Job Description:
Job Title: Video Editor, Reading Universe
Reports to: Senior Director, Learning Media
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Grant-Funded
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000
Position Overview:
Reading Universe is an ambitious new national project which we hope will become the definitive online guide to teaching reading and writing effectively. Reading Universe is a collaboration among WETA, the Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book, with other national organizations engaged as partners and supporters. We launched our prototype site in July 2023.
Reading Universe aims to be a state-of-the-art, research-based, video-rich service that offers systematic, comprehensive professional development. Reading Universe will primarily serve teachers in grades pre-K-6th grade, along with reading coaches and other educators. Reading Universe complements WETA’s established national education websites, which include (among others) Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and AdLit.org.
We have produced and published more than 100 videos already, which are posted on the Reading Universe YouTube channel … https://www.youtube.com/@RUTeaching. High-quality video is a huge part of our project, and we plan to accelerate our video production over the next three years. We are therefore seeking a talented and experienced video editor to join us. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in video editing and storytelling, with a passion for creating compelling and polished content out of documentary-style footage. As a video editor, you will be editing a wide variety of pieces. Most of our pieces are in-classroom videos, filmed in schools around the country, showing skilled teachers at work. They range from 30 seconds to ten minutes. We also produce interviews with teachers and researchers, stories about how to make changes happen inside schools, and one-hour multimedia “Timely Talks,” which explore and explain the most important topics in the field. We’re also exploring YouTube Shorts and other video produced for social media.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Edit and Assemble: Work with raw footage to create cohesive, engaging, and high-quality video content that aligns with our editorial vision and brand standards.
- Creative Direction: Provide creative input and direction to enhance the narrative and visual appeal of video projects. Collaborate with producers, directors, and other team members to achieve the desired outcome.
- Project Management: Oversee multiple editing projects from start to finish, managing timelines, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met.
- Technical Expertise: Use Adobe Premiere Pro to create polished final videos with high level production values. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to maintain a high standard of editing quality. Use AfterEffects to modify animations delivered by graphic design team.
- Quality Control: Conduct thorough quality checks to ensure videos are free from errors, meet technical specifications, and adhere to our branding and style guidelines.
- Collaborative Communication: Work closely with colleagues and freelancers, including graphic designers, producers, and content experts, to ensure seamless integration of all elements into the final product.
- Problem Solving: Address and resolve any technical or creative issues that arise during the editing process, finding effective solutions to maintain project quality and timelines.
Core Competencies:
Technical Skill: Thorough mastery of Adobe Premiere Pro, including sound design, graphics, and color correction. Solid AfterEffects skills.
Creativity: Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to translate concepts into compelling video content.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.
Team Player: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities and work under tight deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
Additional Skills and Qualifications:
- Minimum of three to five years of professional video editing experience, with a strong reel demonstrating a range of editing styles and techniques, including preferably documentary. Please note your role on each piece in your reel.
- Bachelor’s degree in Film Production, Media Studies, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
- Solid understanding of video production workflows, with experience publishing to the web a plus.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite beyond Premiere Pro, including graphic design for video, simple animation, color correction, and sound design.
- Experience working directly with subject matter experts is a plus.
M-F on-site work preferred. 2-3 days/ week on-site required.
Location:
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Please also see our Benefits: Benefits | WETA
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously.
Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent. We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.