Title: Senior Video Producer, Learning Media

Status : Full-Time, Exempt, Grant Funded 

Reports to:  Senior Director, Learning Media

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The senior video producer will be responsible for managing video production for Reading Universe and for doing extensive field production.  Most of that work involves shooting and editing in-classroom video in public schools nationwide.  We also produce video interviews, promos, highlight reels, short posts for social media, and occasional documentary stories. 

Reading Universe is an ambitious new national project that we hope will become the definitive online guide to teaching reading and writing effectively.  We launched our prototype website in July 2023.  Reading Universe will primarily serve teachers in pre-K-6^th grade, along with reading coaches and other educators.  We have a special focus on serving teachers who work in Title I schools and those who teach children who are English language learners, have learning disabilities, or speak a dialect of English. 

The senior video producer will also be available to contribute as needed to WETA’s other national education websites, which include (among others) Reading Rockets, Colorin Colorado, and AdLit.org.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and organize video shoots for Reading Universe.
• Regularly serve as field producer for in-classroom video pieces showcasing effective reading and writing instruction in elementary schools around the U.S.
• Develop ideas for video stories, to include a wide diversity of voices and subjects, especially educators and students from historically underrepresented communities. Scout for schools and educators, with help if available from Reading Universe partners or advisers.
• Research and write short treatments; develop the look and structure of videos
• Tweak and finalize ideas for production depending upon grant deliverables and other project needs.
• Engage and direct freelance camera crews as needed.
• Work with subject matter experts as needed before and after shoots to ensure the accuracy of our content.
• Pre-interview subjects and secure permissions and locations as needed. Develop a shooting plan and oversee the creation and delivery of the final product.
• Conduct video interviews in person and on Zoom and Zencastr.
• Write scripts for review by supervisor and outside experts.
• Edit video using Adobe Premiere Pro on a PC, including color correction, audio mixing, and light animation as needed. Work within department specifications, tone, and style.
• In consultation with Senior Director of Learning Media, hire and direct editors, audio mixers, voice talent, graphic designers, and color correctors where our budget allows for that support.
• Ensure accessibility of video.
• Work periodically with education and research organizations and other content producers with an eye toward acquiring or sharing content.
• Manage our YouTube account, posting video, captioning, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing to maximize our audience and our revenue.
• Track and analyze video user statistics.
• Research potential external video content for use on our projects. Conduct acquisition.
• Perform other duties and contribute to other projects as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in performing duties.
• Evidence of ability to connect with people from all walks of life, including underrepresented communities.
• Strong editorial skills and strong eye for design.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, project planning and time management skills with the ability to plan and organize work effectively.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in an environment of multiple projects, clients, and deadlines.
• Content knowledge in the areas of literacy and education preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts preferred.
• Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in video production and video project management.
• Five or more years of experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or other editing software. AfterEffects experience preferred.
• Experience directing camera crews during field production.
• Experience shooting video in classrooms preferred.
• Experience working with one or more content management systems, preferably including Craft and/or Drupal.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience/training.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, your resume, and links to 2-4 video pieces that you’ve produced. 

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.