Application Guide

How to Apply for Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate, Communications and Marketing

at The Aspen Institute

🏢 About The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a nonpartisan forum for values-based leadership and the exchange of ideas, with a specific focus on driving global climate solutions through dialogue and impactful action. Working here means contributing to meaningful conversations that shape policy and inspire change, surrounded by thought leaders and changemakers.

About This Role

As the Digital Storytelling Sr. Associate, you will be the creative force behind the Institute's short-form video content, transforming complex climate discussions into compelling, shareable stories for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Your work will directly amplify the reach of Aspen's programs, making critical climate dialogues accessible to broader audiences.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing analytics from yesterday's posts, then heading to an Aspen Institute event to capture interviews and B-roll. After editing a quick highlight reel for Instagram, you'd brainstorm concepts for an upcoming climate report, schedule posts across platforms, and collaborate with the communications team on a video series for LinkedIn.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Aspen Institute Is Looking For

  • A video-first storyteller with at least 3 years of experience shooting and editing short-form digital video using tools like Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or CapCut.
  • Someone who intuitively understands platform-specific best practices—knowing how to hook viewers in the first 3 seconds on TikTok vs. LinkedIn.
  • A proactive content curator who can capture and edit on-the-fly at events, turning interviews and convenings into engaging narratives.
  • A creative concept developer who can brainstorm video ideas that align with Aspen's mission of climate action and values-based leadership.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Aspen Institute

1

Include a link to your portfolio or reel showcasing short-form videos you've created for social media—specifically highlight any climate, policy, or nonprofit content.

2

In your resume, quantify your impact: e.g., 'Increased Instagram Reel engagement by 40% in 3 months' or 'Produced 20+ short-form videos per month for a mission-driven organization.'

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention Aspen Institute's specific climate initiatives (e.g., Energy & Environment Program) and how your storytelling can advance their goals.

4

If you have experience filming at live events (conferences, panels), emphasize that—it's a key part of this role.

5

Research Aspen's current social media channels and note one video you think worked well and one area for improvement; mention this in your cover letter or interview.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for climate action and values-based storytelling—connect your personal mission to Aspen's work.", "Specific examples of short-form videos you've created that drove engagement or awareness for a cause or organization.", 'Your technical proficiency with editing software and ability to shoot and edit quickly in event settings.', 'Your understanding of platform nuances (e.g., vertical vs. horizontal, captioning, hashtag strategies) and how you adapt content for each channel.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Aspen Institute's Energy & Environment Program and their recent reports or convenings to understand the specific climate topics you'll cover.
  • → Review their social media channels (especially Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) to see their current video style and content gaps.
  • → Read about Aspen's values and mission—particularly their focus on 'values-based leadership' and nonpartisan dialogue—to align your storytelling approach.
  • → Check out their recent events (e.g., Aspen Ideas: Climate) to see the type of footage you'll be capturing.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for creating a short-form video from concept to publication—how do you decide on hooks and pacing for different platforms?
2 How would you capture the essence of a complex climate policy discussion in a 60-second Instagram Reel?
3 Tell me about a time you had to produce video content under tight deadlines at a live event. What was your workflow?
4 How do you stay updated on social media trends and algorithm changes, especially for platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn?
5 What's your approach to measuring the success of a video campaign? Can you share a specific metric you improved?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning climate or the Institute's specific programs—shows lack of research.
  • Focusing only on long-form video experience; this role is about short-form, platform-native content.
  • Ignoring the importance of audio and captions—short-form video relies on both; failing to mention them signals a gap in understanding.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Aspen Institute!

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