Freelance Visual Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Video Producer and Editor will support the Center’s video strategy by producing high-quality, engaging short-form video content across platforms. In addition to being one of two primary internal resources for 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 Producer and Editor will ensure that all video content reflects Pew Research Center’s standards for accuracy, clarity and nonpartisanship. This position reports to the Video Manager. This is a term-limited, grant-funded position expected to extend two years.

The typical starting salary for this position is $75,000.

Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.

FLSA Status:Exempt

• Video Production and Editing (70%)
• Produce and edit short-form video content for Pew Research Center’s website and external platforms
• Proactively pitch and develop original video concepts aligned with research releases and audience needs, leading scripting and 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, lighting and 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 ensure timely publication aligned with research releases and responsive to audience needs
• Ensure all video content aligns with Pew Research Center’s editorial standards, brand guidelines and commitment to nonpartisanship

• Partner with research, design, digital and audience teams to translate research into engaging video content
• Lead pre‑production planning, including production timelines, shot lists, interview preparation and coordination of logistics
• Incorporate feedback efficiently while maintaining editorial standards and production timelines
• Collaborate with audience development teams on packaging, thumbnails, titles and descriptions to maximize reach and engagement
• Work with freelance editors and vendors as needed
• Provide guidance to other staff on fundamentals of video production

• Actively monitor video performance across platforms, tracking metrics such as retention, watch time, completion rate, engagement and audience growth
• Apply insights from analytics to improve storytelling, pacing, formatting and platform packaging
• Contribute ideas for testing and experimentation (e.g., variations in hooks, thumbnails, length or release timing) and incorporate findings into future production decisions
• Stay current with trends in short‑form video, motion graphics and social media formats

• B.A. or equivalent professional experience
• 3-5 years of experience producing and editing high‑quality short‑form video content
• Strong news judgment and demonstrated ability to translate complex research findings into clear, accurate and engaging visual narratives
• Strong scriptwriting skills with the ability to craft concise, compelling narratives for short‑form formats
• Demonstrated proficiency in video editing software (e.g., Premiere, After Effects) and motion graphics
• Hands‑on knowledge of video production equipment, lighting and 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

• Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
• Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
• Employer‑paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
• Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
• A 37.5‑hour workweek.
• Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
• Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.

EEO: Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Pew Research Center is a great place to work, learn and grow. Our culture is open, collegial, collaborative, supportive and down‑to‑earth. Our staff is made up of more than 180 smart, talented, mission‑driven people who care deeply about the work they do. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including social science researchers, data scientists, survey methodologists, journalists, graphic artists, web developers, communications professionals, and administrative support and operations staff. In our work we value independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency, and innovation. An extension of these values is our vision of a positive, welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration, openness, accountability, and community building – one where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission.