Lead Video Editor (YouTube)

Description

Summary: Seeking an experienced Lead Video Editor to transform raw footage into polished, engaging long-form YouTube videos with creative autonomy and a deep understanding of viewer retention. Highlights: 1. High-Autonomy Output 2. YouTube Pacing & Retention Architecture 3. Motion Graphics Specialist **Role Overview** We are looking for an experienced **Lead Video Editor (YouTube)** to join our team as an independent actor operating as a co\-lead. You will turn raw multi\-cam, idea\-driven, and talking\-head footage into polished, visually engaging 10–20 minute long\-form videos. This role requires you to work both independently and collaboratively as a co\-lead on the team. You are an experienced peer who can independently shape pacing, build custom motion graphics from scratch in After Effects (visual roadmaps, concept maps, dynamic typography), and deliver retention\-focused final cuts with complete creative autonomy. **What You’ll Own** * **YouTube Pacing \& Retention Architecture:** Edit with a deep understanding of YouTube viewer behavior, retention curves, and drop\-off risks. Use pacing, B\-roll, audio mixing, and pattern interrupts to maintain momentum while preserving the host's authority and narrative flow. * **High\-Autonomy Output:** Take full ownership of edits end\-to\-end, delivering clean, high\-end production value right out of the box without requiring constant management oversight. * **Editorial Execution \& Motion Graphics:** Edit long\-form YouTube videos from raw multi\-cam assembly to final polish. Build custom visual roadmaps, concept maps, and kinetic typography in After Effects—crafting clear narrative arcs where motion graphics elevate the storytelling without overshadowing it. * **Workflow \& Turnarounds:** Manage project assets cleanly, delivering initial V1 cuts within 5–7 business days and executing revision loops within 2 business days. **Who You Are** * **A Technical \& Visual Storyteller:** You understand narrative pacing, emotional B\-roll selection, and how to keep viewers hooked while maintaining the host's authority. * **Motion Graphics Specialist:** Highly proficient in Adobe After Effects with a proven ability to design custom visual frameworks from scratch (not just tweaking pre\-made templates). * **Autonomous \& Detail\-Oriented:** You deliver clean, polished exports, taking total accountability for quality. * **Fluent in English:** Exceptional command of English with a deep understanding of Western/US cultural nuances, fast\-paced banter, and intellectual concepts. **Required Experience** * **3\+ years** of professional experience editing high\-performing, English\-language YouTube content (business, tech, education, documentary, or high\-end talking head). * **Mastery of Adobe Premiere Pro \& Advanced After Effects.** * Strong multi\-cam workflow experience and advanced audio mixing/sound design skills (cleaning lavs/room mics, layering SFX, dynamic music pacing). * Proven track record of building custom motion graphics and visual explainers. **Pay and Terms** * **Compensation:** $50,000 – $65,000 USD / year (Dedicated Full\-Time Contractor Retainer). * **Engagement:** Remote Independent Contractor. * **Hiring Process:** Initial Screening → Paid Test Edit → Interview. **How to Apply** Submit your application along with a link to your best\-performing English\-language YouTube video that you edited featuring custom motion graphics and narrative pacing. Job Type: Contract Application Question(s): * "Are you skilled in After Effects, including kinetic typography, diagrams, and other custom graphics from scratch? * When editing a talking head video, can you use B\-roll and pacing to keep it interesting, without letting graphics and B\-roll footage distract from the speaker? * his is a long\-term contractor role, not a one\-time project, paying $50,000\-$65,000 USD per year. Are you open to this? * Share a link to your best YouTube video (in English) where you edited someone talking on camera, plus custom graphics and extra footage. The link must go to the real video on the creator's own channel. Links to Drive, Dropbox, Frame.io, or copies on another channel will not be accepted. Experience: * English\-language talking head \& IRL YouTube editing: 3 years (Preferred) Language: * English (Required) Work Location: Remote