Producer Job at Poynter Institute in Town of Petersburgh

The Poynter Institute, an independent, global nonprofit, is searching for its next Producer to join the Program Management team within the Teaching department.

The Program Management team sets a high bar for production value and customer service, going out of our way to strengthen relationships with our participants and partners. We believe advanced planning and strong execution are a backbone of our programs. From hosting weeklong seminars with tight-knit groups of journalists in St. Petersburg, Florida, to bringing Poynter teaching on the road for regional workshops, from sparking connections with online learners over a period of weeks or months, to orchestrating large-scale conferences or events, the work of the Program Management team is focused on creating the transformative experiences that define Poynter Magic. The Producer is a vital part of that mission.

Producers collaborate with Poynter faculty, subject matter experts, project managers, marketing, and audience engagement specialists to build and deliver world-class learning experiences for Poynter program participants — before, during and after the programs. Responsible for maintaining a high level of quality across online, in-person, hybrid, live and asynchronous formats, Producers ensure both the technical success and welcoming atmosphere of Poynter programs.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning

• For regular and repeat programs, initiate an Asana project using an established template and perform basic project management. This may include facilitating kick-offs, adding or removing tasks, assigning tasks, updating deadlines, and collaborating with key stakeholders on timing and expectations.
• For more complex programs, collaborate with project managers to add and review necessary tasks according to deliverables. Ensure all milestones are completed on time.
• Proactively work with faculty, subject matter experts, and events colleagues to design the participant experience and identify requirements, analyzing and preparing for potential risks.
• Collaborating with SMEs, prepare and send acceptances/rejections, communicate with participants about logistics and assignments, send pre-program forms, administer and track pre-work, and prep surveys.
• Ensure logistics for programs are taken care of, including creating Zoom links, reserving rooms, updating calendars, ordering catering, booking hotel rooms, and planning receptions or outings.
• Advise on the program schedule, create a detailed rundown with the lead presenter, and coordinate with internal and external partners to make sure key stakeholders know what to expect.

Producing

• Manage the technical delivery of all teaching, which may include tech checks, recording, live streaming, operating soundboards, simulcasting, troubleshooting, facilitating interactivity, performing QA and more.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the latest technology, software and gear the production team uses, including Zoom, Asana, Bunny, Presto, SurveyMonkey, and A/V equipment.
• For online self-directed courses, understand learning goals, convert materials into lessons, develop instructional strategies, and maintain e-learning modules within the LMS, and assist subject matter experts.
• For certain programs, shoot and edit videos.
• During programs, pay close attention to the production, anticipate the needs of presenters and participants, monitor performance of A/V, and quickly jump into action if issues arise.

Customer Experience

• Communicate with customers, adhering to the values of the Customer Service Guide. Send emails, notifications, and confirmations and provide detailed instructions to participants.
• Be a go-to source for program participants to get their questions answered during a program and do whatever you can to help them have a wonderful experience.
• Ensure materials, such as table tents and nametags, are printed and classrooms are arranged according to plan.
• Ensure snacks, coffee, and other amenities are available for guests.
• Create a welcome slideshow and make sure it runs smoothly.
• Ensure all deliverables are met. Participate or even facilitate the program retrospective with key stakeholders.
• Follow the close-out tasks in the established project template to make sure program metrics are documented and all paperwork is completed.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Deep familiarity with Zoom. Ability to appear on camera during virtual events to welcome participants and manage participant interaction, assigning breakout rooms, posting in the chat, administering polls, etc.
• Strong aptitude for troubleshooting and ample computer skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve common issues and assist presenters and participants in working through complex technical challenges in real time in a live teaching environment.
• Proficiency in event technology that drives the customer experience of Poynter teaching events, including software such as Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva, and various presentation software (Keynote, PowerPoint, Slides, etc.).
• Knowledge of audio and video equipment and excellent troubleshooting skills that create superb audio and visual effects to enhance any live experience (Zoom, soundboards, microphone transmitters/receivers, audio/visual cables, cameras including BlackMagic cameras, Wirecast, etc.).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally with teaching event partners and participants.
• High organizational standards with an ability to prioritize tasks while paying attention to multiple details.
• Able to work as an ambassador for the teaching event, anticipating faculty and participant needs and ensuring that the program runs smoothly for both faculty and attendees.
• 3+ years of experience executing and managing events for corporate clients and audiences preferred.
• Proficiency in navigating multiple virtual delivery platforms to manage content and interactive activities.
• Basic project management skills: Ability to see the big picture of a program and break it down into steps, creating a roadmap with specific tasks. Holding yourself and other stakeholders accountable to deadlines. Documenting when and why things change, adjusting the roadmap or escalating as necessary. Use established project management templates.
• Creativity, attention to detail, and flexibility.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Hands-on experience as a virtual event host would be helpful.

RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:The Director of Program Management is responsible for monitoring the Producer’s progress and performance and will conduct an annual performance review.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:None.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL:Interacts with nearly everyone at the Institute, including program management colleagues, faculty, building services, marketing and events, audience engagement, editorial, IFCN, MediaWise, PolitiFact, and senior leadership.

EXTERNAL:Maintains cooperative relationships with subject matter experts and partners and acts as an ambassador for Poynter programming.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is preferred. Experience with journalism or media companies is strongly preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. Proficiency in various application suites, including Google Workspace. An eye for high production values is an asset. Creating polished, broadcast-worthy projects that accurately reflect the vision of the project director. Knowledge of and experience with the internet and web-based technologies are helpful. Appreciation for the craft and values of journalism is required. The producer should have a curious mind, good communication skills, and be an avid news consumer. This role must also maintain a strong interest in emerging trends in internet technologies and create transformative learning experiences for adult learners.

PROBLEM SOLVING/DECISION MAKING:Highly organized to effectively coordinate and complete multiple projects. The Producer must have a strong desire to take on issues and do everything in their power to solve them.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, absent undue hardship.

• Sitting
• Standing
• Lifting, up to 25 pounds
• Carrying
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Keyboarding
• Fine Manipulation
• Gross Manipulation
• Driving
• Reaching
• Crawling
• Crouching
• Kneeling
• Stooping
• Climbing Stairs
• Climbing ladders
• Speaking and hearing

WORK ENVIRONMENT:Must be able to work under tight deadlines and in atmospheres with moderate noise levels while performing work assignments.

OTHER INFORMATION:The Producer will generally work a five-day schedule, defined as Monday through Friday; however, the workdays will vary from time to time depending on workload. The Producer will generally work between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during the Institute's normal business hours. This full-time, salaried position requires the ability to work some nights and weekends and travel from time to time (20%).

Poynter generally adheres to a hybrid work model (work from home and work from office location). Producers are expected to come into the Poynter building at least two days a week. However, in the days leading up to and during a program, producers are expected to be in the office consistently to perform their duties.

Interested applicants should send a resume and a cover letter to the following address:

producerjob@poynter.org