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Documentary Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

DC Government

Administrative Law Judge

Washington, DC · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Written decisions are issued as hearings, which are presided over by Administrative Law Judges. The ... documentary evidence, and to conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true ...

New

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... storytelling, documentary making, and commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... storytelling, documentary making, and commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ... storytelling, documentary making, and commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness ...

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Documentary Writer information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$95.7K

$147.2K

How much do documentary writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary writer in Washington is $95,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a documentary writer do?

A Documentary Writer is responsible for researching, structuring, and writing the narrative framework for a documentary film or series. They develop scripts, voiceovers, and interview questions, ensuring the story is engaging and informative. Their work involves collaboration with directors, producers, and researchers to align the script with the documentary’s vision.

What does a typical workday look like for a documentary writer?

A typical day for a Documentary Writer involves conducting thorough research, interviewing subjects or experts, and drafting or revising scripts to tell compelling non-fiction stories. Writers may spend time collaborating with directors, producers, and editors to ensure the narrative aligns with the film's vision and factual accuracy. The workflow can vary depending on the project phase, alternating between solitary writing and collaborative meetings. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are crucial, as documentary production schedules are often dynamic and deadline-driven. This variety makes the role both challenging and rewarding, especially for those who thrive in a creative and fast-paced environment.

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

Documentary Writers need excellent research, storytelling, and scriptwriting skills, often supported by a background in journalism, communications, or film studies. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft, as well as experience with archival research tools, is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and adaptability help writers bring authentic stories to life while working closely with directors, producers, and researchers. These abilities ensure engaging, accurate narratives that resonate with audiences and meet production goals.

How to be a documentary writer?

A documentary writer researches and develops compelling stories based on real events or subjects, often working closely with filmmakers and researchers. Key skills include strong writing, storytelling, research abilities, and familiarity with industry tools like scriptwriting software; a background in journalism, media, or related fields can be beneficial.

Is being a documentary writer a good career?

Documentary writers create scripts and narratives for documentary films and programs, often requiring strong research, storytelling, and editing skills. The career can be competitive, with income varying based on experience, project scope, and industry connections, and many professionals work freelance or on a project basis. Success often depends on building a portfolio, networking, and staying current with industry tools and trends.

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Writer jobs in Washington?

For Documentary Writer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Documentary Writer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Writer jobs in Washington are:

Documentary Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Writer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 52% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,746 per year, or $46 per hour.

Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)

The Walt Disney Company

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156501

Job Description:

Senior Photo Editor, Features to help shape the visual storytelling of the brand's most ambitious editorial work. This role is responsible for developing, commissioning, producing, and editing photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms, working closely with editors, writers, designers, photographers, and producers from concept through publication.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional visual storyteller with strong editorial judgment, a deep knowledge of photography, and extensive experience managing complex assignments and productions. This individual will bring creative vision, organizational excellence, and a collaborative approach to producing compelling visual journalism that reflects National Geographic's commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities:

  • Commission, edit, and produce photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.
  • Identify and develop visual storytelling approaches that elevate editorial content.
  • Manage all aspects of assignments, including photographer selection, creative direction, production planning, timelines, and budgets.
  • Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.
  • Lead visual development for special projects, editorial packages, and franchises.
  • Ensure accuracy and quality of all photo deliverables, including captions, credits, rights, and metadata.
  • Provide production support for domestic and international assignments.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with photographers and visual storytellers around the world.
  • Represent National Geographic within the photography and visual journalism community.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of experience in photo editing, visual storytelling, and commissioning within editorial media.
  • Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
  • Experience managing complex photographic assignments and productions.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital asset management systems.
  • Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Photo editing software such as Adobe Bridge, Lightroom.

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Advanced degree or specialized training in Photography, Journalism, Visual Storytelling, Documentary Studies, Fine Arts, or a related field.
  • Professional coursework or demonstrated expertise in photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, visual editing, or documentary production.
The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $95,500 to $128,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Editorial - Photo Editing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-21

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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