Description
The Senior Filmmaker helps bring stories to life through video, creating content that inspires people to take next steps in loving God, loving people, and changing the world.
Working closely with the Programming Director, Central Arts & Worship team, and other key partners, this role leads the creation of high-quality video content for services, campaigns, and digital platforms.
From concepting and directing to shooting and editing, the Senior Filmmaker owns the creative process from start to finish. This role leads crews on set and handles the heavy lifting in post-production—including editing, color grading, sound mixing, music selection, motion graphics direction, and final delivery—to create compelling, engaging stories that connect with people.
What You'll Do:
- Creative ideation & leadership, pre-production, and video shoots (which includes researching video examples, creating mood boards/treatments/storyboards, shotlists, assembling and reserving filming equipment and locations, coordinating and scheduling with talent and crew, operating cameras, lighting scenes, capturing audio, and setting up and striking sets).
- Video editing/post-production
- Creative meetings & skill development
- Managing all studio space & equipment
Success is defined as...
Success in this role is defined by the creation of compelling, mission-driven films that help people engage more deeply with the message of Jesus, elevate the quality of Willow Creek’s storytelling, and effectively support weekend services and ministry initiatives. A successful Senior Filmmaker consistently delivers high-quality content, collaborates well across teams, leads productions with excellence, and helps bring creative vision to life from concept through final delivery.
Requirements
- Experience creating testimony/documentary videos, promotional content, interviews, and event recaps
- Strong cinematic storytelling and directing skills across documentary and scripted productions
- High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere Pro and After Effects; Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus
- Strong understanding of all stages of production, including pre-production, filming, editing, lighting, and audio
- Experience with Sony cinema cameras (FX6, FX3) or similar cinema camera systems
- Ability to lead creative projects from concept through final delivery while managing multiple deadlines
- Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Experience directing interviews and working with non-professional on-camera talent
- Familiarity with AI-driven video production workflows and generative tools
- Passion for creating stories that connect with both church audiences and people exploring faith
What We Offer
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000, depending on experience and education.
We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement savings with company match
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Generous paid time off
- Mental health counseling reimbursement
- And more
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
