Communications Editor jobs in District of Columbia

The Visual Information Communications Specialist – Producer/Editor will produce a high-quality short film for USAID’s storytelling platforms and communication campaign to visually demonstrate USAID’s work that addresses ocean plastic pollution as part of its environment programs.

This video story is a collaboration between USAID, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. National Park Service to highlight the negative impacts of the ocean plastic pollution globally and in the U.S. The film’s goal is to show (1) the magnitude of the problem, (2) we are all connected when it comes to environmental issues [plastic from Asia can show on Alaska shores], and (3) holistic USG approach and investment to address it and the solutions implemented domestically and globally. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with USAID/LPA director/producer and implementing partners on location to organize and plan pre-production, which includes determining final shooting locations, arranging transportation to and from and between the different shooting locations, finalizing any in-country film permits, and arranging necessary visas.
• Work with USAID/LPA director/producer and implementing partners to produce video scripts, storyboards, shooting schedule, and editing.
• Research and secure all necessary film permits for location shooting, per the final shooting schedule in advance of the video team’s arrival to filming location.
• Work with USAID/LPA director/producer on location to capture corresponding video footage in a high-resolution format, as determined by USAID-approved shooting schedule and any other unforeseen opportunities that may arise.
• Capture interviews with selected “hero” and b-roll that supports the storylines. Interview will need to be transcribed and shared with USAID. The shooting style will be consistent with the USAID Storytelling and Graphics/Branding Style.
• Secure all necessary participant video and photo releases.
• Be available to a designated USAID/LPA director/producer during pre-production, production, and post-production process until the film is completed. In addition, he/she should be available (remotely) on an as-needed basis, to answer any follow-up questions or consultation during the post-production phase.
• Rent vehicle/s to drive to filming locations to [from Anchorage to Seward] and possibly charter a boat for 1-2 days in Seward.
• Arrange for and transport all necessary video equipment to Alaska under USAID guidance, and under the direction of designated USAID crew members (2), shoot full video and audio coverage (interviews, b-roll and supporting camera/audit work) on location, as pre-determined by the shooting schedule and budget, and pre-production and production discussions with SUAID staff. 
• Obtain all necessary permits to film in country (including for drone use) and obtain all necessary photo and video permission and releases from those captured in photos and videos. 
• Assist with delivery of materials for 508 compliance (written transcript and SRT files) upon USAID approval of the final cut of the video. USAID has final approvals on all deliverables from all phases. 
• After the full version is agreed upon between the USAID/LPA producer/director and videographer that includes music and text animation [style to be provided by USAID to follow USAID look and feel] there will be three rounds of edits [to incorporate required USAID clearances] to reach final video version.

Deliverables:

• One final high-resolution 2-3 minute video in MP4 format.
• One 5-minute B-roll package [Footage to possibly include time-lapses].
• Two cinemagraphs.
• 50 high-quality edited pictures with corresponding metadata and photo releases.
• Final version of video without the music and subtitles.
• Music license with copy to upload on YouTube [music to be selected in coordination with USAID/LPA director/producer].
• Full interview transcript.
• SRT files for captioning and a full transcript for 508 compliance.
• All captured media in both its raw, native form as well as a workable, intermediate codec, such as Apple ProRes, in high-quality, durable external hard drives, formatted for Mac. 
• Secure and share all necessary participant video and signed photo releases.

USAID will own copyrights of final videos, footage, and photos for the deliverables and the rights to use these photos, videos, and footage for current and future USAID’s publicity and publication purposes.

Location:  

Filming in Alaska: Anchorage, Seward, and possibly Katmai.

Dates (August 18-25):

Day 1: travel day in Alaska: Anchorage to Seward
 Day 2-3: filming in Seward [NOAA and NPS display and capture visuals ocean clean-up and underwater shots in Kenai Fjords; nature visuals; interview]
 Day 4: travel day to Katmai
 Day 5: filming in Katmai [TBC based on weather conditions] [capture footage of nature visuals]
 Day 6: post-production and editing work
 Day 7: travel day Seward to Anchorage/Denali 

Final products to be delivered three weeks after completion of filming. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or High School diploma and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of editorial, graphics design, and audio/video production experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of audio/video communications experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, or similar digital audio, video, and still photo digital editing applications.
• Experience supporting events for the US Government, foreign governments, and/or international organizations.
• Experience with still photography, video production, and audio production communicating international development programming and personnel feature stories.
• Familiarity with the USAID video storytelling format. 
• Must be able to provide their own video and photo production equipment, including all necessary camera, lighting, sound equipment and editing software. Video and photography equipment should be able to capture/film underwater footage [plastic in ocean, objects floating on water and shores], and the variety of scenery at the National Park in high-quality, including time-lapses, drone footage if permitted, and nature shots to highlight the impact on climate.
• Ability to provide support required outside of core working hours, as necessary.
• Ability to occasionally perform duties required at sites outside of the primary place of performance.