KPBS Freelance Videojournalist

Overview

The salary amount for this position is $29.49 per hour and is non-negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on 1/26/26 at 4:00pm (PST).

This position is filled on an on-call, as-needed basis with no set schedule or guaranteed number of hours.

This position is grant-funded for up to three years. Continued employment thereafter is dependent on funding.

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming.  KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego.  Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.  It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

Under the supervision of the Senior Producer, Video News, the Freelance Videojournalist is responsible for the creation of news content for KPBS TV, radio and web using professional broadcast cameras and non-linear editing equipment, as needed. This position works closely with news editors, reporters, producers, managers, production assistants and staff. 

In alignment with the KPBS Strategic Plan and Editorial Vision, this position is responsible for technical operation and first-line maintenance of the station's shooting and editing equipment, while adhering to highest ethical standards.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Employee assistance program
• Voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.

News Shooting & Editing (85%)

• Using experienced news judgment; gather high-quality video and audio for stories in the field and in studio, primarily consisting of formal and informal interviews and gathering b-roll footage; may work with a reporter, producer or alone on short and long-form stories
• Conduct live newsgathering and field editing from ENG satellite truck
• Responsible for gathering and/or creating all aspects of production, including both hand-held and stationary shooting with a broadcast quality EFP or studio camera, audio and lighting package
• Perform non-linear editing of video and audio, and produce graphics
• Report for TV and radio broadcast, including writing broadcast scripts, recording voice-over tracks and writing web stories
• Convert stories for web use and audio for radio use
• Help teach reporters and producers how to shoot and edit their own packages as needed, and give feedback to reporters on shooting and editing
• Coordinate the logging and archiving of b-roll and interviews

Planning (10%)

• Actively engage in daily news planning meetings
• Participate in pre-production development and planning and post-production analysis; critique sessions with program producers and directors, providing the technical expertise needed to maximize production effectiveness
• Perform technical evaluation of program recordings to assure compliance with station and network technical standards

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to gather video and audio content for stories in the field and in studio, primarily consisting of formal and informal interviews and gathering b-roll footage.
• Ability to work with editors, producers, and reporters to plan how a story will be covered visually.
• Ability to use broadcast-quality cameras. 
• Ability to perform non-linear editing of video and audio, and produce graphics.
• Ability to convert stories for web use and audio for radio use.
• Ability to meet daily deadlines.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions in the field.
• Ability to communicate effectively with reporters, producers, and editors.

Minimum Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and work in journalism.

Minimum Experience

• 2 years of progressively responsible experience as videographer and/or video journalist.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Demonstrated experienced using video and audio recording equipment, still cameras, and audio & video editing software
• Live shot experience with satellite or microwave truck
• Knowledge of, any ability to, adhere to high ethical standards
• Experience as a news journalist in TV and/or digital media
• Experience in reporting research in a broadcast or print news/interview setting
• Experience in creating content for online presentations
• Experience in online production, including writing, editing, graphic design, HTML, photography and audio and video production

Additional Applicant Information:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.