Communications and Digital Media Associate

Communications and Digital Media Associate
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice 
Newark, NJ 

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (the "Institute") is a cutting-edge racial justice organization that works to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power - from the ground up - in New Jersey. The Institute employs a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious racial and social justice agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, development of pilot programs, legislative strategies and litigation. Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey’s communities of color, the Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation. We continue to serve as a leading voice in designing, advocating for and implementing solutions to the systemic racism that has pervaded the Garden State and our nation.

Position Summary 

In a pivotal time for social justice in New Jersey and throughout the country, the Communications and Digital Media Associate plays a key role in advancing the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice’s mission by strengthening its public visibility and digital engagement.  

Reporting to the Communications and Digital Media Manager and supporting the rest of the department’s team, this position uses creative and strategic digital communication skills to develop compelling visual and written content that amplifies the Institute’s brand, community engagement, policy advocacy and public education efforts.  

In support of its “from the ground up” approach, the Institute has been expanding its community engagement/organizing team to build community power and engagement. A significant portion of the Communications and Digital Media Associate role will involve creating digital content for that team and partnering with them at community events to create live and recorded content, including video.  

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys being on the ground and interacting with community members. It is an active, lively and dynamic position and will sometimes involve working hours outside of a 9-5 schedule. 

The Communications and Digital Media Associate also creates digital and other content for the Institute’s programs team and the organization at large. The position additionally tracks digital performance; supports media relations; and contributes to campaign development, storytelling and event promotion to enhance outreach and engagement with diverse audiences across New Jersey and beyond. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Help build the Institute’s social media presence, brand and engagement  

• Create and schedule content (including video) for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Bluesky, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and other channels with a strong emphasis on video creation 

• Attend Institute events to create video and other content, and post live on social media 

• Analyze social media metrics and make recommendations based on data  

• Create flyers, graphics and other assets for community engagement and programs teams, as well as for the Institute overall 

• Support Communications & Marketing team to maintain/update website, press lists, supporter lists and other necessary databases 

• Assist with internal communications, including distribution of press clips and other communications news 

• Monitor news for Institute and related subject matter mentions 

Qualifications & Requirements 

• 4-year degree (communications, journalism or other applicable field is a plus) 

• Experience creating and editing video content 

• Experience with social media posting in a professional context  

• Comfort interacting and interviewing/recording new people on the ground 

• Experience with social media analytics tools and an ability to translate data into actionable insights 

• Experience using CapCut or other similar video editing software 

• Familiarity with media databases such as Cision (a plus)  

• Strong written, verbal and proofreading skills  

• A good sense of storytelling  

• The ability to maintain brand and institutional voice  

• Proficient in Zoom and other video platforms  

• Passion for and familiarity with today’s social and racial justice issues 

• Ability to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment 

• Knowledge of New Jersey politics, media and policy landscape, and organizations/coalitions (a plus) 

Compensation:  

This is a hybrid, full-time, and at-will position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a grant-funded position with an annual salary range of $65,000 - $70,000. 

Benefits: 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Eligible from day one with 85% employer contribution. 
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance. 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Includes medical, commuter, and dependent care plans. 
• Medical Reimbursement Plan. 
• 401(k) Plan – Eligible after 90 days of employment with a 3% safe harbor contribution. 
• Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave. 

Application Process: 
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, one professional writing sample for which you are the primary author, a video under two minutes that you have created, a graphic you have created , and three professional references (full name, job title, phone number, and email address). Attach all required documents to this job posting. 
 
For inquiries, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected], ensuring that you reference the specific position in your email. 

About the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice: 
The Institute’s mission is to empower urban residents to realize and achieve their full potential. Established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein, the Institute’s dynamic and independent  advocacy is aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant, and healthy urban communities. We employ a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious urban agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, the development of pilot programs, legislative strategies, and Litigation.