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Documentary Editing Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment ... Strong writing, editing, and production for investigative, narrative, long form podcast series.

New

Assistant Video Editor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

About the role Deux Vingt is a Seattle creative production agency making travel and hospitality content -- brand films, documentary series, and campaign work. We're looking for an Assistant Editor ...

Documentary Editing information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$35

$65

How much do documentary editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary editing in Seattle, WA is $35.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $45.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Editing jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Documentary Editing jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Documentary Editing jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Editing jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Documentary Editing jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Documentary Editing job openings:

Infographic showing various Documentary Editing job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,800 per year, or $36 per hour.

Documentary Producer

Uw

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

151st of 631 rated colleges and universities


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 Produceris 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 QualificationsApplicants 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 deepen 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.


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