Freelance Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $78,000 - $85,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Columbia Engineering seeks an Assistant Director of Multimedia to lead the school's multimedia storytelling strategy and production. As a core member of the Dean's Office communications team, this role develops and produces high-impact video and visual content that elevates faculty research, academic initiatives, and institutional priorities.
Working closely with the Executive Director of Communications and members of the communications team, the Assistant Director produces multimedia content that amplifies press releases, research features, and major communications initiatives across the school's website, social media channels, and media relations efforts.
Serving as the video lead for the Dean's Office communications team, the Assistant Director oversees the full production lifecycle-from concept development and filming to graphics, post-production, and distribution-while ensuring all assets align with Columbia University and Columbia Engineering brand standards. The role also manages external production vendors and freelance crews and collaborates with partners across Columbia University to extend the reach and impact of multimedia storytelling.
Expert knowledge of digital video platforms, including YouTube, is required, along with the ability to develop both long-form features and short-form content optimized for audience engagement.
Responsibilities
Multimedia Production (55%)
Lead the full production cycle for video projects, including concept development, scripting, scheduling, staging, filming, editing, and distribution through social media platforms.
Execute advanced post-production techniques, including motion graphics, color correction, sound design, and visual effects using industry-standard software.
Produce multimedia content across formats, including short-form social media features, faculty research profiles, institutional campaigns, and long-form storytelling.
Direct interviews and lab demos with faculty and student researchers to distill technical subject matter into engaging scenarios.
Graphic Design & Brand Alignment (15%)
Design and integrate branded visual elements into multimedia content to ensure consistency across the School's digital ecosystem.
Develop research visuals, diagrams, charts, and other science-based imagery as needed to support faculty scholarship and storytelling initiatives.
Create supporting assets such as lower-thirds, title sequences, thumbnails, infographics, and social media graphics aligned with School branding guidelines.
Ensure formatting consistency and visual alignment across multimedia outputs to reinforce the School's identity standards.
Vendor Contracting & Production Management (15%)
Scope and manage large-scale or high-visibility multimedia projects requiring external production support.
Develop project briefs and coordinate vendor selection in alignment with University procurement policies.
Manage freelance production teams and contracted vendors, including directors of photography, editors, animators, designers, and sound engineers.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and on-site production logistics.
Review vendor deliverables to ensure technical quality, brand alignment, and editorial accuracy.
Digital Asset & Technical Operations (10%)
Maintain the school's digital asset management system, including file organization, metadata tagging, usage tracking, and archiving.
Manage multimedia production equipment inventory, maintenance, upgrades, and secure storage.
Oversee video encoding, captioning, accessibility compliance, and optimization for web and social media distribution.
Ensure multimedia assets are optimized for digital discoverability and platform standards.
Institutional Collaboration & Strategic Integration (5%)
Partner with University Public Affairs, peer schools, research centers, advancement, admissions, and departmental leadership to support strategic storytelling initiatives.
Identify opportunities to leverage multimedia assets across communications campaigns, digital platforms, and external engagement.
Provide on-camera coaching and media preparation for faculty, researchers, and student participants.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
3-5 years of professional experience in film, video production, or multimedia design.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Demonstrated experience operating professional cinema-grade cameras, lighting systems, and audio equipment.
Experience managing freelance production teams or external vendors.
Knowledge of digital distribution platforms, video encoding standards, accessibility requirements, and metadata practices.
Portfolio or demo reel submission required.
Preferred Qualifications
Keen interest in science, engineering, and technology, with the ability to engage thoughtfully with technical subject matter.
Experience working in higher education, research, science, or institutional communications Keen interest in Science environments.
Familiarity with emerging production technologies, including AI-assisted editing and media tools.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.