Working Assumptions - Content Strategist / Writer

Content Producer is needed in Berkeley, United States.

Client: Working Assumptions

Location: Berkeley, CA

Contract: Full-time, Freelance

Job Description

Working Assumptions is seeking a creative, self-motivated, and intellectually curious individual to serve as the organization’s Content Strategist / Writer. Reporting to the President, the position is responsible for developing the organization’s new cross-platform content strategy, informed by their own flair for compelling storytelling, familiarity with digital and in-person platforms, and understanding of how to leverage and optimize content for different contexts.

The Content Strategist / Writer undertakes or oversees all phases of content production from early project development to launch—including concept origination, content strategy, hiring of creatives, project management, and publishing. The position is encouraged to champion experimental thinking and fresh approaches to storytelling, pushing the organization to think creatively about how it can maximize impact and visibility.

The Content Strategist / Writer builds and maintains relationships with other media, cultural, and research organizations, expanding Working Assumptions’ reach through strategic partnerships. The position also works closely with colleagues at Working Assumptions in generating cross-functional collaborations that integrate digital/print content, grant opportunities, exhibitions, and educational experiences.

The Content Strategist / Writer identifies and tracks metrics of success, including but not limited to social media followers, engagement, and impressions; website sessions and time on site; photo essay and video views; etc. The position will iterate on these findings in the effort to create meaningful, sustained engagement with content that appeals to different perspectives and knowledge levels.

Requirements

The ideal candidate for this position should have:

• Minimum 5+ years of content strategy experience, preferably for a cultural or research organization
• Experienced writer and storyteller for a range of knowledge levels and perspectives
• Demonstrated success with developing and implementing a cross-platform, multi-media strategy
• Experience with user research and/or user testing, analyzing content performance, and evolving content in response to audience feedback or quantitative/qualitative data
• Demonstrated passion for photography and the visual image more broadly, especially in relation to social context
• Direct experience using HTML and web publishing systems/standards to produce digital content for websites and other digital platforms
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in journalism, art history, photography, English or a related field; master’s degree a plus

About You

You have direct experience working as a content strategist and/or writer, preferably in a cultural, policy or research organization. You are an excellent writer, with a passion for finding storytelling “hooks” that resonate with audiences and participants. You demonstrate a passion for photography and its capacity to both shape and reflect its social context. You bring emotional intelligence and a sense of openness to discussions around family systems and dynamics. (Note that we define “photography” and “family” in the most expansive terms possible.) You enjoy partnering with thinkers, artists, writers and other creatives to create new and compelling storytelling. You are committed to creating a culture of belonging that embraces and welcomes all.

You confidently express the intention of Working Assumptions’ programs and are able to clearly explain the why of what we do. You enjoy identifying, selecting and supervising freelance content creators who meet our organizational needs. You artfully communicate your own ideas and the ideas of others, respectfully challenging both. You ably balance the creative and intellectual process of content development with your administrative, financial and management duties. You are energized by the idea of bringing to our work new voices and ideas that honor the mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that Working Assumptions’ content strategy is mission-aligned while achieving audience development goals.
• Create and/or commission storytelling in a range of formats—primarily written, but also video, photography, audio, and more—to create awareness and enthusiasm for Working Assumptions; audience touch points include website(s), social media channels, email campaigns, exhibitions, interventions, publications, etc.
• Lead content planning meetings involving multiple stakeholders toward actionable decisions.
• Seek mission-aligned opportunities to partner with other media, cultural and research organizations, in order to expand and diversify our audiences and program participants.
• Establish and set content standards, best practices, processes and schedules for content development, editing, and internal reviews; work with colleagues and partners to ensure all Working Assumptions storytelling reflects our brand/voice.
• Oversee strategies and workflows for repurposing content across audience touch points such as website(s), social media channels, email campaigns, exhibitions, interventions, publications, etc.
• Analyze content performance and evolve content in response to audience feedback or quantitative/qualitative data.
• Contract, and serve as primary liaison to, editors, writers, photographers, videographers, and other content creators.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive content calendar and content creation budget for the organization as a whole, reporting out to colleagues and stakeholders as needed.
• Conduct interviews, undertake background research, and attend team meetings in order to support and create new content.
• Serve as a key player in the strategy and development of a new organizational brand and website (projected 2025).

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position in which the employee is able to work remotely up to 40% of our workweek, with supervisor approval. Reasonable flexibility in hours is also possible.

Working Assumptions offers a competitive benefits package, including 403(b) with employer match, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, sick leave, and more.

While performing this job, the employee will be required to do close work with a computer monitor and keyboard, and occasionally be asked to lift up to 30 lbs. Employee must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.

Working Assumptions is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

Compensation

$90,000 - $120,000

Location

Berkeley, CA