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Documentary Producer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon Post Producer | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Post Producer to help lead and manage post-production projects across documentary, commercial ...

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop ...

To produce, direct, edit, and present scripted and documentary style stories and content and support live production through media and technology Purpose: To communicate narratives & events that ...

Media Producer Ministry/Department: Film Reports to: Media Production Manager Status: Full-time, ... Generate fresh ideas for short-form documentary content and life-change stories * Shape interviews ...

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Documentary Producer information

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$38K

$75.5K

$129K

How much do documentary producer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary producer in the United States is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a producer make on a Docuseries?

A documentary producer's salary for a docuseries typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience, the project's budget, and the production company's size. Producers often earn additional income through royalties or profit sharing if the series is successful, and they may work long hours during production phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Documentary Producer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Producer, you need a strong background in storytelling, project management, and production, often supported by experience in film, journalism, or media studies. Familiarity with editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro), budgeting tools, camera equipment, and media distribution platforms is highly valuable. Exceptional communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills set outstanding producers apart. These strengths are crucial for managing complex projects and teams, ensuring compelling narratives, and delivering high-quality documentaries on schedule and within budget.

What does a Documentary Producer do?

A Documentary Producer oversees the creation of a documentary film, managing everything from development to distribution. They secure funding, hire crew members, and coordinate logistics such as scheduling and budgeting. Producers also collaborate with directors and writers to shape the story and ensure it aligns with the intended vision. Additionally, they may handle legal agreements, marketing, and distribution strategies to reach the right audience. Their goal is to bring compelling real-life stories to the screen while managing the project’s creative and financial aspects.

How do I get into documentary production?

To become a documentary producer, gain experience in film or media production through education or internships, develop strong storytelling and project management skills, and build a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with editing software and industry contacts can also improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What jobs pay 400 an hour?

In the field of documentary production, highly experienced producers or directors working on high-profile projects can earn up to $400 an hour or more, especially if they have a strong reputation, specialized skills, or work as freelancers on lucrative assignments. Such rates are typically associated with senior-level professionals with extensive industry experience and a proven track record of successful projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by Documentary Producers during production?

Documentary Producers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable shooting conditions, securing funding, and obtaining access to subjects and locations. They may also need to balance creative vision with logistical limitations, like coordinating schedules and staying within budget. Adapting quickly to changes and troubleshooting unforeseen issues are essential parts of the job. Overcoming these challenges requires resourcefulness, strong organizational skills, and the ability to lead a dedicated team toward completing the project successfully.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying roles for documentary producers or similar creative professionals can reach $2,000 per day, especially for experienced freelancers, executive producers, or those working on high-profile projects. Such earnings typically require extensive experience, a strong portfolio, and often involve working on multiple projects or in a consulting capacity.
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What cities are hiring for Documentary Producer jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Producer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Documentary Producer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Sr Documentary Film Producer (Memphis, TN)

