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Documentary Editing Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Video Editor I

Denver, CO · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Editing portfolio required.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesAssists in organizing and managing ... in documentary-style productionDon't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women ...

Documentary Editing information

What is documentary editing?

Documentary editing is the process of assembling, organizing, and refining recorded footage, interviews, audio, and other elements to create a cohesive and compelling nonfiction film or video. Editors work closely with directors and producers to shape the narrative, determine pacing, and ensure that the story is both engaging and accurate. This role often involves making creative decisions about what content to include or omit, as well as incorporating graphics, sound, and music to enhance the final product.

What are typical challenges faced by documentary editors when shaping a story from raw footage?

Documentary editors often encounter the challenge of organizing large amounts of unscripted footage into a compelling, coherent narrative. They must balance the director's vision with the available material, sometimes working with incomplete or evolving storylines. Tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and collaborating closely with directors, producers, and sound designers are also common aspects of the role. Strong communication and creative problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and producing a polished final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Editor, you need a strong grasp of storytelling, video editing principles, and experience with non-linear editing software, often supported by a degree in film, media, or related fields. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro, as well as knowledge of formats and post-production workflows, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and collaboration are crucial soft skills that help editors craft compelling narratives and work well with directors and producers. These skills and qualities are vital for producing engaging, coherent documentaries that effectively communicate their message and meet production deadlines.

What is the difference between Documentary Editing vs Video Editing?

AspectDocumentary EditingVideo Editing
CredentialsOften requires editing experience, film or media backgroundRequires editing skills, often with specific software knowledge
Work EnvironmentFilm or documentary production settingsVaries from corporate videos to social media content
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, television, and documentary projectsAcross multiple industries including marketing, entertainment, and corporate

Documentary editing focuses on shaping real-life footage into compelling stories, often requiring a deep understanding of storytelling and factual accuracy. Video editing is broader, encompassing various types of video content, from commercials to social media clips. While both roles require editing skills, documentary editing emphasizes narrative construction within factual contexts, making it more specialized.

Infographic showing various Documentary Editing job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Video Editor I

Rocky Mountain Public Media

Denver, CO • On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Video Editor IDenver, CORocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month.The Video Editor I supports the journalism team by providing essential production and post-production assistance across a range of video projects. This role is highly organization-focused and plays a critical part in ensuring efficient workflows, consistent visual quality, and timely delivery of content.This position will work closely with journalists and producers to prepare and organize project assets, assist with editing tasks, and help translate long-form and horizontal video into engaging digital formats, including vertical and social-first content. The Video Editor I will also contribute to behind-the-scenes storytelling and social media content creation, while maintaining structured media management systems and supporting storage upkeep.This person should have strong video editing skills and share the values of public media. Editing portfolio required.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesAssists in organizing and managing raw footage, audio files, graphics, and other elements used in each projectReviews and logs all footage in Adobe Premiere, transcribing interviews in Premiere and organizing b-rollWorks with senior editor and producers to assemble raw footage into rough cuts, syncing audio and video and preparing projects based on requirements for digital and/or broadcast outputHelps create guides for footage and file organization for team-wide useAssists with storage solutions and upkeep for media assets Converts horizontal video into vertical formats for social media platformsSupports journalists in editing quick-turn content, including field dispatches and first-person storytellingManages and produce content for the RMPBS Originals Instagram accountCreates behind-the-scenes content, reels, and photo posts to ensure consistent publishingCollaborates with the team to identify opportunities for engaging digital storytellingHelps review edited sequences to check for errors or technical issues, ensuring each project adheres to PBS, NPR, and FCC technical standards.Assists with acquisition of intellectual property licenses and other necessary rights and releases.Maintains administrative records for assigned projects.Other tasks as assigned and/or required.ADDITIONAL Qualifications of PositionAttend weekly content meetings providing useful input and story ideasWork from the Denver office at least two days per weekEngage with communities in Colorado to create an open door for contentRepresent RMPM at community eventsas neededActively participate in RMPM's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training program. Uses key standards and teachings of DEI training when producing daily responsive content generation.Must possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable MVR; must be insurable for driving station vehicles.Minimum Qualifications of PositionBachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong evidence of achievement is preferred.Minimum three years of experience in video editing is requiredMust possess exceptional time management and organizational skills.Must have demonstrated experience and/or skills in nonlinear editing and graphic software i.e., Adobe Creative Cloud.Must have demonstrated ability to work well independently and with staff, interns, students, volunteers and the public and exercise good judgment under pressure.A mix of demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge may be considered in place of educational requirements.Preferred Qualifications of PositionExperience with creating content for digital and social platformsAbility to create simple graphics and motion graphic templates (i.e., mogrts) in After EffectsExperience operating DSLR cameras and audio equipment, both in studio and in the field is a plusBasic knowledge of web content management and broadcast standardsBackground in documentary-style productionDon't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce. If you're excited about this role, feel a passion for our mission, this feels like it could be your dream job, but your previous experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply!PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION: Persons interested in this position must apply at www.rmpbs.org/jobs. Please submit the following items:A cover letter detailing how the applicant's qualifications fit the needs of RMPM and information on how the applicant found out about the job opening.A resume detailing education, training, and employment experience.Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled. No phone calls please. KRMA-TV/KTSC-TV/KRMJ-TV/KRMU-TV/KRMZ-TV and KUVO-FM/KVJZ-FM are licensed to and operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. as non-commercial public television and radio.Work EnvironmentThis position works primarily in office, studio, editing, and field environments. This position must be able to work a flexible schedule with occasionally long hours including some evenings and weekends. Must be able to travel throughout the state and beyond, on occasion. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsThe position requires the ability to lift and carry production equipment up to 50 lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EEO StatementRocky Mountain Public Media embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, Rocky Mountain Public Media does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.