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Documentary Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$87K/yr

A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment ... Bachelor's degree in journalism or similar field, and four years of professional journalism ...

New

A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment ... Bachelor's degree in journalism or similar field, and four years of professional journalism ...

A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment ... Bachelor's degree in journalism or similar field, and four years of professional journalism ...

New

$70K/yr

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW FRONTLINE is PBS' flagship investigative documentary series, exploring the ... FRONTLINE has won an Academy Award ® as well as every major journalism and broadcasting award ...

PT Instructor Pool - Journalism

Madison, WI · On-site

$25.25 - $31.75/hr

Intro to Journalism, Investigative Journalism, Intro to Mass Communication, Documentary Storytelling, Social Media Writing, and World Issues Journalism. 2. Develop and plan appropriate instructional ...

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

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Documentary Journalism information

What is documentary journalism?

A Documentary Journalism job involves researching, filming, and producing fact-based stories that explore real-world issues, events, or people. Journalists in this field use visual storytelling techniques to create compelling documentaries that inform and engage audiences. They often conduct interviews, gather archival footage, and travel to various locations to capture authentic perspectives. This role requires strong investigative skills, ethical reporting, and proficiency in video production and editing.

What skills and qualifications are needed for documentary journalism?

To thrive in Documentary Journalism, you need strong research, storytelling, investigative, and video production skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with camera equipment, audio recording devices, video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), and sometimes drone operation certification are important technical assets. Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and persistence help build trust with sources and navigate changing storylines. These skills enable the creation of compelling, accurate documentaries that resonate with audiences and adhere to ethical standards.

What are typical challenges faced in documentary journalism and how can they be managed?

Documentary journalists often face challenges such as gaining access to sensitive subjects, working in unpredictable environments, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring factual accuracy while telling a compelling story. Building strong relationships with sources and developing trust is critical for obtaining candid interviews and authentic footage. Flexibility and problem-solving skills help manage logistical hurdles, such as travel issues or changing story directions. Staying organized and maintaining ethical standards throughout the production process are key to overcoming these obstacles and producing impactful documentaries.

Is being a documentary journalist a good career?

Documentary journalism is a challenging but rewarding career that involves researching, filming, and editing stories to inform the public. It requires strong storytelling skills, technical knowledge of cameras and editing software, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. Job stability and income can vary depending on experience, reputation, and the media outlets involved.
More about Documentary Journalism jobs

What cities are hiring for Documentary Journalism jobs?

Cities with the most Documentary Journalism job openings:

What states have the most Documentary Journalism jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Documentary Journalism job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

$87K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


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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