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Video Color Grading Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Strong working knowledge of professional color grading, audio mixing, and sound design. Familiarity with AI video/animation tools is a major plus. * AI Creation Tools: Basic knowledge/experience of ...

Strong working knowledge of professional color grading, audio mixing, and sound design. Familiarity with AI video/animation tools is a major plus. * AI Creation Tools: Basic knowledge/experience of ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... and color grading while preparing students for film courses, festival submissions, and media ... commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... and color grading while preparing students for film courses, festival submissions, and media ... commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... and color grading while preparing students for film courses, festival submissions, and media ... commercial video production. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Video Color Grading information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34.5K

$100K

$158K

How much do video color grading jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for video color grading in Washington, DC is $100,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is video color grading?

Video color grading is the process of adjusting and enhancing the color, contrast, and overall look of video footage during post-production. It helps to create a specific mood, style, or visual consistency throughout a project. Color grading can correct color imbalances, emphasize certain elements, and ensure the video appears professional and visually appealing. Skilled colorists use specialized software to achieve the desired result and bring the director’s vision to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Color Grader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Color Grader, you need a solid understanding of color theory, video post-production workflows, and experience with high-definition footage, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Mastery of industry-standard software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and knowledge of LUTs and calibration tools is crucial. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help you interpret the director’s vision and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure the final visual product is polished, consistent, and emotionally impactful, meeting professional and creative standards.

What is the difference between Video Color Grading vs Video Post-Production Specialist?

AspectVideo Color GradingVideo Post-Production Specialist
Primary FocusAdjusting color, contrast, and overall look of footageEditing, effects, sound, and overall assembly of video content
Skills & ToolsColor grading software (DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere), color theoryEditing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut), effects, sound design
Work EnvironmentPost-production studios, film sets, broadcast facilitiesPost-production houses, media companies, freelance
CertificationsColor grading courses, software certificationsVideo editing courses, media production certifications

Video Color Grading specifically focuses on enhancing the visual tone and mood through color adjustments, while a Video Post-Production Specialist handles the entire editing process, including effects, sound, and assembling footage. Both roles require post-production skills but differ in scope and technical focus.

What are some typical challenges faced by video color grading professionals when collaborating with directors and cinematographers?

Video color grading professionals often encounter challenges in aligning their technical expertise with the creative vision of directors and cinematographers. Effective communication is essential to understand the desired mood, atmosphere, and storytelling goals, which can sometimes be subjective or evolve during post-production. Additionally, balancing artistic intent with technical constraints, such as footage inconsistencies or varying lighting conditions, requires adaptability and problem-solving skills. Building strong collaborative relationships and being open to feedback are key to delivering a final product that satisfies all creative stakeholders.
Infographic showing various Video Color Grading job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,012 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Video Editor, Global Marketing

Video Editor, Global Marketing

International Justice Mission

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence.9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM's Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we areseekingaVideo Editor, Global Marketingto create compelling video content that advances IJM's mission through storytelling. The ideal candidate has a strong sense of story, a sharp eye for visual detail, and expertise in post-production workflows, including color grading and audio integration. They ensure visual consistency through color grading and brand standards, collaborate closely with producers, writers, and creative leads tobringstories to life, and contribute innovative storytelling through motion graphics and animation techniques. This role also requires agility to lead rapid-response content development for timely campaign moments, breaking news, and field-driven storytelling needs. This is a unique opportunity to craft videos that inspire action and advance a mission that matters.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports toDirector, Creative & Campaignsand is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities:
  • Edit a variety of content formats including social media videos, donor stories, brand films, and internal pieces;

  • Apply transitions, sound design, voiceover, and music to ensure compelling storytelling and emotional impact;

  • Ensure high production value across all outputs and meet project deadlines;

  • Export and format files for distribution across web, social, and broadcast channels;

  • Manage and organize raw footage within digital asset management systems and maintain secure backups of all assets;

  • Pull and manage raw footage from the DAML (Digital Asset Management Library) and flag footage or assets needing additional capture or licensing;

  • Ensure secure online and offline storage of video assets to maintain reliable and organized backups for all video projects;

  • Implement best practices for version control, naming conventions, and media storage workflows;

  • Perform base and advanced color correction and grading to ensure brand alignment and continuity;

  • Create or follow LUTs and templates, and adjust lighting, tone, and contrast to enhance visual quality;

  • Stay up to date with current grading tools and trends;

  • Create or support motion graphics and simple animation elements to enhance storytelling;

  • Support integration of branded visual elements such as lower thirds, logo animations, or end cards, and collaborate with designers or animators on more complex needs as applicable;

  • Attend creative briefings and provide input on visual execution;

  • Collaborate with producers, writers and creative leads to execute visual storytelling aligned with strategic messaging;

  • Adapt quickly to feedback from stakeholders and revise accordingly while maintaining positive and productive communication with cross-functional teams;

  • Lead rapid-response content creation efforts to support timely campaign and storytelling opportunities;

  • Participation in IJM's community of spiritual formation.

Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of professional video editing experience;

  • Proven portfolio of high-quality edited work, including social and branded content;

  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro;

  • Working knowledge of After Effects or other animation software is a plus;

  • Experience with color grading tools and post-production workflows;

  • Familiarity with media management systems and cloud-based backup tools;

  • Strong understanding of storytelling, pacing, and visual composition;

  • Ability to produce short-form, social-first content optimized for engagement;

  • Experience working in nonprofit, documentary, or cause-driven storytelling environments preferred; and

  • Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles' Creed.

Critical Qualities:
  • Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building;

  • Self-starter with strong initiative;

  • Disciplined with priorities;

  • Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness;

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication;

  • Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment;

  • Adept at creative problem solving;

  • Strong ethic of service and a passion for IJM;

  • Highly organized with excellent attention to detail;

  • Ability to manage time and projects independently;

  • Passion for storytelling that creates meaningful impact; and

  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to evolving needs.

Application Process:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* inone PDF document.

*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

What does IJM have to offer?
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

  • Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area

  • Retirement benefit options

  • Paid leave starting at 23 days

  • 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)

  • Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation

  • Robust staff care resources

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate's value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we're committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God's work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That's why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles' Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.