Video Lead, Global Beats

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
The Associated Press seeks a talented journalist to help lead video coverage for the global beats teams, specifically Health & Science, Climate & Environment and Religion. In this role, you’ll help shape AP’s video report, serving as both a coordinator between the grant-funded teams and the rest of the AP, as well as acting as a coach to video journalists. We’re looking for someone who can help deliver competitive and engaging coverage of breaking news and distinctive enterprise around the biggest stories of the day.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the Deputy Head of Newsgathering, you will work closely with the directors of the Health & Science, Climate & Environment and Religion teams. We’re looking for someone who can be an advocate for the great journalism produced by the global beats and help bring those teams closer to spot news events. You will assist in vetting enterprise pitches, suggesting newsgathering opportunities, giving feedback during the editing process and helping subedit stories when necessary. You will coordinate closely with general news leaders and executive producers to leverage AP’s video resources and combine them with the expertise of the global beats teams, together crafting a news report that is rich in spot news and distinct, deeply reported enterprise. You’ll help plan for upcoming events and you will search for new and unique ways to promote the best of AP’s coverage on its customer, consumer and social media platforms. You will promote inclusive storytelling and elevate videos through experimentation to reach and engage with diverse audiences.

In your role as the video leader, you will act as a mentor for the VJs and producers on the global beats teams, helping them expand their skills and providing regular feedback. You will be asked to guide text journalists as they propose video projects, assist them in seeking out the right newsgathering opportunities and coach them to be on camera when needed.
You will be responsible for keeping close track of metrics, from both customers and consumer-facing sites. Part of the job is also being aware of trending topics across Health & Science, Climate and Religion, so that we can respond to those stories with video context and/or explainers in real time. To be able to do that effectively, you must be willing to dig in and learn about these coverage areas.

Preferred qualifications: You must have demonstrated excellence as a video journalist or field video producer, with a record of creating and guiding exclusive and distinctive news from inception to publication. You must have great news judgement, and as you will be working across several different teams, you must be a skilled juggler, able to balance many responsibilities at once. You have ideas for how we can experiment with social and consumer-facing videos, to make them more engaging for a digital audience, particularly on complex topics.

You have a track record of being competitive and have ideas on how we can ‘win the day’ with the global beats teams. You must be a proven collaborator who can cultivate an inclusive, team-first culture, working with diverse journalists across the AP in newsgathering, production and digital news. You must be able to move quickly and decisively on breaking news while simultaneously developing future coverage angles and story plans. You have proven technical skills in television and digital video production, including knowledge of live video operations and satellite, fiber and FTP transmission, as well as editing non-linear videos, preferably with Adobe Premiere. As an AP journalist, you must be ready to work at night and on weekends as coverage demands.

Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least five years of full-time work as an editor, reporter or social media producer at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet or AP bureau.
All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 — contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Application deadline is August 16, 2023 11:59pm EST on DATE.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.