Job Description
Position: Cultural Heritage Digital Storyteller
Company: Smithsonian Institution Kenya Office
Location: Kisumu, Kenya
Experience: 3-5 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media, Cultural Studies, or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Digital Media and Cultural Preservation
Department: Cultural Heritage Innovation
Salary: 200,000 – 300,000 SSP
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
The Smithsonian Institution Kenya Office is a global leader in cultural preservation and digital innovation, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting intangible heritage through cutting-edge technology. With projects spanning 30+ countries, the organization bridges traditional narratives with modern digital platforms to ensure cultural stories endure for future generations.
Job Overview
This role involves creating immersive digital experiences that document and celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. The ideal candidate will leverage multimedia tools to transform oral histories, rituals, and artifacts into engaging digital narratives for global audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with local communities to document cultural practices and oral histories
- Develop interactive digital exhibits using 3D modeling and virtual reality tools
- Produce video documentaries and audio recordings of cultural events
- Curate digital archives of heritage materials for public access
- Design social media campaigns to promote cultural preservation initiatives
Required Skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, or similar digital storytelling tools
- Experience with audio-visual production and post-production editing
- Strong understanding of Kenyan cultural traditions and history
- Excellent communication and community engagement skills
- Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, or related field
- Advanced certifications in digital preservation techniques (preferred)
Experience
- 3-5 years in digital content creation or cultural heritage documentation
- Proven track record in multimedia storytelling projects
Salary
200,000 – 300,000 SSP per annum, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage for employee and dependents
- Professional development stipend (KES 50,000 annually)
- Annual cultural heritage fieldwork allowance
- Flexible work hours and remote work options
- Access to Smithsonian global training programs
Training
- Onboarding with Smithsonian’s digital preservation protocols
- Workshops on ethical cultural documentation practices
- Annual certification courses in emerging media technologies
Working Environment
Hybrid role with 60% office work in Kisumu and 40% fieldwork across Kenya. Requires occasional international travel for cultural exchange programs.
Application Process
Submit your resume, portfolio, and a 500-word statement on your approach to cultural preservation to the official application portal. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews by August 1, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Smithsonian Institution Kenya Office is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.