Museum of the American Indian

Refining and polishing a documentary film through editing, story enhancement, and technical adjustments within a tight deadline. | Experience in documentary or non-fiction film editing, proficiency with editing software, sensitivity to Indigenous communities and stories, and ability to meet short-term project deadlines. | This role focuses on working closely with MAI production team to create a well-rounded radio edit with smooth pacing and structure, and will continue to advise on editorial decisions during post-production through the end of January. About Museum of the American Indian The Museum of the American Indian uplifts, supports, and makes visible the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas by offering authentic educational programs and cultural resources to Marin and the greater Bay Area. Description Indigenous Heritage Storytelling Film Project Documentary Film Post-Production Editor Dates: December 25, 2025 – January 5, 2026 Location: Remote and Museum of the American Indian, Miwok Park (Novato, CA) Compensation: $3,000 flat fee Apply: rachael@marinindian.com About the Project Rooted in the ancestral homelands of the Coast Miwok people, the Indigenous Heritage Storytelling Project is a community art and education initiative designed to preserve, celebrate, and share the living cultures of Northern California’s Indigenous peoples (including Miwok, Pomo, Ohlone, Yokuts, and Wappo communities) through multimedia storytelling. Supported by the Pirkle Jones Fund through Marin Community Foundation, this project will culminate in a 15–20 minute documentary that interweaves oral histories, portrait photography, Indigenous language, and community-led cultural demonstrations. Position Overview An Adobe Premiere project has already been created for this short film. This role focuses on working closely with MAI production team to create a well-rounded radio edit with smooth pacing and structure, and will continue to advise on editorial decisions during post-production through the end of January. Scope of Work The Post-Production Editor will collaborate closely with the MAI project team, specifically the Creative Producer/Production Director to strengthen, polish, and elevate the documentary within a fixed production window. Responsibilities include: • Reviewing the existing assembled cut and underlying footage • Supporting story refinement and structural clarity where needed • Enhancing pacing, emotional impact, and visual flow • Strengthening transitions and continuity • Refining audio balance, dialogue clarity, and ambient sound • Applying basic color correction and overall visual consistency • Provide editorial support to the Creative Director/Co-Director on titles, lower thirds, credits, and graphics, as needed and as time allows. • Providing focused post-production enhancements to maximize impact within the contract timeline • Integrating feedback from MAI staff as time allows • Deliverables • One polished, near-final documentary cut prepared for public screening by late January 2026 • Final export files in agreed-upon formats suitable for exhibition and online use This contract is time- and scope-bound. Work will focus on strengthening and enhancing the existing edit to the fullest extent possible within the contract period. Required Qualifications • Demonstrated experience editing documentary or non-fiction film projects • Strong storytelling instincts and editorial judgment • Proficiency with professional editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar) • Ability to work efficiently within a short, deadline-driven post-production window • Respect for and sensitivity to Indigenous communities, stories, and cultural knowledge • Preferred Qualifications • Experience working with museums, cultural institutions, or community-based media projects • Familiarity with Indigenous storytelling approaches and ethical media practices Contract & Payment This is a short-term independent contractor position. Compensation is a flat fee of $3,000, payable according to MAI’s contractor payment process upon signing of contract. Salary $1 - $3,000 per year