The San Francisco Standard is a local news startup that is fast becoming a must-read for residents of the Bay Area and beyond.

We are seeking a creative and digitally-savvy social media video editor to produce compelling visual content that brings our journalism to life across platforms and helps us reach new audiences where they are.

This social media video editor will support our Social Video Director to transform our reporting into shareable, engaging video content optimized for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and other platforms. They will work closely with reporters to shoot smartphone videos and with the social team to cut these videos into snackable clips.

We are looking for someone with an eye for the moments, characters, tensions, and revelations that make San Francisco stories come alive on screen. Our ideal candidate has experience creating social-first video content, stays current with platform trends and best practices, understands what makes content shareable, and can work quickly without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

We are looking for a versatile visual storyteller who can shoot and edit, has a strong sense of pacing and narrative, and understands how to balance creativity with the ethical standards of journalism.

What You'll Do

Edit short-form video content for social media platforms, including Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other formats
Shoot and capture video in the field when needed, working independently or alongside reporters
Identify stories from our daily coverage with strong visual and social potential
Add graphics, captions, music, and other elements to enhance storytelling and accessibility
Stay current on social media trends, platform updates, and emerging formats
Maintain organized video files and footage libraries
Work with the audience team to coordinate posting schedules and engagement strategies
Occasionally, represent The Standard at community events by capturing video content

Who You Are

Experienced in non-linear video editing and social media content creation, with a portfolio demonstrating platform-specific work
Proficient with editing in Adobe Premiere Pro; Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, CapCut, or similar tools is a plus.
Skilled in shooting video with professional cameras, smartphones, and other devices
Knowledgeable about motion graphics, color correction, audio mixing, and other post-production techniques
Well-versed in social media platforms, their native features, and what performs well on each
A quick and efficient editor who can turn around timely content while maintaining high standards
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
A creative problem-solver with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset and a positive, professional approach to fast-paced creative work.
Comfortable experimenting, iterating, and having fun — you understand that social is a creative playground, not just a distribution channel.

Experience with motion graphics and animation is a significant plus. Facility with AI tools for video production is a major positive.

Where/when You'll Work

This role may require evening or weekend work to cover news events and optimize posting times. We are an in-person newsroom; this is not a remote role. This position reports to the social video director.

This is a contract role for an initial 3-month period. This position pays $45 per hour.

Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or reel showcasing social media videos you have created and edited. Include a brief explanation of your role in each project, the platform(s) each video was created for, and any notable performance metrics or impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value all aspects of diversity, and do not discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, veteran status, genetic information or disability. We are committed to hiring a diverse team, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.

The San Francisco Standard

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Social Media Video Editor (Contract)