Video Editor & Creative Strategist for NYC-Based Content Creator

Overview
We’re building a consistent content engine across YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok in the themes of NYC food, creator/entrepreneur life, and travel/language. This role owns narrative and packaging end-to-end: story ideation, scripts/outlines, hooks/titles, thumbnails, edit direction, and a lightweight analytics loop. You’ll also shape the production system (shot lists, file hygiene, templates) and, as needed, manage part-time editors/designers.

Outcomes (first 60–90 days):
Create a one-page Brand Bible (voice, pillars, do/don’t examples, caption/thumbnail rules).
Ship a weekly cadence of 4–6 shorts + 1 long-form with consistent naming, assets, and QC.
Implement a simple retention/CTR review ritual; propose two experiments/week and report results.
If helpful, spec and onboard 1–2 freelancers under your direction (clear briefs + QA checklist).

Responsibilities:
Strategy & Story: Convert raw notes/footage into scroll-stopping narratives; define content series; write hooks, titles, and cold opens that retain.
Packaging: Own thumbnails (layout/typography/focal subject), titles, and descriptions; run A/B ideas.
Direction & Production: Provide shot lists, b-roll suggestions, and remote direction for phone shoots; maintain asset taxonomy (Drive/Notion).
Post & Templates: Edit or direct edits (jump cuts, captions, motion), keep a template library for captions/lower-thirds, ensure exports meet platform specs.
Analytics & Iteration: Review retention graphs and CTR weekly; propose small tests (pattern interrupts, hook copy, thumbnail framing).
Team & Process: Brief freelancers, give timestamped feedback, uphold file naming/SOPs, and keep timelines predictable.

Must-Have Qualifications:
3+ years in a creative lead/producer/content director or similar role for a creator/brand.
Portfolio with short-form that shows retention-focused editing (pattern interrupts, caption timing) and thumbnails that improved CTR (share before/after or explain your approach).
Proven ability to craft a story fro ---------- ssy inputs (notes, rough footage) and deliver a clean final.
Strong English; can write hooks/headlines and tighten voice.
Proficiency in Premiere Pro / Final Cut / CapCut and Canva / Adobe for thumbnails; basic audio cleanup and color.
Organized systems thinker (Drive/Notion/Trello), reliable delivery, version control.

Nice to Have:
YouTube SEO basics; podcast/long-form pacing; light After Effects/Motion; basic sound design.
Familiarity with NYC/food/urban creator styles (or the ability to research and match quickly).
Schedule & Collaboration
Asynchronous with 2–3 hours EST overlap for feedback. Slack/Notion/Drive stack.
Compensation
Weekly or monthly retainer (DOE) covering 4–6 shorts + 1 long-form + 3–5 thumbnail drafts. Includes a paid 2-week trial; performance-based increases and 13th-month for long-term.

How to Apply (follow exactly please
)
Start your first line with: GOTHAM EATS ? (attention check).
Portfolio (3 links): (a) retention-solid short, (b) a thumbnail you designed, (c) a long-form cut.
Mini case note (2–4 sentences each): what you changed and why (hook, pacing, type, framing).
Calendar sample: a 7-day content plan for “NYC Ramen Week” with hook + title + thumbnail idea for each day.
Tools & Process: edit stack, caption workflow, asset naming, typical turnaround times.
Availability: weekly hours + EST overlap window.
Rate: expected weekly USD rate for the scope above.
Optional: 45–60s Loom introducing your creative approach (voice only OK).