Social Media Video Editor (Contract)

About the role

The San Francisco Standard, a local news startup, is looking for a creative social video editor to turn good journalism into short-form videos people want to watch and share. The role focuses on editing footage from reporters, creators and other contributors, but also includes shooting original footage in the field. It is an in-person position at the San Francisco newsroom, reporting to the Social Video Director, and is a contract for an initial three-month period.

Key responsibilities

• Shoot and edit short-form videos for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and other social platforms.
• Edit footage from reporters, freelancers and contributors, and shoot original video in the field with smartphones, independently and alongside reporters.
• Cover breaking news, events, community happenings and cultural moments, sometimes on short notice.
• Create fast-turnaround videos optimized for hooks, storytelling, pacing, audience retention and shareability.
• Work with reporters and producers to shape story structures and decide on additional visuals or sound.
• Guide contributors on capturing footage that works for social video, including framing, audio, interviews and visual storytelling.
• Pitch original video concepts, recurring formats and creative approaches to covering San Francisco.
• Incorporate graphics, captions, music and natural sound, and stay current on platform trends and production tools.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining editorial standards.

Required profile

• An experienced video shooter and editor with a portfolio showing original footage and polished social videos.
• A strong visual storyteller who can find a narrative in imperfect or incomplete footage.
• Skilled at editing interviews, news footage and standups into concise videos.
• Comfortable working independently in the field and collaboratively in a busy newsroom.
• Curious about San Francisco and its communities.

Required skills

• Adobe Premiere Pro (required)
• After Effects, Edits, CapCut or similar tools (a plus)
• Motion graphics, color correction, audio mixing and captioning knowledge

To apply, candidates submit a resume, cover letter and examples of short-form social videos they have edited or created, such as a portfolio or links to videos. Finalists may be asked to complete a short video editing exercise.