The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a director of video services to play an integral role within the communications department, translating research from top policy experts into digestible online video for key AEI audiences. The director will collaborate with editors during all phases of production to help create more compelling and engaging content for our social media channels, including YouTube and other platforms. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

The ideal candidate should understand how to use video to reach key policy audiences. Knowledge of and general interest in current events and public policy is required. They should have an exceptional eye for graphic design; the ability to translate public policy research into digestible video scripts and video projects is vital. They should be familiar with all aspects of video and film production: development, preproduction, production, postproduction, and marketing. They must be able to coordinate multiple individuals and personalities to work together on video projects, as well as able to set priorities and manage production schedules.

The director will frequently assist with studio shoots in a controlled environment. Familiarity or prior experience with Canon C100s or C500s is preferred, and an understanding of 4K and RAW recording workflow is also preferred. Basic understanding of lighting techniques is required, and operation of jibs, sliders, and dollies is preferred. Applicants who are well-versed in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong focus on After Effects, Premiere, and Photoshop within a Mac environment, are preferred.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. All applicants must include a link to their website, and work samples and/or a reel to be considered.

• Work with stakeholders to develop video projects
  • Translate technical and artistic jargon for public policy colleagues
  • Translate public policy concepts to visual and auditory content with video team
  • Utilize creativity to tell a captivating story
• Adapt AEI research into video pitches and scripts for video team
• Lead small team of video editors
• Schedule and coordinate video shoots
• Research and execute best practices for distributing and marketing videos online
• Coordinate with other communications teams to create and promote content
• Manage video studio with professional lighting, sound, camera, and talent
• Manage A/V equipment like tape decks, cameras, and computers
• Scout locations (as needed)
• Track video products in Salesforce and YouTube
• Read contracts from vendors
• Manage project budgets and vendor relationships
• Work with teammates to streamline processes and meet deadlines

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• Link(s) to a reel or previous video work, along with resume and cover letter. Applications will not be considered without a reel or work samples.
• Familiarity with all aspects of video production is required. Production aspects include development, preproduction, production, postproduction, marketing, and distribution.
• Ability to anticipate and solve or avoid production problems is required.
• Charismatic go-getter who can help lead a team through a video project
  • For video projects, the team will include video editors. For most projects, the project team will also include academic researchers and their assistants and other communications professionals.
  • Producer should also have experience hiring vendors, reading contracts, and managing project budgets.
• Knowledge of online video platforms, especially YouTube, is required. Knowledge of SEO best practices is preferred.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while still maintaining a strict attention to detail is required.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Media Encoder) is preferred.
• Exceptional eye for graphic design is required; the ability to create complex motion graphics and animations to complement AEIs research is a plus.
• Able to learn or create content management processes
• Experience directing talent is preferred.
• Experience scouting locations is preferred.
• Firm understanding of various compression formats is preferred.
• Familiarity or prior experience with using cameras for film production is required; experience with Canon C100s or C500s is preferred.
• Understanding of 4K and RAW recording and editing workflow is preferred.
• Basic understanding of lighting techniques is required, and prior experience with the operation of jibs, sliders, and dollies is also preferred.
• Candidates will need to be open to giving and receiving constructive criticism, and capable of finding solutions to feedback, notes, or critiques, and be able to work both independently and collaboratively.