Digital Media Associate

About the ABF 

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute that expands knowledge and advances justice through rigorous empirical research on law, legal processes, and legal institutions. The ABF's primary sources of funding are an annual grant from the American Bar Endowment (ABE) and contributions by the Fellows of the ABF—a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, faculty, and scholars whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. The ABF offices are located on Northwestern University’s Chicago campus in Streeterville. 

Position Overview 

As a member of a three-person Communications team, the Digital Media Associate will assist in creating and disseminating content aimed at donors and prospective donors, the academic community, and the general public interested in law and its intersections with society. Reporting to the Communications Manager and working in close cooperation with members of the Communications, Development, and Research staff, this role will help tell the story of the ABF and the relevant and timely research we are producing. They will delve into all things digital: social media, graphic design and digital content, photo/video, and website management. This is a great opportunity to join an established nonprofit with a team-focused culture.   

Key Responsibilities 

Digital Content and Assets/Graphic Design – 40% 

• Create, develop, and update ABF’s graphic content using Canva or Adobe, including print and digital promotional materials, social media graphics, branded merchandise, and more. 
• Lead videography and photography for the ABF, including producing and editing video highlighting ABF researchers and research. 
• Act as visual brand manager, advising on and monitoring usage of ABF logo, colors, and branding across organization to standardize visual messaging.  

Social Media – 40% 

• Execute and enhance the ABF’s social media strategy to build our online community of followers and increase engagement. 
• Post multiple times per week across the ABF’s social media platforms, including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube/Vimeo, and Instagram. 
• Assist in developing a shared social media calendar for the three-person Communications team. 
• Monitor social media and engagement metrics and suggest strategies to optimize ABF’s online presence. 
• Collaborate with the ABF Fellows team to support Fellows social media accounts. 

Website Management – 20% 

• Manage the ABF’s website, ensuring content is correct and up to date. 
• Use WordPress to create and edit webpages, integrating branding and standardized design across the website.  
• Analyze website data to gather insights to help improve performance. 

Other communications-related duties may be assigned to this role. 

Required Qualifications 

• 1–2 years of graphic and publication design experience (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Canva)  
• Familiarity with major social media platforms 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook  
• Basic video editing experience (e.g., Filmora, Premiere Pro)  
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills  
• Strong attention to detail  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and to meet deadlines  
• Strong contributor in team environments and able to collaborate with faculty and staff  
• Ability to set up and move around camera and video equipment 
• Must reside in Illinois and maintain U.S. work authorization throughout employment  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with website design and maintenance, especially WordPress 
• Experience using Google Analytics, social media analytics, or similar  
• Experience studying and/or working in an academic research environment 
• Strong editing and proofreading skills in Chicago or AP 
• Ability to quickly comprehend academic research and synthesize it for a general audience  

The ABF strives to foster a community that represents many backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about sociolegal research that advances justice, we encourage you to apply for this position, even if you do not meet every single requirement listed. Please also note that experience need not be professional in nature. Unpaid or informal experience may be equally relevant. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to providing support and training to help our team members grow and succeed in their roles. 

Work Structure and Environment 

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt position. ABF employees are expected to work at the ABF offices at least two days per week and to work within the state of Illinois on the other days. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch period. Occasional work outside of these hours is expected in connection with ABF events (e.g., Board meetings). Occasional out-of-state travel may be required for this position.  

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, including providing reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants. All decisions regarding employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age; ancestry; certain arrest or criminal history records; citizenship; color; disability; gender; gender identity; genetic information; housing status; marital status; military status; national origin; order of protection status; parental status; pregnancy; protected activity (e.g., reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment); race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture or hair styles); religion; reproductive health decisions; sex; sexual orientation; source of income; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence; unfavorable discharge from the military; or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.  

• 35-hour work week, plus early-dismissal Summer Fridays 
• Flexible scheduling 
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% automatic employer contribution AND 5% employer match 
• Generous PTO: 17+ holidays, including a weeklong winter recess; 30 vacation/sick/personal days; paid family/medical leave; other leave as needed (e.g., short-term disability) 
• Medical and dental insurance – BCBS-IL PPO or HMO 
• Vision insurance – UnitedHealthCare 
• FSA, or HSA with employer contribution 
• Transit and parking benefits, including discounted parking 
• Life insurance 
• Professional development funds 
• Employee assistance program 
• Legal assistance plan 
• Corporate discounts 
• Other perks offered by the ABF and Northwestern University