Content Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Issue One is a cross-partisan 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization fighting to protect American democracy. We don't just sound the alarm when democracy is under threat. We mobilize action to fight back. Since 2014, we've worked to pass game-changing reforms that increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and secure our elections. When threats emerge, we move fast to educate the public, pressure Congress, and organize citizens to defend the democratic systems that make self-government possible. Our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires constant vigilance and that protecting it demands both policy reform and grassroots action.

Position Summary

The Digital Content Manager leads Issue One's social media and digital content strategy. This role treats social platforms as essential channels for reaching Americans where they get their news, and thrives on creating engaging content in fast-moving news cycles while building and actively engaging online communities.

Guided by Issue One's Theory of Change, the Digital Content Manager translates advocacy priorities into compelling, shareable digital storytelling. The role reports to the Vice President of Communications and partners closely with the Strategic Communications Manager and Media Relations Manager. Day-to-day, the Digital Content Manager creates quick-turn video and real-time social content to expand reach and drive meaningful audience action, while leading strategic, digital-first initiatives - influencer engagement, video series, and other special projects.

Responsibilities

Content Creation & Digital Storytelling (40%)

• Manage social media presence on Meta platforms (Instagram, Facebook), X, and Bluesky, and support LinkedIn content and strategy in partnership with the Strategic Communications Manager
• Create engaging, authentic, platform-optimized content - including graphics, threads, carousels, and reactive content - in partnership with issue and communications leads
• Produce platform-native content that encourages participation, conversation, and sharing
• Translate complex policy and democracy reform topics into accessible, compelling digital storytelling
• Produce quick-turn video content for real-time response and timely opportunities, using CapCut and other editing tools
• Maintain a steady cadence of interactive, community-centered posts
• Review and edit social media content drafted by other team members to ensure alignment with organizational voice
  

Community Engagement & Real-Time Participation (30%)

• Build relationships with key voices and creators in online spaces relevant to Issue One's work
• Lead influencer strategy and Meta paid ads strategy, in partnership with the Campaigns and Citizen Engagement teams, for partnerships, lead generation, and paid growth
• Conduct daily social listening and trend monitoring to identify real-time engagement opportunities
• Engage with followers, partners, and influencers through replies, comments, and quote responses to expand visibility and credibility
• Manage DMs, mentions, and notifications with a community-first approach

Platform Optimization & Performance (20%)

• Own the organization's social media content calendar and coordinate scheduling across the Communications team, Issue One staff, and outside vendors
• Continuously test formats, timing, and distribution tactics to improve performance
• Track performance metrics and identify what content drives engagement and reach
• Identify new platform features and trends and integrate them into content execution
• Provide regular performance insights to the VP of Communications
• Adapt content approach based on what's working and what's not

Vendor Management and Cross-Team Collaboration (10%)

• Lead creative direction and coordinate timelines and deliverables with external design and editing partners
• Create and maintain Issue One's brand guide, including color palettes, fonts, visual design elements, and photo licensing protocols
• Collaborate with Policy, Campaigns, and Citizen Engagement teams to identify content opportunities and serve as a functional expert to build content that resonates

Required Skills and Experience

• 3-5+ years of experience in digital communications, social media management, content creation, or advocacy communications
• Demonstrated experience managing and growing organizational social media accounts across platforms such as Meta, X, LinkedIn, and emerging channels
• Strong experience creating platform-native content (video, graphics, threads, carousels, etc.) in fast-paced or rapid-response environments
• Proficiency in digital content creation tools, including video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, CapCut) and graphic design platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Strong visual and brand sensibility, with experience maintaining style or brand guidelines
• Ability to translate complex policy, political, or advocacy topics into accessible, engaging digital storytelling for broad audiences
• Experience tracking and applying platform analytics to continuously improve content and strategy
• Experience leveraging AI-powered tools to support content ideation, drafting, editing, performance analysis, and platform management while maintaining authentic voice and accuracy
• Experience with paid social advertising (e.g., Meta Business Manager, Google Ads) and managing external creative vendors a plus
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and adaptability in dynamic and high-pressure environments
• A genuine enthusiasm for reaching audiences where they get their news, and for staying current on emerging platforms and techniques
• Commitment to democratic values, civic engagement, and mission-driven communications

Structure and Location

This full-time, salaried, fully benefited position requires 40 hours per week. While it's preferred for this role to be based in the Washington, D.C. area, it could become remote if the selected candidate is highly qualified. If based in DC, all staff are required to come to the office twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance:

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.
• Issue One offers reimbursements for qualifying wellness- and growth-oriented activities and student loan assistance. All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year and receive a professional development stipend, and the organization hosts regular opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• August 3-14: Position posted; applications and resumes accepted
• August 17-19: Application review and interview scheduling
• August 20-Sept 11: Candidate interviews conducted (IO is closed the week of 8/31)
• September 14: Offer extended
• October 6: Anticipated start date (flexible)

Special Note: This timeline is subject to change based on organizational needs and candidate availability.

In addition, while resumes may be submitted after August 14, there's no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.