Remote Documentary Film Post-Production Editor Job – $3,000 Contract | Museum of the American Indian
If you’re an experienced video editor with a passion for documentary storytelling, cultural preservation, and post-production excellence, this short-term opportunity with the Museum of the American Indian (MAI) offers a rare chance to contribute to an impactful Indigenous storytelling project.
This role focuses on post-production editing for a 15–20 minute documentary film, combining oral histories, Indigenous languages, portrait photography, and community-led cultural demonstrations. The position is ideal for editors who excel in pacing, structure, and emotional storytelling.
📌 Job Overview
Job Title: Documentary Film Post-Production Editor
Project: Indigenous Heritage Storytelling Film Project
Organization: Museum of the American Indian (MAI)
Job Type: Independent Contractor (Short-Term)
Compensation: $3,000 flat fee
Dates: December 25, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Work Location: Remote + Museum of the American Indian, Miwok Park (Novato, CA)
🎬 About the Project
Rooted in the ancestral homelands of the Coast Miwok people, the Indigenous Heritage Storytelling Project is a community-driven art and education initiative. The project aims to preserve, celebrate, and share living Indigenous cultures across Northern California, including:
Miwok
Pomo
Ohlone
Yokuts
Wappo communities
Supported by the Pirkle Jones Fund through the Marin Community Foundation, the project will culminate in a 15–20 minute documentary designed for public screening and online exhibition.
🧠Role Summary
The Post-Production Editor will work closely with the MAI production team to refine and elevate an existing Adobe Premiere Pro project. The primary focus will be on creating a strong radio edit, improving pacing and structure, and advising on editorial decisions through the final stages of post-production.
This role requires both technical editing skills and strong storytelling instincts, as well as cultural awareness and respect for Indigenous communities.
🛠Key Responsibilities
Review the existing assembled cut and underlying footage
Refine story structure and narrative clarity
Improve pacing, emotional impact, and visual flow
Strengthen transitions and continuity
Enhance audio balance, dialogue clarity, and ambient sound
Apply basic color correction and visual consistency
Support titles, lower thirds, credits, and graphics (as time allows)
Collaborate closely with the Creative Producer / Production Director
Integrate feedback from MAI staff within the project timeline
Deliver a near-final polished documentary cut for public screening
📦 Deliverables
One polished, near-final documentary cut ready for public screening by late January 2026
Final export files in agreed-upon formats suitable for:
Exhibition
Online distribution
The contract is time- and scope-bound, with work focused on maximizing impact within the defined production window.
✅ Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience editing documentary or non-fiction films
Strong editorial judgment and storytelling ability
Proficiency in professional editing software:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Final Cut Pro (or similar)
Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines
Respect for and sensitivity to Indigenous cultures, stories, and knowledge
⭐ Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with:
Museums
Cultural institutions
Community-based media projects
Familiarity with Indigenous storytelling practices
Understanding of ethical media production standards
💰 Contract & Compensation
Payment: $3,000 flat fee
Contract Type: Independent contractor
Payment Process: According to MAI’s contractor agreement upon signing
This role offers meaningful compensation for a focused, high-impact editorial contribution.
📩 How to Apply
Interested editors should apply by sending their resume and relevant portfolio to:
Highlight your documentary editing experience, storytelling approach, and familiarity with culturally respectful media practices
For Apply Online:Click Here
