Social Media Video Editor (Contract)
The San Francisco Standard · San Francisco, CA
- On site
- Contract
- $89,000 / year
- San Francisco, CA
Job highlights
- Edit social video for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Create fast-turnaround, engaging video content.
- Shoot video in the field and attend events.
- Collaborate with newsroom teams on storytelling.
- Cover San Francisco news and culture in real-time.
About the role
About The San Francisco Standard
The San Francisco Standard is a local news startup that is fast becoming a must-read for residents of the Bay Area and beyond. We are seeking a creative, fast-moving, and deeply online social media video editor to help shape how our journalism shows up across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and emerging platforms. This role is for someone who genuinely loves social video — someone who understands internet culture, platform behavior, pacing, hooks, trends, and what makes people stop scrolling. You should instinctively think about how a story plays in-feed, what the first three seconds need to accomplish, and how to turn reporting into content people want to watch and share. This editor will work closely with our Social Video Director and newsroom teams to transform reporting into compelling, platform-native videos. While the primary focus of the role is editing social video, there will also be opportunities to pitch concepts, shape storytelling approaches, attend and capture events around San Francisco, and collaborate creatively with reporters and producers. We’re looking for someone who is energized by the pace of social media and excited by the idea of covering San Francisco in real time — from news and city politics to food openings, cultural moments, street scenes, trends, protests, and internet discourse.What You'll Do
- Edit short-form video content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other social platforms
- Create fast-turnaround edits that are optimized for retention, pacing, and shareability
- Shoot smartphone and camera video in the field, independently or alongside reporters
- Attend events and community happenings to capture social-first footage
- Pitch video ideas, recurring formats, and coverage opportunities during editorial and social meetings
- Collaborate with reporters and editors to identify stories with strong visual and social potential
- Stay current on platform trends, creator formats, audience behaviors, and emerging social tools
- Work quickly while maintaining editorial standards, accuracy, and attention to detail
Who You Are
- Experienced in non-linear video editing and social media content creation, with a portfolio demonstrating platform-specific work
- Proficient with editing in Adobe Premiere Pro; Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, CapCut, or similar tools is a plus.
- Skilled in shooting video with professional cameras, smartphones, and other devices
- Knowledgeable about motion graphics, color correction, audio mixing, and other post-production techniques
- Well-versed in social media platforms, their native features, and what performs well on each
- A quick and efficient editor who can turn around timely content while maintaining high standards
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- A creative problem-solver with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset and a positive, professional approach to fast-paced creative work.
- Comfortable experimenting, iterating, and having fun — you understand that social is a creative playground, not just a distribution channel.
Where/when You'll Work
This role may require evening or weekend work to cover news events and optimize posting times. We are an in-person newsroom; this is not a remote role. This position reports to the social video director. This is a contract role for an initial 3-month period. This position pays $45 per hourApply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or reel showcasing social media videos you have created and edited. Include a brief explanation of your role in each project, the platform(s) each video was created for, and any notable performance metrics or impact. We are an equal opportunity employer. We value all aspects of diversity, and do not discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, veteran status, genetic information or disability. We are committed to hiring a diverse team, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.Key skills/competency
- Social Media Video Editing
- Content Creation
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Video Production
- TikTok Video Editing
- Instagram Reels Editing
- YouTube Shorts Editing
- Motion Graphics
- Video Storytelling
- Social Media Trends
Skills & topics
- Social Media Video Editor
- Video Editing
- Content Creation
- Social Media
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- TikTok
- Instagram Reels
- YouTube Shorts
- Video Production
- Journalism
How to get hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight video editing, social media, and Adobe Premiere Pro skills.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include social media videos, platform specifics, and performance metrics.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Explain your passion for social video and San Francisco news.
- Understand the role: Emphasize your fast-paced, creative, and collaborative approach.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss social media trends and your editing process.
Technical preparation
Master Adobe Premiere Pro editing techniques.,Practice shooting video with smartphones and cameras.,Learn social media platform-specific video trends.,Develop skills in motion graphics and audio mixing.
Behavioral questions
Show your passion for social video and internet culture.,Describe your experience working in fast-paced environments.,Explain how you collaborate with reporters and producers.,Discuss your approach to creative problem-solving.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the contract duration for the Social Media Video Editor role at The San Francisco Standard?
- The Social Media Video Editor role at The San Francisco Standard is a contract position for an initial period of 3 months.
- What is the hourly pay for the Social Media Video Editor at The San Francisco Standard?
- The Social Media Video Editor position at The San Francisco Standard pays $45 per hour.
- Is the Social Media Video Editor position at The San Francisco Standard remote?
- No, the Social Media Video Editor position at The San Francisco Standard is an in-person role based in their newsroom.
- What software proficiency is required for the Social Media Video Editor role?
- Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro is required. Experience with Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, or CapCut is a plus for the Social Media Video Editor role.
- What should I include in my application for the Social Media Video Editor position?
- For the Social Media Video Editor role, you should submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or reel of your social media videos, detailing your role, platforms, and performance.
- Does The San Francisco Standard value diversity in hiring for the Social Media Video Editor role?
- Yes, The San Francisco Standard is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and values all aspects of diversity.
- What kind of content will I be editing as a Social Media Video Editor for The San Francisco Standard?
- As a Social Media Video Editor, you will be editing short-form video content covering San Francisco news, city politics, food, culture, street scenes, trends, protests, and internet discourse.
- Are there opportunities for creativity beyond editing in this role?
- Yes, the Social Media Video Editor role offers opportunities to pitch video ideas, shape storytelling, attend and capture events, and collaborate creatively with reporters and producers.