Arts, Media, and Marketing Director

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.

Arts, Media & Marketing Director

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and working closely with the Executive Director, the Arts, Media, and Marketing Director will be a strategic leader responsible for generating and executing creative ideas across multiple media platforms. This role demands a deep understanding of AAPF’s core audiences and the ability to craft compelling content that motivates and mobilizes them.

The Director will collaborate with content creators and copywriters to develop diverse media projects, including broadcast, print, digital, design, motion graphics, social media, and immersive experiences. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the conceptualization, design, and execution of AAPF’s arts, digital media, and marketing efforts. The Director will lead a team of three full-time staff members and manage a network of freelancers and vendors to effectively meet the organization’s media and marketing needs. The position will be based in New York City and will require frequent travel to conferences and events.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Vision and Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media and content strategy that aligns with AAPF’s mission, goals, and brand identity.
• Lead and inspire a team to create high-impact content across various platforms, including digital, print and broadcast.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate media and content strategies into broader organizational objectives.

Content Development and Management:

• Oversee the creation, curation, and distribution of engaging and relevant content that drives audience engagement and supports AAPF’s organizational initiatives.
• Review and ensure content is consistent with AAPF’s voice, messaging, and branding guidelines.
• Manage a content calendar, ensuring timely delivery and coordination across all media channels.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of media and content professionals, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Coordinate with internal teams, including marketing, communications, design and programs to ensure cohesive and integrated media and content efforts.
• Ensure all digital and print materials are sensitive to the needs of neurodiverse audiences and comply with the ADA.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the media and content budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost-efficiency.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and freelance professionals.

Innovation and Trends:

• Stay current with sector trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in media and content creation.
• Drive innovation by exploring new content formats, platforms, and distribution methods to enhance engagement and impact.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be committed to the African American Policy Forum’s mission and vision. While no one person will embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate at a Director level will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences.

• At least 5 years of proven experience in managerial roles, demonstrating strong leadership, team development and project management skills.
• Strong orientation and understanding of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, with the ability to integrate these frameworks effectively into content development and the arts and media strategy.
• Familiarity with the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment and support through targeted content and media efforts.
• Exceptional organizational abilities with demonstrated aptitude for multitasking and prioritizing workloads in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google suite applications, facilitating efficient communications;
• Strong expertise in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Audition, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, enabling the production of high-quality and engaging multimedia content.
• Comfort with live streaming platforms like Zoom events and social media platforms like Youtube, Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
• Familiarity with website backend design platforms such as Wix and WordPress preferred.