Contract Position: Multimedia Video Specialist

Statement of Work: Description of Services Requested

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is looking for an innovative multimedia video specialist to create compelling video content for the web, as well as other digital platforms. A successful candidate will be skilled and enthusiastic about creating conservation science content and fun animal stories. She/he will be knowledgeable about the latest video trends and a creative team player who is able to work independently to complete projects from start to finish. This is a full-time position, funded for one year and based at the Zoo in Washington, D.C. The accepted candidate will need to be registered to work within the Federal Government as a contractor through the SAM  system. If you are not already registered in SAM but are interested in submitting your resume, go ahead but understand that the registration process can take several weeks.

The multimedia video specialist will:

• Produce, script, film and edit short-form video content for various social platforms from conception to production
• Mix and edit sound for video
• Create media b-roll packages
• Interview subject matter experts across the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
• Manage digital assets including photos and video
• Advise management, staff and others on visual requirement and formats
• Support web and social media sites as needed
• Research trends across channels and platforms to experiment with new means of video distribution
• Inform departmental audio-visual needs
• Manage all video and audio equipment
• Organize and maintain YouTube channel content
• Lift and carry equipment to shoots

Note: The Zoo has professional video, lighting and editing equipment; contractor will not be required to supply their own equipment.

Contract Price

The price to the Smithsonian Institution for this purchase order shall be at yearly rate. Please include yearly rate in your application.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience creating and editing video content
• Deep experience with cameras (must be comfortable using DSLRs), audio and lighting equipment, and Final Cut Pro or Adobe editing software
• Background in After Effects
• Lighting and audio recording expertise
• Experience in sound mixing and editing
• Understand basic color correction
• Expertise in conducting on-camera interviews
• DSLR photography experience
• Experience being a self-sufficient producer
• Background creating video about science or wildlife a plus
• Experience with YouTube and transcription
• Knowledge of open source resources for visual content
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently
• Journalism/news experience preferred
• Understanding of digital platforms and what content works best on each
• Proven ability to work under pressure and short deadlines
• Ability to maintain several ongoing projects at once

Rights-In-Data:

The Smithsonian's "rights-in-data" clause is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein. By signing this purchase order, contactor acknowledges that he/she has read the "right-in-data" clause and accepts all of its terms and conditions.      

How to Apply

Note: Your application will not be considered unless you follow all instructions below.

To apply for this position, submit a cover letter mentioning yearly rate, resume, and link(s) to highlights reel or video work.

Cover letter should address your experience for each bullet point outlined in the "Qualifications" section above.

Video samples should demonstrate ability in covering science, conservation, or other animal-related topic.

Email resume, cover letter, and link to video samples to ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu. The subject of your email should read: "Multimedia Video Specialist: Your name."

All applications must be received by Nov. 30, 2016.