The multimedia content creator will produce written, audio, and video content that supports the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s mission. This position will research, interview, write, and edit podcast content; create compelling video content; and write engaging email newsletters and website content that elevates ILSR’s work. This role demands a versatile skillset in multimedia production including exceptional writing and digital layout skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. A background knowledge of economic policymaking and/or corporate concentration is a plus.
The person in this role will report to the communications director and function as a member of the communications team, with approximately half of their portfolio dedicated to the work of ILSR’s Independent Business Initiative. This role will interface with program staff across the organization but will work particularly closely with the Independent Business team to drive communications strategies to advance the team's work fighting monopoly power and rebuilding local economies.
If you’re excited about this position, but feel you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, please apply — we are looking for exceptional candidates, not candidates that check boxes.
Responsibilities:
Podcasting (30%)
- Research and develop podcast seasons and episode topics, securing interesting guests to support the stories being told.
- Conduct interviews with guests, fostering engaging and informative discussions.
- Edit recorded interviews down to a clear and compelling story and work with ILSR’s engineer contractor to add musical and other effects to create high-quality episodes.
- Writes titles, summaries, and promotional content for each episode.
- Manage podcast distribution and promotion across various platforms.
- Gather, assess, and report on qualitative and quantitative data to shape the direction and promotional strategies for the podcast.
Website Content Production (25%)
- Develop and write engaging website content, including summaries, articles, and landing pages.
- Ensure website content is optimized for SEO and aligns with ILSR’s voice and messaging.
- Update website content to keep it current and relevant.
- Find appropriate images to illustrate web content.
- Collaborate with the communications team to enhance site functionality and user experience.
Video Content Creation (25%)
- Generate video content ideas for social media, YouTube, and ILSR’s website.
- Plan, script, and produce video content, often directing individuals working remotely to gather quality video content.
- Edit video content, adding graphics, effects, and sound to enhance quality.
- Repurpose video content from webinars and other longer-form productions to make captivating content for social media.
Email Newsletter and Social Media Campaigns (10%)
- Write and produce informative and engaging email newsletters.
- Develop content strategies to increase subscriber engagement.
- Maintain email list and audience segments for optimizing distribution strategies and engagement.
- Draft social media content to promote reports, articles, events, news features, and other ILSR offerings.
Research, Analysis, and Reporting (5%)
- Analyze web content, newsletter, and social media performance metrics and optimize for improved results.
- Stay updated on industry trends, audience preferences, and competitive landscape.
Administrative Duties as Assigned (5%)
Required Skillset
Collaboration
- Work closely with researchers, writers, and designers across the organization to ensure a cohesive content strategy.
- Communicate effectively across multiple teams and with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.
Exceptional writing, storytelling, and communication skills.
Proficiency with audio and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere).
Strategic thinker, able to discern content that will advance the goals of a given project and the organization broadly.
Creative mindset with a strong attention to detail.
Ability to conduct insightful research and present information clearly.
Preferred Experience
- A minimum of seven years experience in journalism, communications, multimedia production, or related field. An educational degree with a related study focus may count toward years of experience.
- Proven experience in podcast production and promotion, video content creation, digital newsletters, social media, and website content production.
- Familiarity with WordPress, Mailchimp, Canva, and Asana.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and content distribution strategies, particularly as it pertains to video for Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, and X as part of a broader distribution strategy.
- Demonstrated understanding of SEO best practices and content optimization.
- Track record of using research and analytics to inform content strategy and improve outcomes.
Compensation:
This position is full-time and can be done remotely or based in an ILSR office in Minneapolis, MN; Portland, ME; or Washington, DC where the Communications Director is based. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 depending on skills and experience. The position includes a 100 percent employer-paid health plan (you pay no premiums); generous vacation, holiday, and parental leave; and a retirement plan available immediately with a matching contribution after two years of employment. We are a dynamic and friendly team dedicated to making the world a better place. ILSR takes professional growth seriously.
This is a full-time, exempt, bargaining unit position with salary and benefits subject to collective bargaining, represented by OPEIU Local 12.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter addressed to Reggie Rucker, résumé, and between two and four samples reflecting your original work to hiring@ilsr.org. The cover letter should be no longer than 400 words and mention how you learned about the position.
At least one of the samples should be a writing sample, and no writing sample should be longer than 1,000 words (excerpts of longer pieces are welcome). At least one of the samples should also be a podcast you’ve hosted and/or played a significant role in producing. If you have an online portfolio, you are welcome to include a link to that in addition to the samples included in your submission. Please submit all materials as a single PDF with links to audio/video samples.
The subject line of the email should say “Application for Multimedia Content Creator.” We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Check ILSR’s website for updated information.
ILSR welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We encourage qualified applicants of all ages, racial, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, gender expressions, national origins, and veteran statuses to apply.
