Senior Motion Designer & Video Editor

Senior Motion Designer & Video EditorLocation: RemoteEmployment Type: Full-timeDepartment: ProductionReports to: Director of ProductionSalary Range: $85-110k About Kite & Key MediaKite & Key Media is a nonprofit digital company dedicated to illuminating the biggest issues facing America and the world. Driven by facts and evidence, its videos translate cutting-edge research and journalism into digestible media that offers the context necessary for understanding issues affecting our lives. Benjamin Franklin famously said that the Founding Fathers had given us “A republic—if you can keep it.” Kite & Key Media (named for Franklin and his early experiments with lightning and electricity) is on a mission to ensure that the general public has access to clear, fact-based, illuminating insights on the most pressing issues of our time. We believe that wise self-governance begins with reliable information. Our content is meticulously crafted to provide objective, research-backed perspectives that provide essential context to these consumers in an entertaining format. We seek team members who share our commitment to the pursuit of truth, factual accuracy, and public understanding—with the goal of improving our civic discourse and strengthening our republic. About the RoleKite & Key Media is looking for a Senior Motion Designer & Video Editor to join our Production team. This role sits at the intersection of motion graphics, post-production, visual storytelling, and quality control, helping ensure that Kite & Key's videos are polished, accurate, engaging, and ready to perform across platforms. The Senior Motion Designer and Video Editor is the last set of hands on every Kite & Key “Original” video, and the person responsible for making sure it leaves the building looking like ours. You’ll take cuts from producers across the team and close the gap between “finished” and “finished to Kite & Key’s standard” — tightening, re-imagining, and catching the details others miss. Working closely with producers and the rest of the creative team, you’ll hold the line on our editorial and visual standards and, just as importantly, help everyone around them hit that mark more consistently. We're looking for someone who combines motion design mastery, editing prowess, and meticulous attention to detail. The right person can spot a problem, figure out how to solve it, and make a piece better in the process. What You'll Do Video Editing & Post-Production (70%)Own the finishing process for Kite & Key video projects, including project organization, revisions, quality control, and final exports.Review and organize project files from external producers, ensuring files are structured properly and all necessary assets are present.Implement editorial and visual feedback and address revision notes throughout the finishing process.Ensure videos consistently meet Kite & Key's visual and brand standards, including graphics, typography, animation, citations, credits, and other finishing elements.Prepare final videos and related assets for distribution across YouTube, social media, and other digital channels.Create supporting marketing assets such as excerpts, social versions, thumbnails, and subtitle files.Maintain clean, organized After Effects and Premiere project files and ensure final project materials are properly archived. Short-Form Production & Visual Storytelling (20%)Produce select short-form videos from script through final delivery.Source and select imagery, footage, graphics, music, and other assets that effectively support the story.Use animation, graphics, editing, and other creative techniques to communicate complex ideas clearly and engagingly.Collaborate with producers and other team members to refine creative approaches and solve visual storytelling challenges. Asset Management & Licensing (5%)Source, download, organize, and track visual and audio assets used in Kite & Key productions.Review proposed assets for copyright, attribution, licensing, and potential fair-use considerations, flagging questions for additional review when necessary.Identify alternatives when an asset cannot be used, including sourcing replacements or pursuing appropriate licensing.Communicate with photographers, publishers, archives, and other rights holders to obtain permission and negotiate licensing terms when necessary.Maintain accurate records of purchased and licensed assets and ensure attribution and credit information is complete. Production Operations (5%)Track production-related asset and licensing expenses and maintain accurate budget records.Help maintain efficient, organized production workflows and identify opportunities to improve systems and processes.Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and quality. What We're Looking For7+ years professional experience in motion graphics, video editing, or a closely related field.Advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.Meticulous and uncompromising attention to detail, ensuring flawless execution when reviewing graphics, text, citations, credits, assets, and final exports.Strong visual storytelling instincts and the ability to elevate complex material into visually arresting concepts.Strong organizational skills and comfort managing complex project files and multiple concurrent deadlines.Ability to work independently and proactively identify and solve problems.Strong communication and collaboration skills, including comfort working with both internal colleagues and external producers or vendors.Creativity and flexibility. We're looking for someone who can work within an established visual identity while continuing to find fresh and effective ways to tell a story. Preferred QualificationsExperience producing content for YouTube and social platforms and adapting creative for different formats and aspect ratios.Familiarity with media licensing, copyright, attribution, and fair-use considerations.Experience sourcing editorial photography, archival material, stock footage, music, and other production assets.Experience with long-form (5+ minutes) motion graphics work.Experience with spreadsheets and basic budget or expense tracking. Pay, Benefits, & Logistics This role will be fully remote (though in-office is a potential option for applicants in the New York City area). Infrequent travel to K&K headquarters in New York City will be required. Kite & Key Media offers competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with employer match; flexible paid time off; paid holidays and sick leave; generous paid parental leave; and optional supplemental coverage. The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000-110,000 annually, commensurate with experience. How to ApplyQualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:A cover letter that demonstrates familiarity with Kite & Key videosIn your cover letter, please share your favorite Kite & Key video along with a specific production technique or animation challenge that caught your attention.Resume with link to Reel. Applications should be submitted to Andie Sutton at careers@kiteandkeymedia.com with the subject heading “Senior Motion Designer and Video Editor role.” There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.