Freelance Audio Visual Programmer Jobs in Minnesota

Position Summary:

The Editor, Visuals will be a leader and champion of visual storytelling across MPR News, shaping how journalism is conceived, presented, and experienced on every channel (platform). This role carries dual responsibility: driving strong visual editorial judgment throughout the newsroom and helping improve the production systems and workflows that bring that journalism to life.

At the core of this position is a commitment to elevating visual thinking from the very beginning of the editorial process. The editor will be a key voice in story planning conversations — helping reporters, producers, and editors identify visual opportunities before assignments develop and ensuring that the strongest visual approach is considered alongside the story itself. This includes guiding decisions around lead images, visual narratives and innovative video storytelling in shaping how stories are presented and building a newsroom culture where visual judgment is valued at every level.

In fast-moving news situations, this editor will help teams make strong visual decisions quickly — prioritizing coverage, allocating resources effectively, and identifying where visual storytelling can have the greatest impact for our audience. Timely visual feedback and editorial clarity are essential to this work.

The editor brings expert experience with the tools and technology of visual newsgathering and news production, with priority on audio and video. Working in close partnership with Operations/Production, the editor reviews and implements production tools and technology systems, ensuring all team members have the foundational support they need to create compelling, engaging content. The editor develops detailed plans to reach concrete goals and works hands-on to realize them: directing work and coordinating visual staff and freelancers, and training staff on audio, visual (still and video), digital production, and CMS.

In addition to leadership and team building responsibilities, the editor will produce and edit exceptional daily visual news, features, explainers, evergreen content, and long-term projects — modeling the visual standards and storytelling strategy they champion across the newsroom.

The ability to collaborate effectively with news leaders, reporters, and cross-departmental teams is essential. In a multichannel environment where visuals shape audience engagement and first impressions, this editor helps ensure that MPR News content informs, includes, and inspires Minnesota audiences across the state.

This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between MPR and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”).

Expected Compensation Range: $39.42 - $47.30 per hour. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Location: Hybrid, St. Paul, MN
Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Responsibility:

• Guide and edit audio/visual news content, cultivating superior performance in a digital-first newsroom environment across all platforms
• Lead, train and assign the MPR News visual team, as well as managing and assigning contract/freelance journalists 
• Demonstrate expertise in all technology, tools and processes necessary to produce superior audio/visual news content on all platforms, including but not limited to radio, websites, emails, social media, podcasts, and other evolving products.  Train and support news staff in these tools and workflow for meeting and exceeding digital transformation goals and content performance
• In collaboration with Operations/Production, manage and assign newsroom visual and digital equipment, including but not limited to audio field gear, cameras and kits for newsgathering and content delivery
• Ability to work in a fast-paced news environment, bring bold editorial and production ideas to every day to planning and make editorial and logistical decisions quickly as changing events dictate
• Foster a creative and productive teamwork environment
• Other duties as assigned, occasional nights, weekends and holidays

Required Education and Experience:

• 5+ years visual journalism experience, with an emphasis on video, including experience editing and managing the content and workflows of others
• Must demonstrate an ability to foster exceptional standards while coaching, inspiring and leading
• Experience developing and delivering content with a mastery of news video and still photography shooting and editing skills.
• Experience planning news coverage, managing and/or training others for exceptional performance.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Proven news judgment with a commitment to superior quality and innovative journalism
• Understanding of media production and editing for selected, discriminating audiences
• Fluency with standard multimedia production (shooting, editing, lighting) tools, including various visual formats and transfer technologies
• Able to work well and productively in an environment where news is constantly changing and being updated and have the temperament to enjoy the process
• Ability to prioritize work and make staff assignments and resource decisions in a fast-paced media environment
• Excellent coaching, communication, and teamwork skills
• Understanding of and commitment to quality management and continuous improvement
• Knowledge of the law and its application to news and cultural programming on the web
• Ability to work across a range of skills and in a flexible manner, carrying out responsibilities in accordance with APMG’s mission, values and professional standards.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Hands-on experience with advanced multimedia programs and techniques
• Familiarity with encoding and streaming content in a variety of formats

Reporting to this Position:

• Edit and Assign:  MPR News Visual Team and video/still photography freelance/contractors

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage some work outside of standard office hours as needed.
• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment and sometimes sit for extended periods of time, using technical equipment and computers.
  • Required to move about in the community (in and outdoors), in multiple weather conditions and terrain.
  • Ability to use and carry up to 10 pounds of photo/video/audio gear
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level
  • On assignment out in public/community as required

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks./per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

MPR News and its staff adhere to journalism ethics and integrity as outlined in the MPR News Ethics Guidelines.