Application Guide
How to Apply for Digital Communications Coordinator
at Alliance for Higher Education in Prison
🏢 About Alliance for Higher Education in Prison
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is a national nonprofit uniquely centered on advancing higher education access and excellence for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. It stands out for its explicit commitment to centering system-impacted leadership and anti-racist, ethical storytelling, making it an impactful place for mission-driven communicators.
About This Role
As Digital Communications Coordinator, you will lead multimedia production (video, social, web) to amplify the voices and stories of system-impacted people. This role directly supports the Alliance’s conferences, narrative infrastructure projects, and overall digital presence, making it pivotal in shaping public perception and policy around higher education in prison.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing and scheduling social media posts for the week, editing a short video interview with a formerly incarcerated student, and updating a conference landing page on Webflow. You might also coordinate with a vendor on a narrative project deliverable and respond to comments on Instagram, ensuring all content aligns with the Alliance’s ethical storytelling guidelines.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Alliance for Higher Education in Prison Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years of hands-on experience in digital communications, social media management, and multimedia storytelling, ideally within a nonprofit or social justice context.
- Is proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro) and Canva, and comfortable using web CMS like Webflow or WordPress.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and ethical storytelling, with lived experience in the criminal legal system being a significant plus.
- Can manage multiple projects end-to-end, including video production, social media strategy, and website updates, with a collaborative and organized approach.
📝 Tips for Applying to Alliance for Higher Education in Prison
Highlight any experience working with or for system-impacted communities, even if through volunteer work or advocacy.
Showcase specific examples of video or multimedia projects you led from concept to completion, including metrics (e.g., engagement, reach).
Tailor your portfolio to include content that demonstrates ethical storytelling—e.g., pieces that center the subject’s dignity and agency.
Mention your proficiency with Webflow specifically, or if you haven't used it, emphasize your ability to quickly learn new CMS platforms.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the Alliance’s mission and values, referencing their focus on anti-racism and system-impacted leadership.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to social justice and anti-racism, with concrete examples of how you’ve applied these principles in your work.', 'Your experience in video production and social media management, especially for nonprofits or advocacy organizations.', 'Your ability to handle multiple projects and coordinate with vendors/partners, as the role involves conference and narrative project support.', 'Any personal or professional connection to the criminal legal system, if applicable, and how it informs your storytelling approach.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Alliance’s website and recent reports (e.g., on their narrative infrastructure project) to understand their key messages and storytelling style.
- → Read about their annual conference and past programming to get a sense of the events you might support.
- → Research the broader landscape of higher education in prison, including key challenges and successes, to show informed enthusiasm.
- → Look at their social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok) to see the current content and engagement strategies.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic language about ‘helping the underserved’ without showing an understanding of the specific mission and anti-racist approach.
- Submitting a portfolio that lacks examples of video or multimedia work, as this is a core requirement.
- Failing to address the ethical considerations of working with system-impacted populations, which could signal a lack of cultural competency.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Alliance for Higher Education in Prison!