Job Description

Position Summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Video Producer who will research, develop, and produce original video story concepts, from short-form documentaries to explainers and social video, in collaboration with CFR experts, writers, editors, and the production team. The Video Producer is a video journalist and visual storyteller who brings a reporter's curiosity and a producer's craft to CFR's video work. The ideal candidate is deeply engaged in the research, reporting, and ideation that drives compelling video storytelling, with demonstrated experience producing across a range of formats including short-form documentaries, video explainers, and social video. This person is as comfortable developing a story concept from scratch as they are behind a camera or in the edit suite. A strong background in video production is required, alongside fluency in social video formats and platform-native content. Must have a passion for visual storytelling, a genuine curiosity about international affairs, and a love of collaborative problem-solving.

This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington DC or New York City office, at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Research, report, and develop original video story concepts in collaboration with CFR experts, writers, editors, and the production team.
• Pitch and produce video content across formats including short-form documentaries, video explainers, and social video.
• Write and edit scripts, interview questions, and substantive outlines.
• Produce, direct, and conduct on-camera interviews and appearances both in the field and in studio.
• Light and operate cameras across one, two, and three camera setups using pro-level Sony or comparable gear.
• Edit video productions for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other digital platforms, with fluency in vertical and platform-native formats.
• Use storytelling principles and the video medium to explain foreign policy concepts and ideas to a wider audience through evocative imagery and motion graphics.
• Research photo and footage needs and work with vendors to negotiate licensing terms.
• Collaborate with staff writers, editors, Council experts, A/V professionals, and external vendors.
• Maintain awareness of video trends and best practices, including video SEO, social platform developments, and successful engagement strategies.
• Support video podcast production as needed.
• Manage production schedules and communicate deliverables clearly to the Head of Production and relevant colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience producing and editing video, with a portfolio demonstrating work across documentary, explainer, and social video formats.
• BA in film and TV production, journalism, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Experience writing and editing scripts for video and conducting on-camera interviews.
• Experience lighting and recording in professional environments across one, two, and three camera shoots using pro-level Sony or comparable camera gear; solid understanding of cinematography principles.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated passion for research, reporting, and developing original video story concepts. Strong passion for using storytelling to unpack complex topics for a general interest audience.
• Mastery of Adobe Premiere; experience with After Effects strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite including Audition, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Fluency in vertical video and platform-native social formats, with a strong understanding of what drives performance and engagement across platforms.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment, including occasional hours outside of a standard schedule.
• Strong familiarity with and genuine interest in international affairs and foreign policy.
• A self-starter who can take initiative and work independently when needed.
• A collaborative, collegial approach to working with others.
• Experience with video podcast production is a plus.
• Ability to travel to CFR's offices as needed.

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé, cover letter, and website, reel, or digital portfolio of work.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $80,000-$90,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

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