1

Documentary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First, cinematic work: documentary-quality patient and customer stories, testimonials, and brand ... You'll direct, shoot, and edit yourself much of the time, and bring in crew when a production calls ...

Creative Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

First, cinematic work: documentary-quality patient and customer stories, testimonials, and brand ... You'll direct, shoot, and edit yourself much of the time, and bring in crew when a production calls ...

Examination of default drawing and direct pay presentations (includes first or second examination ... Issuance and maintenance of Documentary Letters of credit * Drafting (redlining) technical terms ...

First, cinematic work: documentary-quality patient and customer stories, testimonials, and brand ... You'll direct, shoot, and edit yourself much of the time, and bring in crew when a production calls ...

DIRECTOR + EDITOR

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

We work across commercial, brand, documentary, and social content, partnering with teams like Fox ... We're looking for a Director + Editor who wants to own the creative from the first conversation ...

This role is designed for a passionate creative who can pair strong documentary instincts with ... Serve as Director of Photography, guiding camera, composition, and movement * Shape visual tone and ...

Oversee a wide range of content, including social-first video, player features, documentaries, all ... direct and elevate the work of highly skilled creative teams. Strong understanding of social-first ...

Showing results 21-40

Documentary Director information

See salary details

$24.5K

$78.7K

$184K

How much do documentary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 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.
More about Documentary Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Documentary Director jobs?

Cities with the most Documentary Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary jobs?

The most popular types of Documentary jobs are:

What states have the most Documentary Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Documentary Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Director jobs?

For Documentary Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Temporary Director of Photography, Men's Health and Women's Health

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Hearst
Motion Picture and Video Production • 10K+ employees

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Hearst rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 79 rated media


Job description

Men's Health and Women's Health is seeking a Temporary Director of Photography, Producer, and Editor to support our video team. This is a hands-on, doer role: you'll shoot, light, help produce, and edit in partnership with our Executive Producer and production team-bringing sharp visual taste while jumping in wherever the day needs coverage, problem-solving, or post support. This role reports to the Executive Producer.

  • DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
  • Strong lighting + composition fundamentals with great taste
  • Producer-minded execution: You're proactive, organized, calm under pressure, and you don't wait to be told what's broken
  • Editing experience: You can confidently cut in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid/Resolve also great), build rough cuts and selects, and handle clean exports/versions for review
  • Post fundamentals: Strong file organization, audio awareness, continuity discipline, and comfort working from notes in a collaborative edit workflow
  • Schedule flexibility: Ability to support shoots as needed (including early calls and occasional travel, depending on production)
  • Shoot the work: DP and operate camera on shoots across brands and formats (studio, field, talent-driven, documentary, social-first)
  • Support production execution: Help with the practical's that keep shoots moving-run-of-show support, coordinating logistics, prepping gear, call sheet support, field problem-solving, and on-set coordination
  • Bring strong visual craft: Light and compose with intention; elevate work through strong taste in camera, lighting, framing, and movement
  • Pitch in on set: Keep sets organized and efficient-help the team stay on schedule, keep coverage clean, and communicate needs clearly
  • Edit and finish deliverables: Cut selects and assemblies; build rough cuts to producer notes; apply pacing, music, and basic sound polish.
  • Manage post camera workflow: Keep footage, audio, and project files organized; label cards/files; maintain continuity notes; prep clean handoffs (project organization, exports, and versioning)
  • Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots (camera, sound, g&e), with oversight from senior production leadership
  • Contribute ideas: Bring references, visual approaches, and smart production solutions that keep formats fresh and push the envelope within brand

Be Part of What's Next
Shape the look and feel of premium health and wellness storytelling. As a Temporary Director of Photography, you'll bring ideas to life through camera, lighting, and edit-owning the craft while helping productions run seamlessly from start to finish.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines is one of the world's largest publishers of premium content, with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Harper's BAZAAR, Men's Health, Popular Mechanics, and Seventeen. We reach audiences across platforms-print, digital, video, and social-with storytelling that informs, entertains, and inspires. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and committed to building an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
Lead camera and lighting on shoots across Men's Health and Women's Health, spanning studio, field, documentary, and social-first formats
Operate as a hands-on production partner, supporting logistics, run-of-show execution, and on-set coordination to keep shoots moving efficiently
Bring a strong visual point of view, elevating content through thoughtful composition, lighting, and camera movement
Maintain organized, high-functioning sets by communicating clearly, managing time effectively, and ensuring clean coverage
Edit selects, assemblies, and rough cuts, applying pacing, music, and basic sound polish in line with creative direction
Manage post-production workflows, including media organization, file labeling, continuity tracking, and clean project handoffs
Assist in scaling production teams by coordinating freelancers and vendors (camera, sound, G&E) as needed
Contribute creative ideas, references, and production solutions that push formats forward while staying true to brand

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
5+  years of experience in cinematography, video production, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Demonstrated DP/camera experience across digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
Strong lighting and composition fundamentals with a refined visual sensibility
Producer-minded approach: proactive, highly organized, and calm under pressure in fast-paced environments
Editing proficiency in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid or Resolve also welcome), including building rough cuts and managing versions
Solid post-production fundamentals, including file organization, audio awareness, and collaborative editing workflows
Ability to flex across multiple roles on set and in post, adapting to evolving production needs
Ability to work onsite Tuesday through Thursday in New York City, with flexibility for early calls and occasional travel as needed

The base salary for this role is $80/hr. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.  

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.


What Hearst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom