Digital Media Contractor

The Maine Wire | Remote, with preference for Maine-based candidates

The Maine Wire is seeking a highly capable Digital Media Contractor to help produce the videos, graphics, and social-media content that drive one of Maine’s fastest-growing news organizations.

The Maine Wire produces daily news coverage, investigative journalism, political reporting, commentary, and video content that holds government, media, and other institutions accountable.

This position is a monthly contract with the potential to transition to a full-time role for the right candidate. Contractors report to Director of Media Graham Pollard. The successful candidate will be highly proficient with the Adobe suite of media editing tools, and comfortable operating independently in a decentralized, fast-paced newsroom where stories move quickly and timelines can change suddenly.

What You’ll Do

• Edit short-form videos for X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other major platforms.
• Help produce longer video projects, including mini-documentaries, investigative features, interviews, news packages, and promotional content.
• Create clear, compelling graphics, thumbnails, infographics, social-media assets, and other visual materials.
• Package and optimize editorial content for distribution across social platforms.
• Assist with WordPress publishing, formatting, image selection, embeds, and basic site management.
• Work with reporters, editors, and on-air talent to turn breaking news, investigations, and commentary into strong visual content.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, grammar, visual quality, speed, and platform-specific presentation.
• Take direction when needed, but also identify opportunities, pitch ideas, and solve problems without waiting to be asked.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years of professional experience in political media, journalism, communications, video production, digital publishing, or a closely related field.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and related tools.
• Demonstrated experience editing polished short-form video and longer narrative video projects.
• Advanced experience managing and creating content for major social-media platforms.
• Familiarity with WordPress and digital-news publishing workflows.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, including grammar, spelling, headline writing, and caption writing.
• Comfort working remotely in a fast-moving, decentralized news environment with tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several projects at once.
• A strong working knowledge of American politics, news, current events, and media culture.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Based in Maine or with a strong working knowledge of Maine politics, culture, and news.
• Experience in a newsroom, campaign, advocacy organization, political-media operation, documentary production, or broadcast environment.
• Experience with motion graphics, color correction, audio cleanup, photography, and graphic design.
• Familiarity with digital audience growth, video analytics, SEO, and social-platform best practices.
• A sharp editorial instinct and an appreciation for straightforward, fact-driven, personality-forward journalism.

To Apply

Please submit via email to Editor - at - TheMaineWire.com:

• A resume
• Three professional references
• A portfolio or links to samples of solo video-editing, graphic-design, and social-media work
• A brief note explaining why you are interested in working with The Maine Wire and how your background fits this role

Candidates may be asked to complete a short test editing assignment to demonstrate proficiency. This is not an entry level position and applicants who lack valid experience will not be considered.

This is a contract position. Strong, satisfactory performance may lead to a full-time opportunity with The Maine Wire.

Pay: $27.02 - $32.54 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 50.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Augusta, ME 04330

Salary : $27 - $33