Freelance Content Optimization Jobs in Washington

Position Summary

TheVideoProducerandEditorwillsupport the Center's video strategy by producing high-quality, engaging short-form video content across platforms. In addition to beingone of twoprimary internalresourcesfor all phases of video production,this role will execute video projects from concept through final delivery, helping translate complex research findings into clear, compelling visual stories.

Working closely with researchers, editors, designers, and audience staff, the Video ProducerandEditor will ensure that all video content reflects Pew Research Center's standards for accuracy,clarityand nonpartisanship.This position reports to the Video Manager.

This is a term-limited, grant-funded position expected to extend two years.

Primary Responsibilities

Video Productionand Editing(70%)

• Produce and edit short-form video content for Pew Research Center's website andexternal platforms

• Proactively pitchand developoriginal videoconcepts aligned with research releases and audience needs, leading scriptingand storyboarding through final delivery, in collaboration with the Video Manager, Video Lead and internal partners

• Create motion graphics and animations that clearly communicate research findings

• Provide hands-on production support across studio and field shoots, including camera operation,lightingand audio

• Manage post-production workflows including editing, sound mixing, color correction, captioning and platform-specific formatting, ensuring optimization and accessibility across all distribution channels

• Manage project timelines and deliverables to ensuretimelypublication aligned with research releases and responsive to audience needs

• Ensure all video content aligns with Pew Research Center's editorial standards, brandguidelinesand commitment to nonpartisanship

Collaboration and Workflow (20%)

• Partner with research, design, digital and audience teams to translate research into engaging video content

• Lead pre-production planning, including production timelines, shot lists, interviewpreparationand coordination oflogistics

• Incorporate feedback efficiently whilemaintainingeditorial standards and production timelines

• Collaborate with audience development teams on packaging, thumbnails,titlesand descriptions to maximize reach and engagement

• Work with freelance editors and vendors as needed

• Provide guidance to other staff on fundamentals of video production

Measurement andAssessment (10%)

• Activelymonitorvideo performance across platforms, tracking metrics such as retention, watch time, completion rate,engagementand audience growth

• Apply insights from analytics to improve storytelling, pacing,formattingand platformpackaging

• Contribute ideas for testing and experimentation (e.g., variations in hooks, thumbnails,lengthor release timing) and incorporate findings into future production decisions

• Stay current with trends in short-form video, motiongraphicsand social media formats

Education/Training /Experience

• B.A.or equivalent professional experience

• 3-5yearsofexperienceproducing and editing high-quality short-form video content

• Strong news judgment anddemonstratedability to translate complex research findings into clear,accurateand engaging visual narratives

• Strong scriptwriting skills with the ability to craft concise, compelling narratives for short-form formats

• Demonstratedproficiencyin video editing software (e.g., Premiere, After Effects) and motion graphics

• Hands-on knowledge of video production equipment,lightingand audio fundamentals

• Interest in working with data-driven research or journalistic content

• Fluency in interpreting video performance metrics (e.g., retention, watch time, completion rate) and applying insights to creative decisions

• Understanding of platform-specific best practices for social video distribution