Hiring Video Journalist

Company Description and Immediate Need

Pillars of Change Media creates high-quality content—including films, podcasts, series, and digital media—focusing on education, health and wellness, human rights, social justice, food insecurity, and more. The organization partners with communities, advocates, and experts to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge harmful narratives. This is a hands-on role for a skilled video journalist who can report in the field, capture high-quality footage and shape stories through the editing process. The ideal candidate values craft, can operate independently or as part of a collaborative team, and is comfortable working across both fast-turn and more produced video projects.

Role Description

This role focuses on producing strong video across a range of formats, from documentary-style features and interviews to breaking news coverage, digital series and platform-specific content. You will work closely with producers, series' hosts and content creators to develop video that is authentic, engaging and built to deepen audience connection with critical social justice issues. The Video Journalist will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful video content that aligns with Pillars of Change Media's mission. Responsibilities include shooting high-quality videos, producing and broadcasting stories, conducting interviews, and generating compelling social media clips. This is a freelance, on-site (traveling required) position based in Houston, TX with opportunities to work overseas (must have passport). Editing skills are a bonus, but not required.

Qualifications

• Report, shoot and edit video across formats, including interviews, event coverage, explainers, features and documentary series
• Capture high-quality footage in the field, including interviews with advocates and community leaders, live events, pride celebrations and on-the-ground reporting
• Shape stories through editing, with strong pacing, clean audio and clear narrative structure that centers marginalized voices
• Contribute to higher-production video content, including YouTube videos, podcast video versions, recurring series and documentary-style projects
• Collaborate with producers, podcast hosts, content creators and advocacy partners to execute video tied to organizational priorities
• Help maintain visual consistency and quality across recurring formats and branded series
• Ensure all video meets strong editorial, technical and production standards aligned with our mission
• Manage footage, project files and assets with clear organization and version control
• Work efficiently under deadline pressure while maintaining a high level of craft
• Understanding of social justice, inclusion, and cultural representation in media is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Film Production, or a related field is a bonus, but not required.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Has at least 5 years of professional experience filming and editing video content
• Has a strong reel or portfolio that demonstrates cinematography and editing ability, preferably with social justice, documentary or advocacy content
• Has strong skills in videography using Sony cinema line cameras and understands lighting, framing and composition, including building interview setups
• Understands audio recording techniques and can troubleshoot and enhance audio in the field and in post-production
• Is highly organized with file management and understands project workflows and backups
• Can operate independently in the field and problem-solve in real time
• Demonstrates strong storytelling instincts, including shot selection, pacing and use of sound

Bonus:

• Has experience with motion graphics, keyframing and basic animation for video
• Is skilled in color correction, exposure and creating a consistent visual look across content
• Is highly proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro and tools such as After Effects, AE Juice and Photoshop
• Is motivated by producing high-quality video that amplifies social justice stories and strengthens community engagement
• Is passionate about LGBTQ rights, racial justice, civic engagement and progressive advocacy

Success is Measured By

• Consistent delivery of high-quality video that reflects strong storytelling and production standards
• Contribution to features, series and platform-specific content that builds audience engagement over time and works cohesively with production team
• Strong collaboration with producers, hosts and advocacy partners on impactful video projects
• Ability to balance speed and quality across a range of assignments while staying true to our mission
• Turnaround times and ability to stay on schedule with preproduction, production and post production