Position description
19FortyFive.com is one of the largest and fastest-growing defense, national security, and foreign policy digital publications in the world.
We reach millions of readers monthly through Google and direct traffic, covering military hardware, weapons platforms, geopolitics, defense strategy, and military history.
We are now building a high-output YouTube channel to become the leading credentialed defense video publisher on the platform, and we’re looking for a talented video editor and creator to be a core part of that mission.
The Opportunity
This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build what we believe will become the most authoritative military and defense YouTube channel in the world.
We have included some example videos in this job posting. Note: We are looking to make a massive leap over this level of quality.
You will create multiple short-form, faceless videos per day (8–10 minutes each) covering military hardware, weapons systems, defense technology, and strategic developments across the world’s most consequential military powers and alliances.
Your work will be seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers daily and embedded across articles on 19FortyFive.com, one of the most-visited defense publications online.
This role has significant growth potential. As the channel scales, there will be opportunities to take on greater creative leadership, manage additional producers, travel to military museums and aviation events worldwide to capture original footage, and shape the overall video strategy for the publication.
Content Focus Areas
Your videos will cover the full spectrum of global military and defense topics, with primary focus on:
- The United States Military — weapons platforms, force structure, procurement, readiness, and strategic posture across all service branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force)
- China — PLA modernization, naval expansion, J-20 and J-35 fighter programs, carrier development, South China Sea and Taiwan Strait military dynamics
- Russia — current military capabilities and limitations, weapons systems performance in Ukraine, nuclear forces, and strategic competition with NATO
- Iran — missile programs, asymmetric warfare capabilities, anti-ship ballistic missiles, proxy forces, and ongoing conflict developments
- North Korea — nuclear and ballistic missile programs, KPA force structure, and peninsula security dynamics
- NATO — alliance capabilities, European defense spending, interoperability, and collective deterrence posture
Daily Responsibilities
Video Production
- Research, script, produce, and publish multiple faceless military/defense videos per day (target: 8–10 minutes each) for the 19FortyFive YouTube channel
- Source and integrate visual assets, including stock military footage, maps, satellite imagery, motion graphics, historical photos, and 19FortyFive’s proprietary original photography and video archive — including thousands of original images from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center, SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, and other exclusive collections
- Maintain strict factual accuracy and editorial quality across all content — every video represents the 19FortyFive brand and must meet the standards expected of a credentialed defense publication
- Coordinate with 19FortyFive editorial staff to align video topics with trending articles, breaking defense news, and high-performing content themes
Thumbnails & Channel Growth
- Create compelling, scroll-stopping thumbnails for every video that drive high click-through rates in YouTube browse and suggested feeds — you must understand what makes defense audiences click
- Optimize every upload for YouTube discovery: titles, descriptions, tags, end screens, cards, chapters, and closed captions
- Monitor channel analytics and adjust content strategy based on performance data — retention curves, CTR, impressions, traffic sources, and subscriber conversion rates
Multi-Platform Distribution
- Cut and repurpose each long-form video into short-form clips (60–90 seconds) optimized for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X (Twitter) to drive subscriber growth and traffic back to the main channel
- Adapt content formatting and pacing for each platform’s unique algorithm and audience behavior — what works on YouTube Shorts is different from TikTok and Reels
- Maintain a consistent daily output of short-form clips across all platforms
Qualifications
This is non-negotiable.
You must bring genuine subject matter expertise in military affairs, defense policy, weapons systems, and national security.
While the Editor-In-Chief will select topics for videos daily and provide direction for all content, you will also help independently identify topics as well, help create script content, and ensure accuracy without constant editorial oversight.
During the interview process, we will ask direct questions about your defense and military knowledge to assess your depth of understanding.
Candidates who lack this domain expertise will not be considered, regardless of video production skill.
