Job Description

California Videographer & Social Specialist
Drive engagement and audience growth with creative, vertical-first news storytelling in California
Visual Journalist & Videographer
The USA TODAY NETWORK seeks a dynamic, innovative, and fast-paced visual journalist to join our team in California. This role is pivotal for capturing and delivering timely, compelling vertical videos that thrive on social platforms, with the goal of informing, engaging, and rapidly growing diverse audiences.
Must be willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area.
Role Overview:

• 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.

Requirements:

• 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.

Application Instructions
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: * Your resume - one to two pages.

• A cover letter detailing your approach to vertical social video journalism.
• links to 15-20 examples of your recent, relevant work on social platforms.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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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.

Skills Required