[Hiring] Weekend Video Producer/Programmer, News @USA TODAY Co.

Role Description

USA TODAY is seeking a fast, accurate and creative news video producer/programmer who is just as comfortable producing and editing videos as distributing and programming them. This is a position in our Video Production Center (VPC) that creates short and mid-form digital video content for USA TODAY as well as the USA TODAY Network of local properties nationwide. The VPC focuses on the “news of the day,” with a particular emphasis on breaking news. A deep interest in news, politics, current events, pop culture and social media trends is essential.

• Produce and edit multiple types of videos — from fast, social-driven viral moments to longer, interview-based videos, to explainer videos with voiceovers.
• Use AI-supported editing platforms and other digital tools to streamline production workflows.
• Experience with livestreaming — including setup and execution.
• Write meta data and understand SEO strategies.
• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere is preferred.
• Prioritization and multi-tasking are second nature to this role.
• Monitor digital analytics for trends and make programming and optimization decisions using Google Analytics, Parse.ly and other analytics tools.
• Ensure live and on-demand video content is programmed in articles, video playlists and on social platforms.
• Program and promote original and third-party video content in articles, section fronts, social media and on other platforms.
• Identify technical issues related to video distribution.
• Communicate effectively with the team and collaborate across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in journalism or any other subject, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-4 years of local or national newsroom experience in television or digital newsroom and/or equivalent video news experience.
• Experience with social media and creating videos for platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and FAST channels.
• Strong journalism skills; detail-oriented, strong editorial judgment, time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• A motivated self-starter who can multi-task and communicate effectively across multiple groups.
• Knowledge of widely accepted editorial style guidelines and ability to write engaging headlines and other video metadata.
• Understanding of SEO requirements for video metadata.
• Some experience with video analytics from a platform such as Google Analytics or Parse.ly.
• At least 2 years of experience on Adobe Premiere and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Basic technical understanding of video systems and operations.
• Comfortable with video rights management.
• Excellent communication skills, online and in person, with the community and fellow journalists.

Requirements

• Work alongside current production staff to pitch, write, edit, publish, program, and share news videos across all USA TODAY NETWORK’s digital platforms.
• Track updates and new developments on assignments.
• Maintain communication with the local and national video team leaders, National News Desk, USA TODAY editors, writers and reporters and local USA TODAY NETWORK properties.
• Edit and produce videos for nationally significant news stories, buzzy/trending stories, explainer videos, and social video content.
• Obtain video and information from USA TODAY NETWORK properties for production.
• Live-streaming experience is a plus.
• Monitor social media and third-party content providers to identify viral moments.
• Write meta data to drive high audience engagement.
• Conduct remote interviews compatible with short-form storytelling.
• Handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• The annualized base salary for this role will range between $49,687.50 and $77,636.72.
• Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience.
• Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.