What is important:
- Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. and global military hardware, weapons platforms, and force structure — you should be able to explain the difference between an Arleigh Burke and a Ticonderoga, why the F-35C differs from the F-35A, or how China’s DF-21D threatens carrier operations without needing to Google it
- Familiarity with current geopolitical flashpoints and defense news cycles across all focus areas (China/Taiwan, Russia/Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, NATO)
- Understanding of military history, particularly WWII, Cold War, and post-9/11 operations, sufficient to create historically grounded content
- Ability to explain complex military concepts in an accessible language for a broad audience without sacrificing accuracy
YouTube & Video Production
- Proven experience producing content for YouTube with a demonstrable track record of channel growth, audience retention, and discoverability — we will ask for examples of your work during the interview process
- Expert-level understanding of the YouTube algorithm: browse features, suggested video optimization, audience retention curves, CTR optimization, and how YouTube surfaces content to new viewers
- Proficiency with video editing software (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or equivalent) and ability to produce polished faceless videos with narration, motion graphics, maps, and archival footage
- Strong thumbnail design skills using Canva, Photoshop, or equivalent tools — you understand what stops a scroll and drives clicks in the military/defense niche
- Experience creating and optimizing short-form vertical video for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X
- Familiarity with YouTube Studio analytics, A/B thumbnail testing, and data-driven content optimization
Work Style & Consistency
- Self-directed and highly disciplined — this role requires daily output at a high standard without constant supervision
- Ability to work at speed without sacrificing accuracy or production quality
- Strong news judgment: you know what’s trending in the defense space and can identify high-potential video topics before they peak
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced digital media environment with tight daily deadlines
- Reliable and consistent — daily publishing cadence is the foundation of the entire YouTube strategy, and missed days directly impact channel growth
Preferred Qualifications
- Military service or direct experience working in the defense/national security sector
- Existing YouTube channel or portfolio demonstrating military/defense content production
- Graphic design skills for creating custom maps, infographics, and motion graphics
- Familiarity with AI-assisted production tools for research, scripting, or visual generation
- How YouTube content can complement a high-traffic editorial website
- An understanding that breaking events (like the Iran war) might require off-hours breaking news coverage. Overtime pay would be provided.
What We Provide
- Access to 19FortyFive’s established brand and audience — your videos will be embedded across articles reaching hundreds of thousands of daily readers, giving every video a built-in viewership base from day one
- Exclusive original photography and video archives: thousands of high-resolution images from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Wright-Patterson AFB), the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center, SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, and other collections — assets no competitor has access to
- Full editorial support from a team of named defense writers and subject matter experts, including specialists in weapons systems, geopolitical strategy, military history, and combat journalism
- A monetized YouTube channel with YouTube Partner Program status, ready for content. The channel was opened years ago, but has been dormant
- A clear growth trajectory: as the channel scales, this role expands in scope, responsibility, and compensation.
- Our goal is to build a team of video editors and expand into a full defense network on YouTube.
Compensation & Benefits
This position can be structured as either a 1099 independent contractor (full-time) or a W-2 employee with a stipend for healthcare, depending on the candidate’s preference and the expertise they bring to the role. Compensation will be based on experience, portfolio quality, and demonstrated ability to produce at the required volume and standard.
Benefits Include
- 2 weeks (10 days) of paid vacation per year
- 5 paid sick days per year
- Healthcare stipend (W-2 option). Again, this is based on proven expertise.
- Opportunity to travel to aviation museums, air shows, military expos, and defense events around the world to capture original footage and photography for the channel — all travel expenses covered by 19FortyFive
- Performance-based compensation growth as the channel hits subscriber and revenue milestones
- Remote position — work from anywhere with reliable internet and a professional production setup.
- A strong preference would be to work Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM EST. Candidates who can work this time zone will be at an advantage
Application instructions
Our interview process is designed to assess both your military/defense knowledge and your video production capabilities:
- Initial review of your application, portfolio, and YouTube work samples
- Video call interview, including direct questions about defense and military topics, to assess your subject matter depth — we need to know you can independently identify, research, and accurately script content across our focus areas
- Review of YouTube examples you’ve produced — we’ll discuss your creative process, production workflow, and how you approach audience retention and growth. These can be non-military
- Paid trial assignment: produce one or two 8–10 minute faceless military/defense video on a topic we assign, delivered within 72 hours, including a thumbnail — this tells us everything about your speed, quality, accuracy, and production style
- Final conversation about role structure (1099 vs. W-2), compensation, and start date
- WE ARE LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE HIRE
How to Apply
Send the following:
- A brief cover note explaining your background in military/defense subject matter and video production — tell us why you’re the right person for this role
- Links to YouTube channels or videos you’ve produced (your own channel or work-for-hire — we want to see your production quality, pacing, and style)
- 3–5 sample thumbnails you’ve designed (or would design) for military/defense YouTube content
- Your proposed approach: how would you structure multiple daily videos for a defense-focused YouTube channel? What topics would you prioritize in your first week? How would you balance volume with quality?
- Your preferred role structure (1099 or W-2) and compensation expectations. We will pay for experience.
- Send all materials to [email protected]. You can reach out to him with questions as well.
19FortyFive is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, particularly those with firsthand military or national security experience. We are committed to building a team that reflects the breadth of the defense community we serve.