Documentary Director (Advancing Democracy)

Are you passionate about storytelling and invested in strengthening democracy through civil discourse and representation? Join Roadtrip Nation as our next Documentary Director and lead a groundbreaking documentary that shines a light on the people and ideas shaping the future of democracy.

Who We Are

Roadtrip Nation is an award-winning media organization committed to creating impactful documentaries and resources that inspire and empower people to define their own roads in life. We believe in the power of stories to inspire, foster understanding, and promote change.

About This Project

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Roadtrip Nation is creating a new documentary series for public television about how young people can be part of advancing democracy. To capture this story, we’ll be sending three young people out to travel around the country on our bright green RV and meet inspiring individuals across the political spectrum who have built careers working to strengthen our democratic systems. We’re focused on sharing stories of people who are passionate about bridging differences, championing civil discourse, and modeling bipartisan collaboration in the face of challenges. Our goal is to showcase a balanced and forward-looking perspective that inspires all viewers to participate in shaping our democratic future. This project is made possible by Ibis Group. 

As the Documentary Director, you’ll shape the creative vision for this impactful project, bringing stories of civic engagement and advancing democracy to life. Your responsibilities include:

• Roadtripper Application & Selection: Reviewing applications to select "roadtrippers" to serve as project talent. Collaborating with the Producer and Talent Producer to narrow down applicants through interviews and calls, ultimately selecting the finalists.
• Pre-Production: Handling creative and logistical planning for the roadtrip, which includes developing story arcs, filming backstory, selecting interviews, scheduling, route planning, and conducting roadtripper training and onboarding. Working closely with the production team, especially the Producer, on concept elements like route planning, talent selection, scheduling, and storyboarding.
• Production: Facilitating the roadtrip experience by filming interviews, reflections, travel scenes, leading the crew in the field and living and working on the RV during the trip. Directing and shooting episodic documentary content for broadcast, online videos, promos, and other RTN and partner content per the creative brief. Overseeing technical operations, including camera equipment, audio, grip, and lighting, and supervising crew in these areas. Directing interviews and documentary scenes and creating detailed field notes.
• Post-Production: Create episode storyboards based on field notes and footage, highlighting interview transcripts for editors, providing review notes in screenings, directing editors through the initial assembly through final picture lock, color, and audio.

What will set me up for success in this role?

• A strong connection to the project’s themes, with a passion for providing educational opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals
• The ability to uphold cultural sensitivity to capture the experience of formerly incarcerated individuals
• Ability to think creatively but also follow direction and operate efficiently under project requirements
• Thorough knowledge of production equipment, such as camera, audio, lights, media workflow and capture settings
• Experience with common production elements including pre-production planning, camera operation, lighting, and audio
• Excellent storytelling, project management and organizational skills
• Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills to work with the crew and subjects
• Cultural sensitivity and an ethical approach to telling stories of vulnerable or marginalized populations
• 5+ years experience in directing with a background in roles such as: documentary, reality, video production, bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, or similar field. Emphasis on cinematography, a degree from a film academy, related area of study or similar work experience
• 1+ years of experience in employee or crew management, preferred
• Awards and/or previous film or video examples/samples is a plus 

Other Important Information

• Travel Requirements: Must hold an active driver’s license, pass a DMV background check, and be willing to take RV driver’s training.
• COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Roadtrip Nation prioritizes the health and safety of our team and follows strict COVID-19 guidelines to ensure a safe production environment.

Many routes, one journey

Roadtrip Nation is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer. Our mission is to empower people to define their own roads in life. We are always looking to grow the diversity of our internal teams, in order to create richness and depth in our story-telling and fully represent the populations in which we serve. Every story and background adds richness to our culture, and we continually strive to mirror that diversity of stories on our own team. When we hire, we envision a workforce representing as many backgrounds, identities, and roads as possible. We can’t wait to hear more about your story.

Note: Research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at Roadtrip Nation to apply for this role.

How do I apply? Please submit your cover letter and resume at https://www.roadtripnation.com/join-our-team