History Producer

POSITION SUMMARY
Write and produce compelling, creative and informative long-form documentaries and short-form broadcast and digital content for PBS Wisconsin. Content focuses primarily on Wisconsin’s history, including the state’s diverse people, places, events, and cultures. This position reports to the Executive Producer of History and Production Services.

DEGREE AND AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Bachelor’s degree preferred in Communications/History/Journalism or related fields.

MINIMUM YEARS AND TYPE OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum 3 years’ professional experience as a video producer or reporter; experience must include a primary role in researching and writing for long-form programs (experience gained solely in course work or student positions does not qualify)
2. Experience writing and creating content focused on history, with extensive knowledge of archival research
3. Minimum 2 years’ experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
4. Strong creative video storytelling skills combined with editorial judgment; ability to engage in high-level research and production on original, creative topics for story and project development
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills

NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience using Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent non-linear editing software.
2. Familiarity or experience with public media and its mission.
3. Experience with social media and web distribution.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of the diversity of Wisconsin’s state history, people and cultures.
5. A demonstrable passion for history and finding ways to make it interesting and relevant to current-day audiences.
6. Experience conducting historical research, working with primary source materials, and obtaining rights for use.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES 

1. Proactively research, develop and produce long-form documentaries and short-form stories for broadcast and digital distribution. Primary focus on Wisconsin’s history and culture.
2. Oversee all elements of assigned productions including, but not limited to: Project budget creation and oversight, production timeline; research; and scheduling production resources (videographers, studio, graphics, editing, etc.).
3. Script and write narration for documentary programs and related digital assets.
4. Identify and acquire archival materials, or supervise this work, as needed.
5. Work with Compliance Manager on project contracts, service agreements, and rights clearances. Responsible for all aspects of working with production contractors including freelance production personnel and actors.
6. Collaborate with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, including work with animators, designers, web developers, videographers, editors and others.
7. Establish and maintain effective relationships with external partners to engage Wisconsin’s diverse communities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Expected salary range for this position is $52,000 to $62,000. Actual pay and title will depend on experience and qualifications. PBS Wisconsin offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation, sick leave, healthcare and pension.

The person in this role will work remotely for the time being and will eventually work from our office in Madison, Wisconsin. Additionally, this individual must be available to work weekdays, some evenings and weekends as needed, with ability to travel – with occasional overnights.

The occupant of this position is expected to comply with the Ethics for PBS Wisconsin Staff found at pbswisconsin.org/about/ as well as the UW Madison Code of Ethics.

The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

HOW TO APPLY:.
Apply online at https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu by October 29, 2021.  The job number is 242350.

The following must be received for your application to be complete:
1) Resume;
2) A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, including additional information on any of the required or preferred experience bullet points that connect to your experience and background;
3) Share links to three video projects that you have worked on. Choose samples where the intent of the piece is to explain, enrich, or educate on a topic. Include a paragraph explaining your exact role in creating the media and what you think is successful about the work;
4) Share two pieces of writing. Examples of narration and script writing is strongly preferred although essays, educational resource materials, etc., are also acceptable.
5) Provide at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (include at least one supervisor). References will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.

Questions? Contact: Erin Cook, PBS Wisconsin, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706; 608-263-0477; [email protected].