About The Reel Hope Project
The Reel Hope Project is a mission‑driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of youth in the foster care system through high‑quality, strengths‑based adoption recruitment videos. By partnering with social workers, families, and creative professionals, we create compelling visual stories that celebrate each child’s unique personality, talents, and potential. Our work helps bridge the gap between youth and loving families, fostering connections that lead to life‑changing adoptions. As a remote‑first organization, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, inclusive culture that values empathy, creativity, and unwavering respect for the privacy and dignity of the children we serve.
Why This Role Is Crucial
In the fast‑evolving landscape of child welfare storytelling, the Midwest Youth Engagement Lead serves as the linchpin between the videography team and the youth participants. This role ensures every interview, activity, and moment captured on camera reflects authenticity, safety, and the child’s best interests. By blending interpersonal expertise with creative direction, you will help produce videos that not only inform prospective adoptive families but also empower the youth by honoring their narratives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead video shoots: Manage up to eight (8) shoot days per month across focus states in the Midwest, coordinating logistics, travel, and on‑site execution.
- Engage with youth: Conduct warm, trauma‑informed interviews that encourage children and young adults (ages toddler to young adult) to share their stories, hobbies, and aspirations.
- Facilitate dynamic activities: Guide participants through a variety of expressive activities—including art creation, dancing, skateboarding, trampoline play, and community interactions—to capture authentic B‑roll footage.
- Collaborate with partners: Work closely with videographers, social workers, location hosts, and child welfare staff to ensure each shoot runs smoothly and adheres to ethical standards.
- Uphold privacy and dignity: Protect confidential information, obtain necessary releases, and exercise sound judgment when filming sensitive moments.
- Submit comprehensive post‑shoot documentation: Provide a detailed Shoot Summary, draft personalized “Thank You” card text for each child, and upload all assets to our project management platform (Monday.com).
- Participate in continuous improvement: Attend quarterly check‑ins with the Production Manager and an annual performance review with the Director of Operations to refine processes and share insights.
- Complete onboarding and training: Engage in trauma‑informed training, familiarize yourself with TRHP policies, and master the use of our collaboration tools.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum three (3) years of hands‑on experience working with youth who have experienced trauma, loss, or foster care placement. Backgrounds in teaching, youth leadership, or special education are strongly valued.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with diverse youth populations, respecting differences in age, developmental level, cultural background, gender identity, and ability.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to collaborate effectively with small, remote teams, social workers, and community partners.
- Commitment to strict privacy standards and ethical considerations surrounding foster care youth footage.
- Flexibility, patience, and resilience in high‑stress or rapidly changing environments.
- Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs and actively move alongside youth during dynamic activities.
- Alignment with The Reel Hope Project’s Statement of Faith and Core Values, emphasizing compassion, integrity, and respect.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least two (2) years of nonprofit sector experience, specifically in child welfare, adoption services, or youth empowerment.
- Personal lived experience as an adopter, adoptive parent, former foster youth, or close family member of a foster child—providing authentic insight into the adoption journey.
- Familiarity with video production terminology and basic on‑set etiquette, though extensive technical expertise is not required.
- Proficiency with project management tools such as Monday.com, Trello, or Asana.
- Certification or formal training in trauma‑informed care, counseling, or child development.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Empathy‑Driven Listening: Ability to hear, interpret, and reflect youth perspectives while maintaining a supportive environment.
- Creative Storytelling: Skill in prompting natural, engaging dialogue that translates into compelling video narratives.
- Organizational Precision: Strong attention to detail when managing schedules, travel itineraries, and documentation.
- Problem‑Solving Agility: Quick thinking to adapt plans, accommodate special needs, or address unexpected challenges on shoot days.
- Team Collaboration: Comfortable working autonomously while staying in sync with remote colleagues and community partners.
- Technology Literacy: Comfortable with smartphones, basic video equipment, and digital file transfer processes.
- Cultural Competence: Respectful engagement with youth from varied faiths, political beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, and family structures.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
We offer a competitive hourly wage of $30 per hour. Compensation includes travel time and mileage reimbursement based on the IRS standard rate of $0.70 per mile. For multi‑day shoots or overnight assignments, you may bill up to 14 hours, with the remaining 10 hours reserved for rest, meals, and accommodation as per Federal Per Diem rates. The Reel Hope Project covers all travel expenses—flights, rental vehicles, lodging, and meals—ensuring you can focus on delivering your best work.
Additional perks include:
- Access to a AAA benefits policy for travel safety and peace of mind.
- Opportunity to build a robust portfolio of meaningful video projects that showcase social impact.
- Professional development resources, including trauma‑informed care workshops and creative storytelling webinars.
- Flexible, remote‑first work environment that allows you to balance personal commitments with meaningful field work.
While traditional employee benefits (health, dental, retirement) are not applicable to this contractor role, the meaningful nature of the work, competitive pay, and covered expenses provide a rewarding compensation package.
Work Environment & Company Culture
The Reel Hope Project cultivates an environment where compassion meets creativity. As a remote organization, we prioritize transparent communication, regular virtual check‑ins, and a supportive community of mission‑driven professionals. Our culture embodies:
- Mission Alignment: Every team member shares a deep commitment to improving outcomes for foster youth.
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diverse perspectives and ensure all voices—especially those of the children we serve—are valued and heard.
- Collaboration: Cross‑functional teamwork is encouraged, with open channels for feedback, ideas, and continuous learning.
- Growth Mindset: Employees are empowered to develop new skills, explore creative storytelling techniques, and expand their professional network.
Our remote structure means you can work from the Twin Cities, surrounding Minnesota communities, or any location within the Midwest, as long as you can travel to shoot sites as needed.
Career Advancement & Learning Opportunities
Joining The Reel Hope Project opens pathways to long‑term impact and professional growth. Potential trajectories include:
- Senior Youth Engagement Specialist: Oversee larger regional teams, develop training curricula for new leads, and shape strategic engagement initiatives.
- Production Management: Transition into broader production oversight, managing multiple video projects across the country.
- Advocacy & Policy: Leverage on‑the‑ground experience to influence child welfare policy, public awareness campaigns, and grant writing.
- Creative Direction: Pursue advanced storytelling roles, steering the artistic vision for high‑impact series and multimedia campaigns.
All team members receive access to internal webinars, external conferences, and mentorship from seasoned professionals in child welfare and media production.
Application Process
If you are ready to combine your passion for youth advocacy with a flair for storytelling, we invite you to apply. Please submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- A tailored cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are drawn to this mission.
- An updated resume highlighting youth‑focused work, nonprofit involvement, or related creative projects.
- Two professional references (one personal and one professional) who can speak to your interpersonal strengths and work ethic.
All applications will be reviewed promptly. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial virtual interview, followed by a practical scenario discussion to assess alignment with our values and on‑site dynamics.
Take the Next Step
Imagine a career where every conversation you have, every smile you capture, and every story you help shape brings a child one step closer to a loving, permanent family. The Reel Hope Project is eager to welcome a dedicated, compassionate leader who will champion the voices of Midwest youth. Apply today and become a catalyst for hope, resilience, and lifelong change.
Submit Your Application Now
Apply Now