Associate Director, YouTube Content

Reports to:Senior Director of Video, Digital CreativeStaff reporting to this position:Up to two staff membersDepartment: AdvocacyPosition classification: Exempt, full time; Non-union – level 6Compensation range: $77,000—$92,400 per annumWork site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress is seeking an Associate Director of YouTube Content to join CAP Action’s growing Digital Advocacy team. The team’s mission is to develop innovative and compelling visual content that builds the emotional and visual case for progressive policies and values. 

In partnership with the Senior Director of Video, Digital Creative, ideal applicants will have the ability to envision and implement the video team’s production strategy to grow our Fight for Progress YouTube audience. The Associate Director of YouTube Content should have a deep understanding of how to ideate and produce compelling long-format narratives, be able to report out YouTube analytics for the digital team, and provide insights on how to increase our content’s reach.

A strong candidate for this role will have the technical skills and strategic perspective to produce, shoot, edit, and manage video and motion projects for all digital platforms, with an emphasis on optimizing content for Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and most importantly, YouTube.

American Progress is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Senior Director of Video, Digital Creative, to develop serialized content on YouTube and video campaigns that advance American Progress’ messaging priorities.
• Identify messaging opportunities and narrative structures for a variety of formats, such as explainers, creative edits, and storyteller content.
• Collaborate with video team members to develop an execution plan with a clear production schedule and deliverables
• Read and translate complicated policy-centered data and information into digestible narratives. Brainstorm, research, and write clear and concise scripts that align the organization’s messaging guidance and help move the needle on American Progress’ core fights.
• Serve as an on-camera host and lead creator interviews when needed.
• Edit and/or manage video edits, providing feedback to editors when necessary.
• Execute a cross-platform clipping strategy by producing repurposed and optimized vertical products or Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube shorts to maximize content visibility and key performance indicators, including video views, retention, and engagement metrics.
• Optimize video performance through titles, thumbnails, SEO, and retention strategies.
• Manage and mentor the video team’s interns and video associates as needed.
• Identify and capitalize on viral trends and formats.
• Stay up to date on video production best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• ​​​​Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• At least five years of professional experience shooting, producing, and editing videos for commercial, political, advocacy, or news organizations.
• A creator/producer mentality—the ideal candidate has built or contributed to growing a YouTube channel with 1,000+ subscribers.
• Keen interest in YouTube trends and video storytelling, and a strong understanding of YouTube content formats and audience behavior.
• Strong writing and proofreading skills.
• Experience working in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Proficiency in Premiere is a must; proficiency in Descript is a plus.
• Comfort and confidence on camera.
• Ability to work independently—the ideal candidate can take an idea from concept to publication.
• Outstanding project management, organization, and communication skills. Proficiency in project collaboration workflows and tools such as Dropbox, Monday.com, and Google Workspace is preferred.
• A solid understanding of progressive values and policies and how they intersect with trending topics.
• Sound editorial and ethical judgment.
• Familiarity with shooting and operating DSLR cameras, lights, and audio equipment.
• Experience monitoring and distilling video performance metrics from a variety of publishing platforms is a plus.
• Creativity and commitment to innovation and experimentation.
• A positive attitude—the ideal candidate will be a team player with a passion for progressive change
• Collaborative mindset and openness to developing new skills as needed.

This is a term-limited position that expires December 31, 2028. American Progress offers full and competitive benefits packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.