Climate Change Video Storyteller

About Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions

The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is a multi-university institute encompassing the four major research-intensive universities in British Columbia: University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Northern British Columbia. Our mandate is to catalyze and mobilize research, partnerships, and knowledge that generate research on climate solutions. We are a values-based organization that centers its work on principles of respect, relationality, reciprocity, trust, transparency, and transformation.

About the Role

Reporting to The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Communications Manager, the PICS Climate Change Video Storyteller will play a critical role in helping to implement our communications strategy by engaging with researchers, community partners, and documenting climate impacts and solutions across BC and beyond. This Storyteller will help to plan, research, develop, and deliver a range of video and communication products that are designed to foster, accelerate, and inspire engagement, education, and capacity building through the sharing of diverse academic, Indigenous, and community knowledges. As a masterful storyteller, experienced videographer, filmmaker and multi-media professional, the Video Storyteller will have experience with producing, directing, editing, and distribution.

Note: This opportunity will be available on a three-year contract with the possibility of extension.

What you will do

• Working closely with the PICS Communications team on integrating video projects into overall communications planning and campaigns

• Working with the broader PICS team, partners, and colleagues to plan and executive video projects

• Scheduling and managing all aspects of video projects, including proposal/planning, shooting and editing schedules, release dates, etc.

• Establishment of a PICS video production facility to house equipment, editing facilities, and servers to store and protect footage

• Overseeing acquisition, maintenance, and use of professional multimedia equipment, software, and video server technologies

• Writing video proposals, plans, and storyboards for projects

• Interviewing subjects on camera

• Filming video and taking still photos on location

• Setting up and taking down cameras, microphones, lighting, and other equipment

• Drone operation and collection of supporting visual material

• Wrangling and logging digital media and preparing digital workflow

• Editing footage after recording into short, medium, and long-form pieces

• Promoting PICS video projects through submission of work to conferences, film festivals, and events

• Facilitating training and educational opportunities regarding video storytelling as a climate solution

• Identifying opportunities to strengthen video-based storytelling across the PICS network and program portfolio, including integrating feedback received from participants

• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring

• A minimum of five years of experience with a research organization, think tank, foundation, film company, and/or related organization in a role with strong multi-media filmmaking and communications elements

• A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution that specializes in filmmaking and, ideally, will have additional content expertise focused on climate change, environmental studies, political science, and/or related disciplines that support climate change storytelling

• Experienced, passionate video storytelling with subject matter expertise regarding climate and environmental issues

• Sophisticated understanding of video production and editing using professional tools (e.g. 4K cameras, audio, drones) and software (e.g. Final Cut X, Premiere Pro, FrameiO)

• Expertise with participatory video and photovoice methodologies as well as experience integrating qualitative research into documentary filmmaking approaches

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to collaboration

• Highly motivated, creative, and self-starter

• Superior organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail

• Excellent written and visual communication skills

• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and training skills

• Ability to travel (generally 1-3 days/trip) mainly within BC, but also Canada

What we provide

• Salary range of $80,000 - $95,000

• Comprehensive health package

• Pension Plan after 1 year of service

• 22 days of vacation, plus time off between Christmas and New Years

Application Information

If this exciting opportunity to be at the Centre of climate solutions research in BC sounds like a great fit for you, please apply with your resume.

For more information on this position, please review the full job description. This posting will remain open until March 26, 2025 and a review of resumes will start immediately so do not delay applying.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Climate justice is core to our work at PICS. We believe that intersectional approaches that recognize human, Indigenous, and environmental rights and responsibilities are foundational for climate solutions to be durable, effective, and fair. Climate justice requires addressing systemic inequalities, reconciliation, and challenging structures of power and privilege. We are dedicated to working in solidarity with affected communities to advocate for transformative change that promotes equity, resilience, and sustainability for all.

We acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racial minorities, low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, and those living in frontline communities.

PICS prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from members of all races, backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations.