Independent Contractor Video Editor Jobs in Kentucky

The Courier Journal/courier-journal.com, the leading news and information provider in Kentucky and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a strategic, digitally fluent journalist to lead our weekend breaking news and weekday night coverage. This editor will drive digital-first news gathering, champion multimedia storytelling, and ensure our journalism reflects and serves diverse communities. 

The editor will lead a team that includes a breaking news reporter and digital producers, as well as assist with news and sports editing during their shift.

The editor will use metrics and audience research to guide decisions about covering topics and issues that will drive digital audience growth. A successful candidate will embrace the latest developments in video, digital technology, social media and AI, and will experiment with innovative approaches to draw in new audiences. 

The job requires a problem solver who is well-organized, can work independently, and exercises solid news judgment. 

They will report to the news director and will collaborate with other editors to plan and execute local and statewide news coverage.

The Courier Journal was awarded a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for its breaking news coverage. It’s a high-performing newsroom focused on meeting the demands of an engaged readership. Louisville has some of the highest-profile coverage opportunities in the country: national championship-caliber college basketball teams; SEC and ACC football; and the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Our coverage is built on digital storytelling and mobile consumption, which includes real-time reporting, smart analysis, video, deep storytelling and social engagement.

Responsibilities: 

• Direct breaking and exclusive news coverage with a focus on speed, accuracy, and digital impact. Assign and edit coverage for all platforms, prioritizing mobile, web, and social distribution.
• Assist sports with editing stories during peak times during their shift and over the weekend as warranted.
• Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
• Execute tactics to grow subscriptions through storytelling, topics and headlines.
• Collaborate with visual editors, reporters and producers to create compelling video content for social platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube) and courier-journal.com. 
• Develop and execute strategies for real-time sourcing and verification using social media, public agencies and community sources. Monitor social platforms for breaking news, trending topics, and user-generated content; verify and incorporate multimedia from public and official sources.
• Mentor reporters and producers in digital news gathering, compelling narratives, and diverse sources. Collaborate across the newsroom and USA TODAY Network to enhance story forms and audience reach. 
• Be a team player who likes to collaborate with colleagues.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in digital-first news gathering, video production, and social media sourcing. 
• Strong news judgment, editing skills, and command of journalism ethics. 
• Proficiency with analytics, audience funnel strategies, and digital content optimization.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, media production, or related field, or equivalent experience. 
• Two or more years of newsroom editing experience, with a track record in digital and breaking news coverage. 
• Expertise in digital-first news gathering, video production, and social media sourcing. 
• Strong news judgment, editing skills, and command of journalism ethics. 
• Proficiency with analytics, audience funnel strategies, and digital content optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, multi-platform environment.
• A history of successful leadership, collaboration, innovation, and goal achievement.
• Ability to work well on deadline.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Approachability, comfort with public speaking, and commitment to staff.

Application Instructions: 

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1.    Your resume – one to two pages.
2.    A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3.    Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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