Volunteer Documentary Film Editor for Special Olympics Powerlifting Doc

Volunteer Documentary Film Editor

Location: Remote

Position Type: Volunteer, project based

Project: 21-minute mini-documentary

Time Commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week for 4 weeks.

Start Date: As soon as possible

About the Project

We are seeking a talented, mission-driven video editor to help complete a 21-minute mini-documentary about Brooklyn’s first-ever Special Olympics powerlifting team.

The film follows a remarkable group of athletes, and their fearless coach, as they train, compete, build community, and challenge assumptions about strength and ability. Through intimate storytelling and the high-energy world of competitive powerlifting, the documentary celebrates determination, belonging, and what becomes possible when athletes receive the support and opportunity to thrive.

The Role

The volunteer editor will collaborate closely with the director and production team to shape existing footage into a compelling, emotionally resonant short documentary.

This is an opportunity to take a meaningful role in the creative development of the film while helping share a story that deserves greater visibility.

Responsibilities

• Edit existing footage into a polished 21-minute documentary
• Collaborate with the director on story structure, pacing, tone, and character development
• Incorporate interviews, observational footage, competition footage, music, graphics, and archival materials
• Complete basic sound editing, color correction, and visual cleanup
• Incorporate feedback across an agreed-upon number of revision rounds
• Prepare a final master file suitable for screenings, digital distribution, and festival submissions
• Create accurate captions or coordinate with the production team on captioning
• Organize and deliver the final project files

Ideal Candidate

• Experience editing documentaries, short films, branded stories, or other narrative video content
• A strong reel or portfolio demonstrating storytelling, pacing, and emotional range
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or comparable professional editing software
• Strong communication, organization, and file-management skills
• Ability to work independently and meet agreed-upon deadlines
• Respectful, people-centered approach to stories involving disability and underrepresented communities
• Genuine interest in sports, social impact, disability inclusion, or documentary filmmaking

Experience with sound mixing, motion graphics, color grading, accessibility is helpful but not required.

What You’ll Gain

• An editing credit on a professionally produced mini-documentary
• A meaningful portfolio piece centered on sports, inclusion, and social impact
• The opportunity to help shape the film’s creative direction
• Collaboration with an experienced media and impact-production team
• Credit in screenings, festival submissions, and public distribution
• A professional reference upon successful completion of the project

Accessibility and Inclusion

We welcome editors of all backgrounds and especially encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent creatives, Special Olympics community members, and people historically underrepresented in film and media.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A brief introduction explaining your interest in the project
• A résumé or summary of relevant experience
• A link to your editing reel or two to three relevant work samples
• Your preferred editing software
• Your availability over the next six to eight weeks

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.