Primary Responsibilities
The Head of Video will be responsible for setting Pew Research Center’s overall video vision as well as building the structures, workflows, and team needed to support it. Working closely with audience, digital, design, strategic communications, and research staff, this role will move across the organization to guide how video, motion graphics, interviews, and animation are used to disseminate research findings across platforms.
The Head of Video will oversee video production staff (including two video producers and freelance editors), manage priorities and resources, and ensure that all video content meets Pew Research Center’s editorial standards for accuracy, clarity and nonpartisanship.
This is a term-limited, grant-funded position expected to extend three years.
Key Duties
Strategy & Leadership
Work with the Managing Director of Audience to develop and lead a Center-wide strategy for video and motion graphics aligned with Pew Research Center’s mission, audiences, and dissemination goals
Identify priority formats, platforms, and storytelling approaches for research-driven video content and define platform-specific strategies to enhance engagement and reach
Set and articulate a creative vision for video storytelling that elevates the Center’s research across formats and platforms
Refine best practices, workflows, and standards for video production and distribution
Stay ahead of emerging trends in video storytelling, platforms, formats, and audience behavior to ensure video strategy remains effective and current and different needs are met across various video platforms
Team & Project Management
Manage and mentor a small in-house video production team
Oversee project planning, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple video initiatives
Guide video concepts, scripts, and storyboards, ensuring strong storytelling and editorial rigor
Collaborate with researchers, editors, designers, and digital staff to translate complex research into accessible video content and tailor video messaging for different platforms and audiences
Manage relationships with freelancers and outside production vendors as needed
Measurement & Impact
Work with audience and communications teams to assess video performance using web and social platform analytics and recommend strategic adjustments
Use audience data to refine strategy, optimize content distribution, and shape editorial priorities
Education/Training/Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
10+ years of experience producing high-quality, short-form video content, with experience in a leadership or management role
Strong editorial judgment and commitment to accuracy and nonpartisanship
Experience working with data-driven research or journalistic content
Deep understanding of multi-platform video production and distribution
Hands-on understanding of video production hardware and software
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: The typical starting salary for this position is $130,000 annually.
Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.
Application Procedure: Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. A complete application includes a cover letter and resume.
When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/CV, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2+ attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.
Total Rewards
In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
A 37.5-hour workweek.
Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.
EEO:
Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- 10+ years producing high-quality, short-form video content with leadership or management experience
- Strong editorial judgment and commitment to accuracy and nonpartisanship
- Experience working with data-driven research or journalistic content
- Deep understanding of multi-platform video production and distribution
- Hands-on understanding of video production hardware and software
What We Do
The Pew Charitable Trusts is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1948, dedicated to serving the public interest by improving public policy, informing the public, and invigorating civic life through research and data-driven strategies.
