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Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

The Multiplatform Producer, Video drives the creative development and production of video that supports and extends WAMU's audio journalism across platforms. From podcast highlight reels and explainers to YouTube and social-native formats, this role ensures WAMU's reporting resonates wherever audiences watch.

Working with editorial teams, contractors, and partners, the Video Producer adapts audio-first journalism into compelling video, manages WAMU's video standards, and helps expand the station's presence on YouTube and other social platforms. With a strong focus on multiplatform integration, this role ensures video strengthens WAMU's overall content strategy and community connection.

The incumbent will demonstrate a commitment to WAMU's mission and values of trusted journalism, civic dialogue, and cultural connection through their work.

Essential Functions:

1.) Video Production and Editing

• Adapt audio-first journalism into compelling video for digital and social platforms. Shoot, edit, design graphics, and finalize content to high editorial standards.

• Independently produce end to end video assets from concept through final delivery, with minimal supervision.

• Identify strong moments from shows, interviews, and reporting and translate them into clear video narratives (highlights, explainers, segment recaps, social-native cuts).

• Write and produce video elements at a high level of proficiency, including scripts, on-screen copy, captions, lower thirds, and accompanying promotional assets.

• Edit audio and video to ensure accuracy, clarity, accessibility, and brand consistency; ensure balance of views and appropriate context for journalism-based content.

• Manage a repeatable post-production workflow (project organization, versioning, export specs, captioning, and quality checks) to meet deadlines and production standards.

2.) YouTube and Social Strategy

• Lead WAMU's video content strategy for YouTube and other social platforms, optimizing content for search, discoverability, and engagement. Produce cutdowns and promotional assets tailored for different platforms.

• Generate a wide range of video and distribution ideas aligned to WAMU coverage priorities and audience needs, ensuring diversity of topics, voices, and perspectives.

• Plan and execute publishing and promotion before and after release to maximize reach and engagement (titles, thumbnails, descriptions, tags, playlists, scheduling, and cross-promotion).

• Produce platform-specific versions (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, web embeds) with optimized pacing, framing, and packaging for each surface.

• Track performance and refine strategy using platform analytics and share actionable recommendations with editorial leadership.

3.) Editorial Collaboration

• Partner with newsroom, audio, and content teams to identify and shape video opportunities. Prepare reporters, producers, and contributors for on-camera appearances.

• Work with hosts, reporters, editors, and producers to identify video opportunities tied to major stories, series, and breaking news.

• Research topics and background as needed to support video scripts and accurate visual storytelling; coordinate pre-interviews or prep calls when video requires additional context.

• Prepare on-air and newsroom staff for on-camera contributions (talking points, visual beats, run-of-show, and performance coaching as appropriate).

• Coordinate coverage plans with newsroom leadership to align video output with editorial priorities and production timelines.

4.) Innovation and Emerging Formats

• Experiment with vertical video, livestreams, interactive elements, and emerging tools. Stay current on audience behaviors and platform trends.

• Test new formats and workflows (vertical series, live streams, interactive graphics, templates) and document learnings to inform standards and repeatable processes.

• Monitor platform changes and audience behaviors and recommend updates to content style, packaging, and distribution to keep WAMU competitive and relevant.

• Deal efficiently with breaking news by producing rapid-turn video assets that maintain editorial accuracy and standards.

5.) Partnerships and Co-Productions

• Collaborate with outside organizations and partners on co-produced video projects. Establish workflows, templates, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.

• Support special projects and one-off editorial initiatives by producing or coordinating video deliverables tied to programming, events, or major interviews.

• Coordinate with contractors, freelancers, and external partners on deliverables, timelines, and specifications; review work for quality and alignment with WAMU standards.

• Establish and maintain templates, production guides, and shared standards for video look, tone, accessibility (captions), and file delivery.

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Developing Plans.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Building and Supporting Teams.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid work modality (onsite 3 - 4 days per week).

Salary Range:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

• Proven technical skills in shooting (DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema cameras), lighting, and audio capture for video.

• High-level proficiency with video editing and post-production tools (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, After Effects, or similar).

• Demonstrated ability to create platform-specific content for YouTube and social media (short-form explainers, cutdowns, promotional assets).

• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate audio-first journalism into compelling video storytelling.

• Experience working in amatrixed organization, including setting standards, creating templates, and directing the work of contractors.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards for video, including captioning and inclusive design practices.

• Requires exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with proven ability to work across editorial, digital, and partnership teams.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 5 - 8 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Experience adapting podcasts or audio-first content into video formats.

• Knowledge of YouTube analytics and social video insights, with experience using data to inform strategy.

• Experience producing livestreams, interactive/immersive video, or other emerging formats.

• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms (WordPress, CMS) and social scheduling/optimization tools.

• Experience coaching or preparing talent for on-camera roles.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.