History Producer

POSITION SUMMARY

Create compelling, creative and informative long-form programs/documentaries and short-form 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 in Communications/History/Journalism or related fields preferred.

MINIMUM YEARS AND TYPE OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

-At least 3 years’ experience required as a video producer or reporter. Experience must include researching and writing for long-form programs.
-Experience creating content focused on history, with extensive knowledge of archival research.
-At least 1 year experience managing complex projects managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
-Strong creative video storytelling skills combined with editorial judgment required. Ability to engage in high-level research and production on original, creative topics for story and project development.
-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when creating and reviewing content, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills, are required for this position.
-Must be available to work weekdays, some evenings and weekends as needed, with ability to travel – with occasional overnights.

NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
-Experience using Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent non-linear editing software.
-Familiarity or experience with public media.
-Experience with social media and web distribution.
-Knowledge of Wisconsin state history.
-A demonstrable passion for history and finding ways to make it interesting and relevant to current-day audiences.
-Experience conducting historical research, working with primary source materials, and obtaining rights for use.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

1. Proactively research, develop and produce long-form programs/documentaries and short-form stories for broadcast and digital distribution. Primary focus on Wisconsin’s history and culture. Work with supervisor to develop and refine project proposals and new productions.
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.). Prepare production rundowns, meeting agendas and schedules. Supervise, plan and execute production activities including identifying and conducting interviews; writing/scripting; and overseeing the work of other production staff assigned to handle production elements. Meet all deadlines.
3. Identify and acquire archival materials, or supervise this work, as needed.
4. 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.
5. Collaborate with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, including work with animators, designers, web developers, videographers, editors and others.
6. Establish and maintain effective relationships with external partners to engage Wisconsin’s diverse communities.
7. Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work products and in organizational interactions. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships. Support an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment.

SALARY
Minimum $52,000 depending on qualifications

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Expected salary range for this position is $52,000 to $62,000. Actual pay 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.

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 by August 22, 2021. The job number is 237588.

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 two to four 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 one to three pieces of writing. These can be examples of your script writing, essays, educational resource materials, etc.

As applicants progress to interviews, they will need to provide at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (include at least one supervisor).

Questions? Contact: Kate O’Connor, PBS Wisconsin, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706; 608-262-5221; [email protected].