Contract Video Editor

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

About the Role

Semafor is seeking an experienced Contract Video Editor to support its growing video podcast portfolio. This role is central to the production of weekly video and audio podcast episodes, as well as the creation of high-quality social video cutdowns that extend the reach of our journalism across platforms.

You’ll work closely with our Video & Audio Producer to shape the editorial rhythm, pacing, and overall feel of each show. The ideal candidate brings strong technical editing skills, a sharp editorial sensibility, and deep experience producing social-first video for distribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Edit weekly episodes across Semafor’s video podcast portfolio (video and audio)
  
  


• Produce 1–3 social video cutdowns per day, optimized for platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok
  
  


• Collaborate closely with the producer on format, pacing, tone, and structure of each show
  
  


• Apply an editorial lens to interview-based content, identifying compelling moments, narratives, and soundbites
  
  


• Edit primarily from Riverside virtual video podcast recordings, with occasional multicam edits
  
  


• Ensure consistency in visual style, pacing, and quality across multiple shows
  
  


• Deliver edits on tight deadlines while maintaining high production standards
  
  

About the Shows

• Approximately three active shows
  
  


• Predominantly interview-led, editorially driven conversations
  
  


• High-profile guests and journalists; polish and discretion are essential
  
  

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven experience editing video podcasts and long-form interview content
  
  


• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts
  
  


• Significant experience creating social-first video, including short-form cutdowns
  
  


• Fluency with professional editing tools (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Audition, or similar)
  
  


• Comfort working in fast-paced, collaborative editorial environments
  
  


• Experience working from remote recording platforms (Riverside experience a must)
  
  


• Ability to manage multiple outputs and deadlines simultaneously
  
  

Nice to Have

• Experience with multicam edits
  
  


• Background in news, media, or editorial video environments
  
  


• Familiarity with audience growth and engagement best practices for social video

Additional Job Details

This position is based out of our New York, NY office. In office Monday - Thursday and WFH Friday.

Salary Range: $6,200 - $7,000 per month. 

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.