Digital Communications Specialist

Work for a first-class institution that is innovative, multi-dimensional, and dynamic by joining AIR as a Digital Communications Specialist.

We hire talented and forward-thinking professionals to build our cross-functional teams and support our clients in solving complex problems. Our people—problem-solvers, changemakers, and creative thinkers—are experts in their craft who rise to meet today’s challenges.

The Digital Communications Specialist will play an integral role in delivering on some of the most meaningful projects in communities across the United States and the world. You’ll collaborate with our teams of motivated and passionate visionaries, where your input will be valued and your contributions vital to our success.

AIR’s Communications & Public Affairs team seeks a Digital Communications Specialist who will amplify the voice of the organization by leveraging the capacity of the AIR external website to tell the AIR story. The Digital Communications Specialist is a proactive, creative, innovative, enthusiastic, and data-driven individual who, working with AIR’s Communications & Public Affairs team, can plan, develop, implement, analyze, and execute AIR’s strategic website initiatives. We’re looking for the right person to elevate our corporate website with content, campaigns, and other engagement techniques that are creative, strategic, and measurable. The Digital Communications Specialist will also consult with internal teams and staff at all levels on online strategy, campaigns, and best practices.

We value the experiences of every member of our institution, from entry level to executive. As part of our collaborative, learning-oriented team, you’ll be encouraged to grow in your career, develop additional skills, and progress professionally.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories. 

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here .

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Create, curate, and edit content for the AIR corporate website with a view to precision and accuracy, with the right choice of language, tone, and flow.
• Provide tactical support to the digital team; post videos/photos, update bios, upload briefs, and coordinate content release through other media channels; assist in migrating external content to air.org.
• Help maintain the integrity of the AIR corporate site by conducting regular checks for security issues and outdated content.
• Coordinate with the AIR Studio (graphics) and Tech Solutions (web development) teams to develop visual and interactive content for the AIR corporate website.
• Review web analytics and recalibrate strategy as needed to increase impact, keeping in mind SEO.
• In collaboration with the Senior Digital Strategist and other Communications team members, work with internal and external partners on communication plans that include web and social media campaigns, events, and projects.
• Act as a consulting partner for clients: work with them to refine their goals; provide advice on specific communication vehicles and techniques and offer alternative promotion channels when necessary; help develop communication that will clarify messaging and enhance the visibility and promotion of their practices.
• Provide advice, counsel, and strategic thinking about effective online communication. Educate staff at all levels on best practices and create internal guidance documents and trainings as needed on topics such as writing for the web and how to create engaging online content.
• Test and review content to ensure all published content meets quality standards, including grammar, style, and brand guidelines.
• Manage/track projects with project management software.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time based on institutional needs.Contribute to the development of the team’s editorial calendar and work collaboratively with the Communications & Public Affairs team and other divisions (including creative, social media, content, and program staff) to identify opportunities for campaigns and cross-promotion.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of experience within communications, digital communications, online content development, social/digital media, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience with content management systems and best practices (Drupal 9/10), web development technologies (HTML, CSS), and web security principles.
• Proficiency with photo editing software (i.e., Adobe Photoshop preferred; knowledge of Illustrator and/or experience with developing interactive content a plus).
• Experience with project management tools, such as Asana, AirTable, and SharePoint.
• Willingness to learn new tools and software as required to fulfill the position’s duties.
• Strong understanding of SEO and website analytics (Google Analytics/GA4), and the ability to track and advise on key performance metrics, and report on results.
• Working knowledge of the elements of UX/UI and how they impact developing online content, including an understanding of responsive design and the principles of accessibility and 508 compliance.

 Skills:

• Strong editorial judgement skills.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, moving projects forward on your own but also developing relationships with Communications team members and subject matter experts throughout the organization.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with a focus on detail and accuracy, and an ability to distill complex topics into concise, accessible content.
• Ability to quickly respond to changing priorities and work on multiple projects concurrently.
• Effectively demonstrate sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills. Thinks strategically but stays on top of tactical execution.
• Ability to present concepts and findings to broader teams and staff of all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive and sometimes confidential issues appropriately.
• Proficiency in using standard MS Office programs: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Teams. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $83,500 to $89,500. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment .

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to [email protected] .

If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . You can also report it to your state attorney general . Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams .

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