California Videographer & Social Specialist

• Capture, edit, and publish vertical video news stories at the speed of news in California, with an emphasis on immediacy, creativity, and narrative impact.
• Conceive and execute visually arresting content tailored to TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging platforms to maximize audience engagement and sharing.
• Build audience loyalty as an on-camera face and voice, consistently delivering standups from the scene or in front of a green screen. Be able to shoot and deliver stills as needed.
• Use real-time analytics and audience metrics to inform editorial decisions and optimize content for reach, watch time, and interaction.
• Collaborate closely with reporters, editors, audience and national video team colleagues to amplify news coverage and deliver multimedia storytelling that resonates across demographics.
• Cover a wide range of news topics-from breaking news to Hollywood to sports and politics-always with a creative approach that sets our coverage apart in the digital landscape.
• Maintain a pulse on social trends, platform innovations, and audience behaviors to keep our visuals ahead of the curve.

Responsibilities:

• Produce and deliver vertical, platform-optimized video ensuring accuracy, storytelling excellence, and journalistic integrity.
• Grow and engage audiences by experimenting with innovative video techniques, story formats, and interactive elements.
• Engage directly with the California community both online and on the ground, sourcing stories and building relationships.
• Participate in planning meetings to pitch new ideas and contribute to editorial strategy for video content and social media coverage.
• Promote the USA TODAY NETWORK brand and drive traffic to our digital properties through strategic social video content.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, communications, media, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience shooting and editing vertical video for news, with a strong portfolio reflecting speed, creativity, and audience growth on major social platforms.
• Expertise with mobile video production tools and professional editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, mobile apps specific to platforms).
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to breaking news situations.
• Strong understanding of social media trends and algorithms, and a passion for experimenting with new storytelling techniques.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; a team player who thrives in a fast-changing, collaborative environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; able to travel as news requires across California.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as news demands.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. recblid z9nv6dixoyzf0ksrmk6dm9ckn5ir1k