Social First Videographer

The James Agency; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative agency is seeking a Social First Videographer to produce engaging short-form videos for social media platforms. The ideal candidate will have proven videography and editing experience, along with a strong portfolio focused on social-first content. Responsibilities include collaborating with teams to generate ideas, researching trends, and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is required, as well as excellent communication and time management skills. This role offers an opportunity to shape visually compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio showcasing short-form, social-first video work.
• Experience with mobile capture for high-quality video footage.
• Proficient in video editing and color correction for short-form content.

Responsibilities

• Ideate, shoot, and edit short-form video content for social media.
• Collaborate with teams to develop content ideas aligned with trends.
• Research social trends to inform content development.

Skills

Proven videography experience

DSLR and/or mirrorless camera skills

Social media video editing

Strong design skills

Communication skills

Time management skills

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Description

The Social First Videographer is responsible for creating compelling, platform-native video content designed specifically for organic social channels. This role requires hands‑on experience filming with professional cameras (DSLR and/or mirrorless), iPhone photography/video, as well as strong post‑production and editing skills for short‑form social video. The ideal candidate understands how to capture high‑quality footage, edit with intention, and adapt creative concepts to the nuances of each social platform—while maintaining brand integrity and creative quality. This role collaborates closely with Social Media, Creative, and Production teams to bring timely, engaging content to life.

Responsibilities

• Ideate, shoot, and edit vertically shot short-form video content specifically designed for organic social media channels
• Collaborate with Social Media and Creative teams to develop content ideas rooted in strategy, trends, and platform behavior
• Assist in the direction and production of social-first video and photography shoots
• Translate briefs, scripts, concepts, and inspiration into engaging short-form video executions
• Edit digital footage with a strong focus on retention, pacing, and engagement in the first few seconds
• Incorporate music, text overlays, graphics, captions, voiceover, and special effects to enhance social video performance
• Adapt and optimize video content for multiple platforms, formats, and aspect ratios
• Engage with stakeholders throughout concepting, production, and post-production phases
• Spend time understanding clients, their brands, audiences, and social media goals
• Maintain a big‑picture outlook while executing efficiently against client and platform needs
• Research social trends, audio, formats, and creator styles to inform content development
• Contribute ideas, trends, and examples to an inspiration repository for internal teams and client reference
• Support department growth by identifying new tools, workflows, and social video opportunities
• Represent the agency professionally when working with clients, partners, or collaborators
• Continuously evolve editing techniques and creative approaches to keep content fresh, relevant, and effective

Requirements

• Proven work experience as a Videographer / Video Editor with a portfolio showcasing short-form, social-first video work
• Experience using a DSLR and/or mirrorless camera, as well as mobile capture, to produce high-quality video footage
• Experience with video production and post-production processes, including editing, color correction, and music selection for short-form content
• Working knowledge of basic lighting best practices, with experience lighting for lifestyle, social-first, and on-the-fly shoots
• Knowledge and experience shooting and editing short-form, organic social media video content
• Strong understanding of platform-specific formats, best practices, and trends (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, etc.)
• Familiarity with color grading and color correction to create consistent tones or styles across social video series
• Strong design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop; familiarity with CapCut or similar tools and animation is a plus)
• A passion for staying up-to-date with emerging social trends, creator culture, and platform updates
• Excellent communication skills to articulate creative ideas internally and collaborate effectively across teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, productivity-focused, and deadline-driven environment
• Efficient time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and quick turnarounds
• A self-starter personality with attention to detail, curiosity, and comfort asking questions
• Proactively identifies content opportunities, trends, and cultural moments relevant to client brands
• Strong collaboration skills with copywriters, social media managers, designers, and producers
• In-depth understanding of pacing, timing, hooks, and continuity in short-form video editing
• Possess a creative mindset with strong storytelling instincts, even within tight time and format constraints