EDITOR

Job Description

The Position

Mwendo is a production company led by director Mwita Chacha. We create documentaries, commercials, and narrative films that transcend boundaries.

We're seeking an experienced Senior Editor & Post-Production Supervisor to join our team. This is a key creative position working directly with our director to shape emotionally resonant stories. You'll lead all aspects of post-production while collaborating on creative direction for documentaries and commercial projects, and help promote our work through digital marketing efforts.

Job Description

  • Post-Production Leadership (70%)

    • Serve as lead editor on documentary and commercial projects, crafting compelling narratives from raw footage

    • Manage post-production workflow and timelines for multiple simultaneous projects

    • Oversee technical aspects of all deliverables, ensuring quality control and meeting distribution specifications

    • Supervise and coordinate with other post-production specialists (colorists, sound designers, etc.)

    • Organize and maintain all media assets and project files

    • Create and implement efficient file management systems

    • Develop and maintain project archiving protocols

    • Perform high-level color correction and grading

    • Execute sound editing, design, cleanup, and mixing

    • Create motion graphics and visual effects when needed


    Marketing & Digital Content (20%)

    • Create and edit compelling content for the company website, social media platforms, and newsletters

    • Develop short-form promotional clips and trailers from existing projects

    • Edit and prepare case studies of successful projects for the website and presentations

    • Create visually engaging content for Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms

    • Prepare marketing materials (sizzle reels, pitch decks) for new business opportunities

    • Source and edit behind-the-scenes footage for marketing purposes

    • Collaborate on email marketing campaigns and newsletter content

    • Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual style across all digital content

    • Stay informed about social media trends and best practices for video content


    Creative Development (10%)

    • Collaborate with the director on story development and structure

    • Contribute creative ideas during pre-production and story development

    • Assist with script analysis and storyboarding when needed

    • Participate in creative reviews and client presentations

    • Prepare materials for film festival submissions and distribution

  • What we look for in team members:

    1. Authentic Communication - Can naturally connect with people and tell genuine stories

    2. Creative Problem-Solving - Combines curiosity with adaptability to overcome challenges

    3. Technical Excellence - Brings expertise and high standards to their craft

    4. Cultural Empathy - Shows sensitivity and respect when working with all types of people

    5. Collaborative Organization - Maintains clear communication and structure while working with others

    • Adobe Creative Cloud

      • Premiere Pro

      • After Effects

    • Davinci Resolve

    • Gear

      • Alexa 35

      • Sony Burano, Fx3

      • DJI

      • Aputure

      • Atamos

      • SmallHD

      • Tilta

    • Mac OS

    • Google Workspace:

      • Drive

      • Docs

      • Sheets

      • Slides

      • Calendar

    • Experience & Skills

      • 10+ years of professional editing experience with a portfolio demonstrating emotionally impactful storytelling

      • Experience editing at least 3 feature-length documentaries or equivalent long-form content

      • Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro 

      • Strong working knowledge of After Effects for motion graphics

      • Familiarity with DaVinci Resolve and color grading workflows

      • Understanding of sound design and audio mixing principles

      • Experience creating engaging content for social media platforms

      • Knowledge of digital marketing best practices for video content

      • Exceptional story sense and ability to craft compelling narratives

      • Strong technical troubleshooting abilities

      • Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate creative decisions

      • Meticulous attention to detail and organization

      • Experience managing post-production workflows and teams

      • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines


      Technical Proficiencies

      • Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop)

      • DaVinci Resolve

      • Media asset management systems

      • Digital marketing tools

      • Website content management systems (Squarespace or similar)

      • Mac OS

      • Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar)

      • Knowledge of codecs, file formats, and delivery specifications for broadcast, streaming platforms, and social media


      Work Environment

      • Can be remote or in-person at our Potomac Falls, VA office

      • Flexible schedule required to accommodate production timelines and client needs

      • Occasional evening and weekend work during critical delivery phases

      • Potentially asked to travel for select projects to edit on location or to fulfill another production need

    • Experience with documentary storytelling that drives action (fundraising, awareness, etc.)

    • Background in both short-form commercial and long-form documentary editing

    • Portfolio showcasing both emotionally resonant storytelling and attention-grabbing marketing content

    • Incredible examples of edits that vibe with Mwendo’s style. We’re looking for something that feels authentic with some edge, but not over the top to the point it feels too produced

    • Experience with international productions and cross-cultural storytelling

    • Passion for impact-focused filmmaking

    • A master of organization, editing software, and post workflow who will teach our team new things

    • Ability to focus, resist distractions, and make meaningful progress daily on large projects

    • Competitive full-time salary based on experience

    • Healthcare stipend ($400/month)

    • 10 PTO days (+1/year of service)

    • 7 paid holidays + Christmas to New Year's break

    • Flexible work schedule

    • 401k + up to 6% match after first 6 months

    • Professional development opportunities

APPLICATION

To make the most of our time, I’d like to minimize the back and forth. Please take the time to do your homework on Mwendo, Mwita, and the position before reaching out. Familiarize yourself with our work, and decide if it’s the right fit for you. If you’re intrigued, the application process is laid out below. This will take some focused time to apply. Applications that are incomplete, impersonal, or don’t follow the process will not be considered.

STEPS

  1. Send a personal email message/cover letter to Mwita. mwita@mwendo.co I’d love to learn more about you, your goals, and experience. Include a resume, portfolio, profiles or anything relevant that will help me get to know you. Your subject line should be: First & Last Name | Editor Application.

  2. Written Questions. In the same email, attach a PDF with written responses to these questions.

  3. For those who qualify, we will schedule 1 or 2 virtual interviews.

  4. Work together with Mwendo as a contractor on an actual project.

  5. If everything goes well up to this point, we’d love to invite you to join the team full-time.

    Thank you for your time and consideration!

Mwita