Communications Assistant/Associate, Digital Production

American Association for Public Opinion Research; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Democracy Defenders seeks a Communications Assistant/Associate, Digital Production to lead the production of digital video content, grow our YouTube presence, and produce the flagship Legal Fight Club series. The role manages guests, edits in Premiere Pro, and optimizes content for search and audience growth.

The position is full-time and non-exempt; Washington, D.C. metro area is preferred, with remote options for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of relevant experience in digital media production (YouTube, podcasting, or videos for social media).
• News, advocacy, or public interest backgrounds are preferred.
• Previous work with a legal or policy organization is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight daily deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and collaboration with high-profile talent.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end production of Legal Fight Club, from pre-production (guest booking, research, coordination) through publishing (editing, packaging, posting).
• Serve as primary liaison for hosts and guests.
• Establish and manage a fixed weekly release schedule while staying flexible for breaking news.
• Edit video using StreamYard, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or similar tools.
• Package and distribute episodes on Democracy Defenders' YouTube channel and optimize for SEO.
• Collaborate with communications team to repurpose content for website and other platforms.
• Pivot to on-location or breaking-news content with timely distribution across YouTube and social platforms.

Skills

Premiere Pro

Final Cut Pro

YouTube publishing & analytics

Canva/Photoshop

Project management

Communication

Tools

StreamYard

Premiere Pro

Final Cut Pro

Canva

Photoshop

Job description

Full time, non-exempt, Washington D.C. metro area candidates preferred but can be remote for the right candidate

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) are leaders in the fight to uphold the rule of law, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role Purpose

The Communications Assistant/Associate, Digital Production will serve as the primary producer for Democracy Defenders' digital video content, with a focus on scaling our YouTube channel and producing the flagship series, Legal Fight Club. This role requires a nimble storyteller who can manage the full production lifecycle, from coordinating guests and editing in Premiere Pro, to optimizing content for search and audience growth.

Responsibilities

Legal Fight Club Production (50%)

• Show Production: Own the end-to-end production of Legal Fight Club, from pre-production (guest booking, research, coordination) through publishing (editing, packaging, posting).
• Talent Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison for hosts and guests (Katie Phang and rotating experts).
• Scheduling: Establish and manage a fixed weekly release schedule while maintaining flexibility for breaking news or rapid response.
• Content Editing: Perform video editing using StreamYard, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or similar tools.
• Distribution: Package and distribute episodes on DDA's YouTube channel, including writing titles, creating thumbnails, and optimizing for search (SEO). Work with the DDA communications team to repurpose and recut content for website and other digital platforms.

YouTube & Digital Strategy (40%)

• Conceptualization: Working closely with DDA's communications team—including its senior manager for digital—brainstorm, develop, and produce new YouTube content, including short-form explainers (up to 10 mins) and other segments/episodes that may feature DDA experts.
• Content Diversification: Assist in building a robust content calendar that includes 2026 voting and elections narrative work as well as anti-corruption work, and coverage of latest legal developments.
• Platform Growth: Support the senior manager for digital in using social media and audience development strategies to grow viewership and engagement, e.g. clipping for YouTube Shorts and promoting video content across the DDA ecosystem (linking with the DDA Insights blog).

Breaking news/In the field (10%)

• Pivot to produce and publish on-location or breaking-news content using the same end-to-end production workflow, ensuring timely distribution across YouTube and other social platforms.

• 2-6 years of relevant experience in digital media production (YouTube, podcasting, or videos for social media). News, advocacy, or public interest backgrounds are preferred. Previous work with a legal or policy organization is a plus.
  • While this role is designed for a person at the beginning of their production career, those with more production experience are encouraged to apply and make the case that their unique background and perspective will allow us to scale faster and think bigger.
• Proficiency in:
  • Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro (or equivalent video editing software)
  • YouTube platform (publishing, optimization, analytics)
  • Basic graphic design tools for creating thumbnails (e.g., Canva, Photoshop)
• Communication and Project Management Skills:
  • Clear and concise written and verbal communication
  • Ability to effectively coordinate with high-profile talent and manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into accessible video content for a general audience
  • Ability to to add value in strategic conversations through active listening and thoughtful comments
  • Ability to deliver under pressure and meet tight, daily deadlines
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.