Senior Director of Digital Media (Job ID: 2025-3632)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

 

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

 

The Office of Communications is a centralized service unit that develops effective communications products and strategies to empower and share impactful scholar messages to wide audiences. The Office of Communications meets the daily needs of the institution through web development and publication support, convening and event support, multimedia services like video, animations, and podcasting, governance of visual design and brand systemts, social media management, and institutional brand and media communications. 

 

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

 

The Senior Director of Digital Media will work with the Managing Director to lead the strategic direction and management of digital media initiatives, overseeing visual design and multimedia production and closely collaborating with other functions. This role is responsible for enhancing Brookings’ digital presence, ensuring brand consistency, and delivering innovative, cutting-edge digital products that effectively communicate Brooking’s work and impact to policymakers and decision-makers. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a strong background in digital media, creative services, and team management within the policy arena. They should be capable of driving innovation and excellence across our digital platforms and be equally comfortable designing/producing assets.

 

Strategy Development and Cross-Organizational Project Management (30%)

• Develop and implement cutting-edge, comprehensive digital media strategies to enhance online presence and engagement, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives and leveraging expertise in design, digital media, and policy.

• Manage design and multimedia projects from concept through completion, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest standards of quality.

• Ensure effective project management by rigorously scoping projects and setting realistic time expectations for both the design team and internal stakeholders.

• Set clear goals and measurement metrics for digital media projects. Monitor and analyze those metrics to continually refine and improve digital media strategies.

• Build and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure alignment on digital media goals and strategies.

Content Production (30%)

• Innovate new visual storytelling techniques and formats to engage target audiences and enhance the digital experience.

• Produce visual and multimedia products -- including, but not limited to, digital/print collateral, short form video, animations, podcasts -- utilizing expertise to create compelling and high-quality digital content that aligns with brand guidelines and strategic goals.

• Develop and deliver complex data visualizations and/or interactive content in collaboration with research programs and web staff.

• Collaborate with other communications colleagues to identify target audiences and produce high-quality visuals that effectively communicates to those stakeholders.

Brand Stewardship (20%)

• Ensure brand consistency across all collateral and digital platforms, including the website, social media, email campaigns, brand templates, and multimedia content.

• Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of visual guidelines and templates to maintain a cohesive brand presence.

• Lead workshops and training sessions to educate staff and stakeholders on visual design best practices and brand standards.

Team Management and Internal Support Strategies (20%)

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of digital media professionals, promoting collaboration and effective communication.

• Foster a culture of efficiency and accountability by coaching teams on best practices for project management and time allocation, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards within the designated timelines.

• Assist Managing Director and Communications Team leadership with long-term strategic efforts to ensure communications work is innovative and high-impact internally and externally and reaches intended audiences.

• Actively contribute to internal team and/or organizational work that shapes our systems and our culture.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

 

Education/Experience Requirements

 

A bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Marketing, Visual Arts, or a related field is required. The candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in digital media, visual design, or multimedia production, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in public policy or government. A proven track record in developing and executing digital media strategies that drive engagement and support organizational goals is essential. The role requires a strong understanding of web technologies, content management systems, and digital marketing platforms, particularly YouTube. Expertise in visual design principles, multimedia production, and user experience (UX) design is also needed. Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders is crucial. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to translate complex ideas into visually compelling and impactful digital content. Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines, are necessary. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, are important. The candidate should have a commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices in digital media and design. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to target audiences, particularly in the public sector, are required. Comprehensive knowledge of digital media, web operations, visual design, and multimedia production is essential. A strong understanding of web technologies, including content management systems, SEO, and web analytics, is preferred. Proficiency in visual design principles, multimedia production techniques, and user experience (UX) design is necessary. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to uphold and enhance brand integrity across all digital media initiatives, ensuring consistency in messaging, visual identity, and overall brand experience. A commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices in digital media and design is essential. The candidate should be a strategic thinker with the ability to lead strategy and goals. They must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. A collaborative mindset with experience working across teams to achieve common objectives is crucial. The candidate should possess a strong strategic vision and the ability to execute and design visual assets when necessary. A commitment to nonpartisanship, scholar independence, civil debate, and inclusive policymaking is required.

 

Additional Information

 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio for this application. The portfolio should include applicable work samples, such as examples of (or links to) visual and multimedia content, including digital/print collateral, short form video, animations, podcasts, and/or interactive web content; digital media strategy documents; brand guidelines; and/or project management guidelines. Materials may be redacted as necessary. Please attach your cover letter, resume, and portfolio as one document when you apply. Please attach your cover letter, resume, and portfolio as a single document when applying.  Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.