity for occasional remote work

The Future of Free Speech is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background and viewpoint and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

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