Lead Video Editor
Transform raw footage into content that helps real estate agents win in their local markets
About Knwn Local
We're a creative agency on a mission : scale from 55 to 200+ YouTube channels while helping real estate agents become the most trusted voices in their markets. We build long-form video strategies that create real authority and drive actual business results.
The proof is in our growth :
- Scaling fast from 55 to 200+ channels
- Building systematic production operations that work at scale
- Helping agents win deals through strategic content, not viral gimmicks
We believe in extreme ownership, proactive curiosity, and beyond excellence. If that resonates, you'll thrive here.
We're hiring a Lead Editor to deliver high-quality edits consistently and help us maintain our quality standards across the team as we scale.
To Apply Now : https : / / www.notion.so / 2a1353fd5db581b3bc15ef09162a06fe?pvs=106
The Role
As a Lead Editor at Knwn Local, you'll build and develop a team of video editors who transform raw real estate content into high-impact YouTube videos that help agents dominate their local markets. This is a player-coach leadership role where you'll spend 70-90% of your time managing, mentoring, and building systems, and 10-30% hands-on editing complex projects.
You'll own editing quality standards, team development, and operational excellence within your pod, partnering closely with Pod Managers, YouTube Managers, and Strategists to deliver retention-driven content at scale. Your success is measured not by how many videos you edit, but by how well your team performs, grows, and retains talent.
This role is perfect for someone who loves developing editors as much as editing itself someone who gets energized by building systems, coaching talent, and multiplying their impact through others. If you want to stay purely hands-on without management responsibilities, or purely hands-off without getting in the weeds of editing, this isn't the right fit.
To Apply Now : https : / / www.notion.so / 2a1353fd5db581b3bc15ef09162a06fe?pvs=106
What You'll Own
Team Leadership & Development (50% of role)
Manage and develop 25-50 video editors, conducting weekly 1-on-1s focused on skill progression and performance (with the support of multiple Senior Editors & YouTube Managers)Lead weekly team edit reviews with constructive feedback and best practice sharingLead monthly team trainings for the editing team culture & growthBuild comprehensive onboarding programs and training materials for new editor hiresCreate career development pathways with clear promotion criteria for your teamConduct performance reviews and manage accountability through the Clarify Instrument Coach Decide frameworkParticipate in hiring (screening portfolios, conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations)Build 2-5+ year relationships with editors through proactive retention and engagement strategiesImplement skip-level check-ins to assess team health and identify early warning signsQuality Standards & Systems (20-30% of role)
Own and evolve editing quality standards, style guides, and templates across your teamEstablish QA processes that maintain >85% First-Approval Rate across all editors
Serve as final quality review and approval for complex or high-stakes edits before client deliveryLead A / B testing strategy and retention analysis, translating data into actionable editing improvementsCreate efficiency systems (templates, motion graphics libraries, workflow optimizations)Build performance dashboards tracking team metrics (approval rates, turnaround times, retention performance)Drive continuous improvement through weekly "edit of the week" reviews and retrospectivesStrategic Collaboration (10-15% of role)
Partner with Pod Manager and YouTube Managers on content strategy and creative directionParticipate in Monthly Client Strategy Calls to present editing approach and performance insightsCollaborate cross-functionally with scriptwriters and designers to align on creative visionCommunicate proactively with leadership on team capacity, blockers, and resource needsContribute to quarterly planning and annual strategy with editing function perspectiveHandle client escalations and quality issues with transparency and solutions-focused approachPlayer-Coach Editing (10-20% of role)
Edit 2-4 high-complexity videos per month for VIP clients or training demonstrationsModel excellence by staying hands-on with the craft and maintaining YouTube editing fluencyStay current on YouTube editing trends, competitor content, and platform algorithm changesExperiment with new techniques and tools, sharing learnings and innovations with the teamMaintain organized project files and asset management as an example for the teamRequirements
We're looking for someone who combines exceptional editing craft with proven leadership ability. You should be passionate about developing talent and building systems that multiply impact across a team, not just delivering great edits yourself.