American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

At ALSAC you do more than make a living; you make a difference.
We like people who are different...because we're different, too. As one of the world's most iconic and respected nonprofits, we know what it's like to stand out. That's why we're looking at you. Your background, perspective, and desire to make an impact set you apart. As we work to help St. Jude cure childhood cancer, we're calling on the game-changers, innovators and visionaries to join our family. Not just for the kids of St. Jude, but also for you. Because at ALSAC, we develop and celebrate our employees. So, bring your whole, authentic self and become part of our shared mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
Job Description
The Sr Documentary Film Producer is a visionary visual storyteller who crafts, molds, and creates the St. Jude story through expert-level cinematography and editorial story construction. This role is a creative and innovative documentary-style filmmaker who proactively identifies story opportunities-then produces cinematic visuals and edits that educate, impact, and inspire audiences to action across ALSAC/St. Jude owned channels, including YouTube and other platforms.
This role exists to create cinematic, story-driven content designed to make audiences feel something-to build emotional connection, deepen affinity, and strengthen love for the St. Jude mission over time. It is not a role centered on routine coverage. While events and interviews may be part of the work, the primary responsibility is the constant pursuit of meaningful stories and the transformation of real moments into powerful, authored narratives.
The ideal candidate for this position approaches filmmaking as both a producer and an artist-shaping stories with intention, capturing imagery with emotional intelligence, and constructing narratives that resonate long after viewing. Their work prioritizes authenticity, beauty, and emotional impact, often living on owned channels such as YouTube where stories may unfold over time through serialized or episodic formats. Strong producer instincts ensure that each project is executed efficiently and collaboratively, while the highest standards of cinematographic and editorial craft are maintained at every stage.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Advance ALSAC's strategic priorities through emotionally driven visual storytelling by proactively identifying and developing stories that build deep human connection, strengthen brand affinity, and inspire audiences to engage with and support the St. Jude mission. In close partnership with key internal stakeholders, align storytelling to business objectives while leading assigned projects from concept through completion with clear narrative intent and creative vision.
2. Serve as a visual storytelling authority and creative collaborator within cross-functional teams representing multiple creative disciplines. Champion a story-first approach that elevates emotional impact and audience relevance across owned, earned, and shared channels. Lead sensitive, thoughtful on-camera interviews with patients, families, staff, partners, volunteers, and supporters, and contribute to script development or narrative framing as needed to ensure authenticity and clarity.
3. Approach each project as both a producer and an artist, independently evaluating story potential, clarifying narrative goals, anticipating production needs, and translating strategy into a cohesive visual language. Define stylistic choices-pacing, composition, lighting, camera movement, sound, and tone-that deepen emotional resonance and reinforce the story's meaning.
4. Continuously seek and recognize story opportunities in real time, identifying compelling characters, emotional moments, visual metaphors, and unscripted interactions that can evolve into impactful short-form, long-form, or serialized storytelling. Shape stories designed for owned channels such as YouTube, including episodic arcs, follow-the-journey narratives, and relationship-building content intended to grow long-term audience connection.
5. Lead cinematic image capture for documentary-style storytelling, executing with intentionality and authorship rather than documentation, including: • Interview cinematography designed to reflect emotional context through environment, blocking, lighting, and composition. • Observational and verité shooting that preserves authenticity while maintaining visual continuity and narrative cohesion. • Purposeful capture of b-roll and atmospheric elements that contribute meaningfully to story structure and emotional texture. • Deliberate camera movement and lensing choices that reinforce tone, perspective, and narrative emphasis.
6. Own pre-production for assigned stories with a producer's mindset, including location scouting, visual research and references, shot planning, equipment strategy, scheduling, release and clearance coordination, and contingency planning. Ensure each production is creatively prepared, logistically sound, and positioned to capture meaningful moments as they unfold.
7. Shape stories in the edit suite with a strong editorial point of view, crafting narrative structure, rhythm, and emotional arc from raw footage through final delivery. Build compelling assemblies, refine work through feedback and iteration, and deliver finished content that reflects cinematic quality and storytelling excellence. Responsibilities may include full edit ownership or close collaboration with editing partners, depending on project scope. Exercise strong editorial judgment and creative discernment to help prioritize story ideas and content requests, advocating for work that best serves audience connection and long-term brand impact. Remain open, responsive, and collaborative in incorporating feedback from leadership and stakeholders while protecting creative integrity and story intent.
8. Apply approved St. Jude messaging and brand guidelines with sensitivity and care, ensuring stories are told with accuracy, respect, and emotional intelligence while maintaining alignment with creative direction and brand standards. Ensure all content meets legal, ethical, and compliance requirements, including copyright, trademark, HIPAA regulations, and Better Business Bureau best practices, while preserving the dignity of participants and the trust of audiences. Represent ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with professionalism and integrity, both internally and externally, reflecting positively on the organization, its mission, and its commitment to ethical, human-centered storytelling.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts or Science with specialty in Cinematography and 10+ years of professional, documentary-style visual storytelling experience with expert-level skill in the ability to conceptualize ideas, conduct on-camera interviews, produce, and edit.
  • Expert knowledge of cinematography craft: lighting, composition, camera movement, lensing, exposure, color, and visual continuity; ability to produce "beautiful, moving images" that serve narrative.
  • Strong producing capability: pre-production planning, on-location decision-making, stakeholder coordination, and efficient execution under real-world constraints.
  • High proficiency in non-linear editing and the ability to craft stories in post-production (structure, pacing, music/score sensibility, sound design collaboration, and narrative clarity).
  • Working knowledge of professional NLE environments (Avid Media Composer strongly preferred but not required).
  • The intangible ability to connect with people on a human level that allows them to share their story in an authentic way.
  • Thorough knowledge of English spelling and grammar; ability to speak and write clearly for internal and external relations; ability to understand complex instructions. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to drive an automobile; ability to travel and work nights/weekends as production needs require.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and After Effects preferred but not required.
Benefits & Perks
The following Benefits & Perks apply toFull-Time Roles Only
We're dedicated to ensuring children and their families have every opportunity to enjoy life's special moments. We're also committed to giving our staff excellent benefits so they can do the same.
  • Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)
  • 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
  • Exceptional Paid Time Off
  • Maternity / Paternity Leave
  • Infertility Treatment Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Education Assistance
  • Enterprise Learning and Development
  • And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer.
ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.
No Search Firms:
ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.