Arts & Media Digital Fellow

About AAPF

Founded in 1996, The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an innovative think tank that connects academics, activists, and policy-makers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality. We utilize new ideas and innovative perspectives to transform public discourse and policy. We promote frameworks and strategies that address a vision of racial justice that embraces the intersections of race, gender, class, and the array of barriers that disempower those who are marginalized in society. AAPF is dedicated to advancing and expanding racial justice, gender equality, and the indivisibility of all human rights, both in the U.S. and internationally.

AAPF is seeking an Arts & Media Digital Fellow to join our 2025 cohort!

Responsibilities for the Arts & Media Digital Fellow include:

• Digital storytelling: crafting compelling narratives related to AAPF’s summer initiatives that resonate with audiences, potentially using personal stories
  • Historically, AAPF’s digital fellows have recorded and posted themselves to our platforms to help include younger faces and diversify our grid.
• Social media: developing campaigns and posts across various platforms, monitoring engagement, interacting with followers to foster community
• Graphic design: designing visual assets such as infographics, social media graphics, and promotional materials that align with each program’s branding
• Audio video production: creating video content and audio materials for promotional campaigns
• External communications: assisting in drafting outreach to like minded organizations and potential partners on social media platforms to market AAPF’s summer events

The ideal candidate should have education about or experience with:

• Graphic design or digital arts: relevant for creating eye-catching visual content and assets
• Film, video, or audio production: essential for fellows involved in multimedia content creation
• Lived experience: direct involvement in advocacy work or personal experiences with issues of race and equity can enrich the perspective and contributions of a Summer Fellow

AAPF’s Arts & Media Digital Fellow will benefit by:

• Receiving mentorship via regular 1:1 meetings to provide guidance and feedback on project work
• Refining skills in content creation, communication, and strategic thinking
• Attending workshops and meetings covering topics such as: graphic design software, video editing tools, digital storytelling techniques
• Networking opportunities that offer introductions to professionals in the field
• Having discussions about potential career paths within digital media and advocacy
• Portfolio development and review

The Summer Fellow will benefit AAPF by:

• Increasing engagement across digital platforms
• Creating digital and print assets for summer marketing and crucial campaigns

Duration:

• 8‑week full‑time fellowship, starting Monday, June 23, 2025, and concluding Friday, August 19, 2025.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 35–40 hours per week, structured as a traditional full-time schedule.
• Fellows will engage in both remote and on-site activities, including coverage of in-person events like the CRT Summer School.

How to Apply These Details:

• Fellows should be prepared to work full-time without other concurrent commitments during this period, allowing full immersion into the role and access to seasonal events and materials.
• The structured timeline ensures fellow contributions are concentrated and cohesive, while the weekly stipend supports living expenses and reflects professional-level compensation

AAPF’s Core Competencies include:

• Intersectionality:
  • Scholarly understanding of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality
  • Familiarity with Kimberlé Crenshaw's work
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Ability to work closely with others and foster professional relationships within the organization and with professional organizations
• Intellect & Curiosity
  • Critical thinking skills; strategic and analytical approach to your work
  • Desire to continue to deepen and/or widen expertise
• Autonomy & Leadership
  • Taking initiative to identify opportunities and projects & pitch to leadership
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritizing skills