Leadership & Management Experience
5-7+ years of professional video editing experience with 2+ years managing or leading editorsProven track record developing and scaling editing teams of 4+ peopleExperience hiring editors (screening portfolios, conducting interviews, making hiring decisions)Demonstrated ability to give feedback that accelerates growth and elevates work qualityHistory of conducting performance reviews and managing accountability (including difficult conversations)Experience building onboarding programs, training materials, and documented workflowsComfortable with the full people management cycle : hiring, coaching, performance management, and when necessary, firingTechnical Mastery (You Can Teach Others)
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro - you can troubleshoot complex technical issues and teach advanced techniquesStrong proficiency in After Effects for motion graphics and visual effectsWorking knowledge of DaVinci Resolve, Blender, or other tools (or quick learner)Deep understanding of YouTube retention, pacing, storytelling, and algorithm optimizationAbility to QA others' work and identify issues across editing style, technical execution, and brand consistencyPortfolio showcasing both your own work AND examples of team development (before / after of editors you've coached)Systems & Process Thinking
Experience building scalable editing workflows, style guides, and template systemsUnderstanding of capacity planning and resource allocation for editing teamsAbility to create performance dashboards and track team metrics (approval rates, turnaround times, retention)Skilled at documentation - SOPs, training materials, and knowledge managementProcess optimization mindset - constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency without sacrificing qualityExperience with project management tools (Asana, Notion, Frame.io) and team collaboration systemsStrategic & Business Acumen
Ability to translate business objectives into editing strategy and creative directionComfortable presenting to clients and defending creative decisions with data and performance insightsUnderstanding of editing team economics (capacity planning, turnaround times, quality vs. speed tradeoffs)Experience partnering cross-functionally with strategists, writers, designers, and YouTube managersCan navigate ambiguity and make decisions with incomplete informationThinks beyond individual edits to how editing impacts channel growth and client business resultsCommunication & Influence
Exceptional written and verbal communication for feedback, presentations, and team documentationAbility to give direct, constructive feedback that motivates rather than demoralizesSkilled at managing up (keeping leadership informed), across (collaborating with peers), and down (developing direct reports)Proactive communication style - you flag capacity issues, quality concerns, and team challenges before they become crisesComfortable with difficult conversations (performance issues, client escalations, conflict resolution)Can translate technical editing concepts into language that non-editors understandWork Style & Mindset
Player-coach mentality - willing to stay hands-on with editing (10-20% of time) while primarily focusing on team leadershipExcellent organizational skills managing both your own work and your team's project pipelineAbility to balance competing priorities : team development, quality standards, client deadlines, and strategic initiativesComfortable context-switching between hands-on editing, team coaching, client calls, and strategic planningThrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments where processes are constantly evolvingGets energized by developing talent and seeing team members succeedCultural Leadership
Extreme Ownership - Takes full accountability for team results; models this for direct reportsBeyond Excellence - Sets impossibly high standards and inspires team to consistently exceed themProactive Curiosity - Anticipates problems, asks better questions, and stays ahead of issuesMission Focus - Obsesses about client success and team development, not personal recognitionResults You'll Drive
Team Performance
Your editing team consistently maintains >85% First-Approval Rate across all editors
Editor retention rate exceeds 85% annually with clear development and career progressionNew editors productive at 80% capacity within 60 days through your training systems100% of direct reports show measurable skill improvement quarter-over-quarterTeam operates at 80-90% capacity utilization - productive output without burnoutQuality & Systems
Zero client escalations due to editing quality issues or missed deadlines from your team95%+ on-time delivery rate across your entire team's project portfolioEditing workflows, templates, and style guides documented and adopted agency-wideAverage video retention improves 5-10% year-over-year through data-driven editing strategiesStrategic Impact
Editing function viewed as strategic partner by Pod Managers and leadershipSuccessfully contribute to client strategy with editing insights that drive performanceYour team supports clients publishing 4+ videos per month consistentlyClient satisfaction scores remain >4.5 / 5 for editing quality and communication
At least 1-2 editors promoted or advancement-ready annually due to your mentorshipPlayer-Coach Excellence
Edit 2-4 high-complexity videos per week as benchmarks and training examplesYour edits consistently achieve 8-10% average retention (above platform benchmarks)Model extreme ownership, excellence, and proactive curiosity through your workCOMPENSATION & BENEFITS :
Salary : $36,000 - $60,000 USD annually (based on experience and team size managed)
What We Offer :
Fully RemoteFlexible Time Off policy (we trust you to manage your time and energy)Annual Holiday BreaksLeadership development programAccess to industry-leading tools, plugins, and AI-assisted editing softwareOpportunities to earn Monthly wellness allowance, Home office stipend, Professional development budget & / or Health Insurance Reimbursement (after 60-90 day trial period)Clear career progression with transparent promotion criteriaREAL TALK :
This is an early-stage startup scaling rapidly . You'll face challenges - processes break, priorities shift, and things get messy. We need people who are resilient, resourceful, and committed long-term .
But if you want to :
Build a world-class editing team and multiply your impact 10xDevelop editors and watch them grow beyond their potentialHelp America's top real estate leaders dominate their local marketsBuild something meaningful from 55 to 200+ channelsThis is the place.
This role is player-coach (10-25% hands-on editing, 75%+ leadership). If you want to focus purely on editing without managing people, this isn't the right fit.
Location
Remote-first,
Our Core Values
Extreme Ownership Take responsibility for your work and outcomes. No excuses, just solutions.
Beyond Excellence Care about the details. Deliver work that exceeds expectations.
Proactive Curiosity Don't wait to be told. Ask questions, identify problems, suggest solutions.
Mission Focus Remember : your edits help real estate agents build their businesses. That matters.
Ready to Apply Now?
Submit your application : https : / / www.notion.so / 2a1353fd5db581b3bc15ef09162a06fe?pvs=106We primarily look at those who apply above.
Pay $36K - $60K+ USD a year (depending on experience)
