[Hiring] YouTube Digital Strategist @International Rescue Committee

Role Description

The IRC is looking for an experienced YouTube strategist to help us build a YouTube presence to reach new audiences and cultivate existing supporters. This is a hands-on consultancy that combines strategic thinking with practical execution: you'll audit what we have, develop a long-term channel strategy, and get us off to a strong start with content planning and production support.

You'll work closely with our Director of Digital Engagement and collaborate across our Digital, Creative and Content, and Fundraising teams. The output of this engagement will be a fully realized YouTube strategy and the early content needed to validate it — along with a roadmap the IRC team can run with independently.

What You'll Do

• Channel Audit and Quick Wins
  • Audit our existing YouTube channel across both long-form and YouTube Shorts — content performance, structure, metadata, playlists, and discoverability gaps
  • Benchmark us against comparable NGOs and mission-driven brands
  • Identify and prioritize immediate optimizations we can implement with existing resources
  • Advise on how to repurpose our existing video assets for YouTube
  • Assess how YouTube can better support our existing paid media campaigns
• Audience and Platform Research
  • Define our YouTube audience and develop content personas, with a focus on prospective donors
  • Analyze platform dynamics, algorithm behavior, and best practices for non-profit YouTube channels
  • Map YouTube's role in the broader search ecosystem — Google, AI discovery tools, and social search — and identify where the IRC has the most to gain
  • Surface keyword and topic opportunities tied to our work and fundraising priorities
• Strategy Development
  • Develop a comprehensive YouTube strategy in partnership with our Director of Digital Engagement and Creative and Content team
  • Define our channel purpose, content pillars, formats, and publishing cadence
  • Make clear recommendations on titles, thumbnails, descriptions, tags, and captions
  • Make clear recommendations on staffing and resourcing
  • Design channel and playlist architecture
  • Set out how YouTube integrates with our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and paid media activity
  • Establish KPIs and a measurement framework for ongoing channel performance
• Content Planning and Production Support
  • Build an editorial calendar and content pipeline in collaboration with our Digital Engagement and Creative & Content teams
  • Support the Digital Engagement and Content and Creative teams on production of an initial set of videos to test and validate the strategy
• Handover and Capacity Building
  • Deliver a prioritized implementation roadmap with phased milestones
  • Produce guidance and resources to help our internal team manage and grow the channel independently
  • Recommend the tools and workflows needed for sustainable channel management
  • Prepare a thorough handover package so the work continues after the consultancy ends

Deliverables

• Channel audit report with prioritized quick-win recommendations
• Audience research and platform analysis summary
• Comprehensive YouTube strategy (content pillars, formats, cadence, KPI framework)
• Editorial calendar and content pipeline plan
• Best practices document for YouTube-optimized content
• Long-term YouTube growth roadmap with phased milestones
• Implementation and handover package

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in digital content strategy with a clear focus on YouTube
• A track record of growing YouTube channels for purpose-driven organizations, NGOs, media, or related brands
• Deep knowledge of YouTube's platform dynamics, the Google search ecosystem, and content optimization
• Experience developing content strategies that bring together organic and paid video
• An understanding of non-profit fundraising and audience development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• The ability to work collaboratively across creative, communications, and fundraising teams

Requirements

• Experience in the humanitarian, development, or international affairs sector
• Familiarity with YouTube's growing role in AI-driven search and discovery
• Experience advising on video production for both long-form and short-form digital platforms
• An understanding of donor journey mapping and mass market digital fundraising

How to Apply

Please send the following to [Insert Contact Information] by [Insert Date]:

• A cover letter outlining your experience and your approach to this engagement
• Your current CV or resume, with examples of relevant YouTube strategy work or channel growth outcomes
• Links to YouTube channels or campaigns you have developed or managed
• Your daily or weekly rate and confirmation of your availability

Professional Standards

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.