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Documentary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$80 - $100/hr

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of New Content and Innovation, the Documentary Producer is responsible for producing a minimum of one longform narrative series per year, including ...

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About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of New Content and Innovation, the Documentary Produceris responsible for producing a minimum of one longform narrative series per year, including all ...

Documentary Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of New Content and Innovation, the Documentary Producer is responsible for producing a minimum of one longform narrative series per year, including ...

New

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Documentary Director information

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$24.5K

$78.7K

$184K

How much do documentary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary director in the United States is $78,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a documentary director do?

A Documentary Director is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of making a documentary film. They develop the concept, plan the narrative structure, conduct interviews, and guide the crew during filming to capture real-life stories and events. The director works closely with editors in post-production to shape the footage into a compelling and truthful narrative. Their goal is to inform, educate, or inspire audiences by presenting factual content in an engaging way.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary director?

To thrive as a Documentary Director, you need a solid understanding of storytelling, visual composition, and film production, typically supported by a background in film, media studies, or related experience. Familiarity with editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and sound recording tools is essential. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability are critical soft skills for managing crews, interviewing subjects, and navigating unpredictable filming environments. These skills and qualities are vital for creating compelling, authentic documentaries that engage audiences and effectively convey real-world stories.

What are some common challenges faced by documentary directors during the production process?

Documentary Directors often encounter challenges such as securing access to subjects, balancing creative vision with factual accuracy, and adapting to unpredictable real-life events. Coordinating schedules with participants and crew, managing limited budgets, and ensuring ethical storytelling are also common hurdles. Collaboration with editors, producers, and cinematographers is key to navigating these challenges and delivering a compelling final product.

What is the difference between Documentary Director vs Film Director?

AspectDocumentary DirectorFilm Director
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in film, journalism, or related fields; experience in documentary productionSimilar educational background; often with experience in narrative or feature films
Work EnvironmentWorks on real-life subjects, often in field settings or studiosWorks on scripted or fictional projects, often in studio or set environments
Industry UsageCommon in documentary filmmaking, educational, and non-profit sectorsPrevalent in commercial, entertainment, and narrative film industries

While both roles require strong storytelling skills and similar educational backgrounds, a Documentary Director focuses on real-life subjects and factual storytelling, often working in field environments. In contrast, a Film Director typically works on scripted, fictional projects in studio settings. Both roles demand creativity, leadership, and technical knowledge, but their content and work settings differ significantly.

How do you become a documentary director?

To become a documentary director, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in film, journalism, or a related field, gaining skills in storytelling, editing, and cinematography. Gaining experience through internships, producing short films, and building a portfolio are essential steps, along with developing a strong understanding of research and interview techniques.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary jobs?

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Infographic showing various Documentary Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,672 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

$80 - $100/hr

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Job description

Job Description KUOW has an outstanding opportunity for a Documentary Producer [Producer 4 (NE S SAG-AFTRA)] to join their team.

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of New Content and Innovation, the Documentary Producer is responsible for producing a minimum of one longform narrative series per year, including all pitching, researching, reporting, scripting, and post-production, plus occasionally hosting. A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. They will have outstanding communication and project management skills and the ability to balance overlapping deadlines. A successful producer in this role will lead the overall direction and execution of complex, multistakeholder editorial projects, from pre-production through post-production. They will also have a keen eye for stories that can translate into distinctive documentary series that align with our overall content vision. This position is team oriented: maintaining positive relationships internally, and supporting fellow producers, editors, and hosts with production needs is essential.

Key Responsibilities KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:I. Investigative Reporting (25%)
  • Conduct, original reporting, research, investigation and fact-checking.
  • Identify, research and develop story ideas using in-depth investigation to support long-form, documentary-style storytelling.
  • Cultivate and maintain a wide variety of sources.
  • Identify unique and distinct voices and perspectives to add context and depth to reporting
II. Narrative Podcast Producing (50%)
  • Write and edit scripts, develop multi-episode storylines.
  • Adapt stories, scripts, and mixes to conform to the needs of both broadcast and podcast shows.
  • May serve as host or lead reporter, as needed, conducting interviews with experts, officials, and other relevant individuals, and narrating scripts.
  • Execute sound-rich, multi-track mixes, requiring knowledge of software and production equipment.
III. Plan Documentary Projects (10%)
  • Partner with newsroom leadership to strategically plan podcast series.
  • Create and execute production plans for complex, multi-stakeholder projects including coordination with the Senior Editor, Director of New Content, News Director, and Chief Content Officer to address release schedules, staffing needs, and backfill.
  • Proactively communicate and manage interlocking deadlines, ensuring successful completion of projects.
IV. Lead Pilot Projects (10%)
  • Serve as primary project lead and show runner for developing new narrative documentary projects for podcast and broadcast.
  • Create scratch audio pilots for potential projects.
  • Edit and rewrite scripts and help shape the audio storytelling of contributing investigative journalists.
  • Monitor diverse news and information sources to identify strong topics and story ideas and pitch them through established greenlight processes.
  • Assess submissions from KUOW news personnel and from external sources.
V. Other duties as assigned (5%)
  • Assist or step in for producers; or contribute to team production efforts or other podcasts, when necessary.
Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Minimum Qualifications Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager. Bachelor’s degree in journalism or similar field, and four years of professional journalism experience of increasing responsibility, with a background in writing for talk programming and radio production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires knowledge of professional broadcast and journalistic standards and practices.

Preferred Qualifications Strong writing, editing, and production for investigative, narrative, long form podcast series. Ability to execute complex podcast projects, including serving in multiple roles and capacities

Working Conditions Duties may occasionally require evening and weekend work when necessary to meet critical deadlines. Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions. Position is suitable/eligible for Hybrid/Occasional Telework.

About KUOW

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public with a vision to broaden conversations and deepening understanding.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
  • Pay Range Minimum: $87,168.00 annual
  • Pay Range Maximum: $104,604.00 annual
  • Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
  • Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
  • Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position
  • FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00%
  • Union/Bargaining Unit: SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists - KUOW
About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box. If you are a current UW employee: You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub. Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions? Please visit our Academic Jobs site. Looking for student employment? Learn more on our Student Employment site. There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits that could be available to you as a UW employee. Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you’ll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.

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