Production Manager

Job Title: Production Manager

Reports To: Senior Director, Production Services

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Production Manager (PM) is responsible for the logistical and other key operational activities to support the production of PBS NewsHour, Washington Week, PBS NewsHour Weekend and related special productions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Attend, via call, virtual or in person, the editorial and production meetings related to the show(s) under production.

Coordinate, acquire and validate live remotes from studios, IP sources such as Quicklink, LiveU and other uplinks or transmission sources.

Coordinate and maintain schedule for remotes and technical requirements in the edit and control rooms and studios.

Collaborate with scheduling and create work orders for manpower and resource allocations.

Manage assignments of editors and ensure quality of product.

Work closely with Reporter/Producers to ensure that remote studio needs are met in a timely fashion.

Coordinate traffic needs with the Engineer in Charge.

Update database of studio remote facilities worldwide.

Assist with logistics and budgetary oversight of the daily program.

ENG operation and edit facility oversight.

Maintain a working knowledge of edit room capabilities, tape segment technical deliverables and acceptable delivery methods.

Serve in the control room for production pre-tapes and the news broadcast; remote oversight as permitted by manager.

Coordinate video acquisition from a variety of external sources to obtain necessary video elements for broadcast and digital platforms.

Support video needs, ingest video and route feeds for daily evening broadcast and livestreams.

Alert producers of rights restrictions for incoming footage.

Monitor and react to news events.

Oversee any ENG crew operations and logistics planning, creating schedules, crew calls, monitor overtime and meal penalties, ensure crews have adequate information about details of assignments and the equipment required for any shoot, and other necessary duties, following union requirements.

Track petty cash usage for field operations.

Hire freelance crews and maintain and update database of crew resources.

Train freelancers as well as production assistants in Production Management functions.

Schedules and assign hair and makeup for talent and on-air guests.

Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

5-7 years of prior television experience, preferably in a news environment.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate across all levels.

Financial aptitude with a proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Strong interest in creative problem solving under live news constraints.

Ability to multi-task.

Prior experience in satellite and fiber transmission is a plus.

Familiarity with AVID iNews, Interplay and SchedulAll programs are a plus.

Ability to comprehend and communicate technical concepts easily.

Job requires a positive attitude, team player and a calm demeanor, able to perform under pressure.

Ability to work occasional nights or weekends.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree

LOCATION:

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits WETA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.