The role will focus specifically on understanding how the project can build meaningful social media traction ahead of fundraising, production, and release.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research current conversations, trends, creators, communities, and cultural moments related to beauty, identity, aesthetics, body image, fashion, and contemporary culture
Identify topics and angles with strong potential for organic social engagement
Research relevant TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and other online communities
Identify creators, journalists, experts, commentators, and potential collaborators who could help expand the documentary’s reach
Track emerging conversations and cultural shifts that could provide entry points for the film
Analyze successful documentary, media, beauty, and culture accounts to understand what drives engagement and audience growth
Research formats, hooks, narratives, and content structures that perform particularly well on social platforms
Help identify potential audience segments and the communities where they already gather online
Build and maintain lists of creators, accounts, publications, podcasts, communities, and potential amplification partners
Develop recommendations for content themes, posting opportunities, collaborations, and audience-building experiments
Track performance of social content and help identify what is generating the strongest response

Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills

This is ideal for a student in marketing, communications, media studies, fashion, film, journalism, cultural studies, or a related field who understands how culture moves online and is genuinely interested in social media as a research and audience-building tool.
A strong understanding of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging social platforms
Excellent online research skills
A good instinct for what makes people watch, share, comment, and participate
Strong awareness of contemporary beauty, fashion, media, and internet culture
An ability to identify trends early rather than simply report on trends that are already established
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
An ability to translate research into clear, actionable recommendations
Curiosity about how communities form and how ideas gain cultural traction online
Experience creating social content, managing an account, researching creators, working with analytics, or growing an online community is a plus.

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions. #LI-DNI

Hourly Rate: $31.37/hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS-UAW, Local 7902 and the University..

Responsibilities:

Faculty Laura Lanteri is looking for a strong student or junior researcher to support the development and audience-building strategy for an independent documentary focused on beauty, culture, identity, and the global beauty industry. The Research Assistant will research current conversations, trends, creators, communities, and cultural moments related to beauty, identity, aesthetics, body image, fashion, and contemporary culture.

We look forward to receiving your application!