Digital Engagement Lead Full-time

WITNESS helps human rights activists around the world use video to achieve social change. For 20 years, video has changed the course of history, and WITNESS has been there. Today, technology and social media are again revolutionizing our world, and video still has huge untapped potential as a human rights tool. The brand new role of Digital Engagement Lead will play a critical role in WITNESS’ bold new vision to empower millions of independent change agents to document injustice and fight abuse, wherever it occurs around the world.

We are looking for a strategic digital thinker and do-er with innovative content publishing and distribution experience. This position will execute our new digital outreach and engagement strategy, manage our existing web, technology, and content team of 4-6 people, own and drive innovation on our key platforms and channels, and support front line program staff with content, social media, and digital outreach strategies. They will be the content lead for the organization, helping drive innovative yet appropriate video, blog, social media, and graphical tactics for our work, and advise on distribution models in niche interest and geographic communities around the world. They will also support our external relations team to manage our brand and support events and fundraising goals, however traditional “online campaigning”, list/fan growth, and online fundraising activities are not a major focus for the position.

Most importantly they will help strengthen WITNESS’s in house digital distribution capacity at all levels of the organization and grow capacity for digital thinking in all that we do. This is a unique opportunity to lead an innovative new program that will help WITNESS become a digital-first organization.

Job Role:

The Digital Engagement Lead and its team will reside within a newly reconfigured Program department, ensuring the publishing, engagement and outreach work is intimately tied into specific program goals. Approx. 25% of the role will be oriented towards supporting External Relations. The Lead will lead the following key activities:

* Digital thinking: a deep understanding of digital trends, strategies, and how to apply digital innovation towards multiple education, program, and community goals * Creative content tactics: advising and managing the execution of storytelling tactics that share ideas, skills, and information to audiences of varying degrees of engagement * Distribution/promotion tactics: supporting promotion and community outreach in niche communities we aim to reach * Directly Manage a small core digital team consisting of content development, social media, and contract support expertise * Manage existing digital assets: drupal website, blog, multiple social media accounts, YouTube channel(s), modest email program, and special projects * Create a more metric-driven culture, setting, measuring, and communicating goals * Collaborate deeply within and across departments to manage innovation, advise and guide digital ideas and plans, and support various internal functions with digital solutions

Position Requirements:

The most compelling candidate will have a deep knowledge of innovations in digital content publishing and promotion, community cultivation, and strong process and team management skills. Global (ie non-US) experience and outlook are essential, human rights or humanitarian experience a strong bonus. Experience and skills required:

* Minimum of 7- 9 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience (Communication, human rights advocacy, public relations, video production and media), of which 5 years experience working in increasingly management oriented digital positions (online director, outreach lead, campaigner, strategist, community manager) some preferably in the non-profit sector. * Experience creating digital content strategies using innovative yet low cost storytelling tools * Experience creating successful content distribution strategies in targeted communities * Online community management and / or training experience a bonus * Ability to share knowledge and successfully communicate ideas. A recognized expert in digital innovation able to persuade others of your knowledge * Technical skills required to own a complex ecosystem of digital tools and manage technical staff and contractors * An energetic, entrepreneurial nature that combines humility, curiosity, and a learning attitude with analytical skills and technological savvy; enthusiasm about experimentation and working in highly collaborative teams to produce transformative outcomes

Location: This is a full time position based in WITNESS’ Brooklyn, New York head office

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and excellent benefits package.