POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Multimedia Specialist

SALARY: $79,000 - $85,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Communications

LOCATION: Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Multimedia Director

NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: N/A

LAST REVISED: August 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

Develops and delivers strategic, audience-centered multimedia storytelling that advances Defenders of Wildlife's conservation, education, advocacy, brand and fundraising objectives. Expands organizational reach and engagement across social and emerging platforms by translating science and fieldwork into accessible, high-quality visual and audio content.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop integrated multimedia storytelling strategies and creative approaches that translate Defenders' conservation priorities into compelling, audience-centered content; exercise judgment on approaches, formats and channels within approved organizational and campaign direction, with work reviewed by the Multimedia Director and key stakeholders.

Tasks may include:

• Strategize with Defenders' staff on the style, length and type of multimedia content for a variety of mediums.
• Brainstorm, pitch, generate, and optimize content for projects, campaigns, and coalitions designed to achieve a specific goal and reach a target audience.
• Establish Defenders as thought leaders and visualize the strategic plan.

2. Deliver a high-quality portfolio of original video, audio, multimedia assets and visual storytelling that advances program, advocacy, education, brand and fundraising objectives across digital, broadcast and social-first channels. Tasks may include:

• Create original content for Defenders of Wildlife's programs, branding, advocacy, and fundraising needs, including vertical video and audio.
• Create polished CTV and PSA videos, audio and radio ads, and ensure all versions are delivered on time and without error.
• Create and integrate designs and animations into deliverables.
• Capture and highlight Defenders' work in the field, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill.

3. Optimize platform-specific multimedia engagement for social media platforms, YouTube and emerging channels by applying audience insights, performance analytics and iterative creative testing to strengthen reach, relevance and supporter action. Tasks may include:

• Create content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms as needed.
• Use analytics and debriefs to drive strategy,tests, iterations, and apply learnings to content development.

4. Partner with Communications, Integrated Marketing, conservation and advocacy colleagues to identify priority stories, align content with strategic goals and ensure multimedia narratives are scientifically accurate, timely and mission-aligned. Tasks may include:

• Collaborate closely with Communications and Integrated Marketing staff, especially the social media team, to deliver targeted content.
• Collaborate across departments to source stories, write and review scripts, and produce content rooted in science.

5. Guide staff and partners in effective content-capture practices and provide creative direction that expands the organization's capacity to document conservation work, policy impact and field-based stories. Tasks may include:

• Train and work with staff and partners using best practices for capturing content.
• Use briefs to guide formal requests and review process.

6. Steward multimedia assets and external content resources to maintain an organized, accessible and rights-conscious digital library that supports efficient reuse and consistent organizational storytelling. Tasks may include:

• Take and manage photos in PhotoShelter, the Digital Asset Management system.
• Acquire and manage video, photos, and audio from outside sources, including stock sites, freelancers, vendors and partners.
• Help maintain Defenders' video database; collect and catalogue multimedia resources across multiple regional offices and departments.
• Archive and store video assets using the standardized system in the Media Den; ensure assets are consolidated, accessible, and tagged.

7. Ensure multimedia deliverables meet established standards for brand alignment, accessibility, technical quality and distribution readiness; support priority storytelling opportunities and related responsibilities as assigned. Tasks may include:

• Edit, upload, and package webinars and assets with required deliverables, including captions, caption files, transcriptions, thumbnails, descriptions, and titles.
• Travel domestically for staff retreats and tentpole storytelling moments, as required.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned

Note: The tasks listed for this position are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 5 years of relevant experience

At least five years of progressively responsible multimedia production experience, including concept development, filming and audio capture, photography, editing, motion graphics, animation, and delivery of social-first digital content. Experience partnering with stakeholders, using performance analytics to inform creative strategy and managing multimedia assets is required.

Limited travel is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Advanced multimedia production and post-production expertise in photos, videos, and animation, including proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud tools such as Premiere Pro, After Effects and Photoshop.

• Social video and platform strategy knowledge, including how creative formats, audience behaviors and distribution practices differ across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and emerging channels.

• Creative storytelling and editorial judgment to conceptualize engaging visual and audio narratives and translate complex science, advocacy and conservation topics for varied audiences.

• Project and stakeholder management skills to prioritize concurrent deliverables, align expectations and sustain productive and collaborative relationships.

• Expertise in Multimedia asset management, including applying best practice metadata assignment and naming conventions for thousands of videos and photos.

• Strong written and verbal communication, interviewing, directing and collaboration skills; openness to feedback and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

• Audio capture and editing; motion graphics and animation; digital asset management (including PhotoShelter); content accessibility practices; visual rights and licensing awareness; and experience producing CTV/PSA or comparable campaign video content.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

O

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

C

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

C

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

O

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

O

High temperatures.

O

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

O

Noisy environments.

O

Hazardous conditions.

O

Poor ventilation.

N

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

O

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

X

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.