Manager, Media Production & Operations

American Public Media Group•Saint Paul, MN

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position oversees the day-to-day operations of MPR|APM audio and video production, which includes supervising a team working on Minnesota Public Radio content. This position is part of our Media Production & Operations team which serves and collaborates with all the brands under MPR. This role will help facilitate change management as we evolve audio production workflows to include video capture, live switching & streaming, and video post-production as we advance distribution of our content across a variety of platforms. This will include helping to establish and enforce standards on visual style, framing, and placement of branding elements in our videos. This position will also help to standardize video production tools and workflows for consistency across all MPR|APM brands. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining ongoing training methods and strategies to ensure quality control and excellence in support of MPR|APM content, while providing leadership to foster a professional, creative, and technically savvy team. This position will collaborate with other Media Operations managers to schedule personnel and technical resources, coordinate remote recordings, studio sessions, live events, and broadcasts; while also serving as part of the team, functioning as a Technical Director when needed and backing-up team members on production work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree OR equivalent experience in audio/video production.
6+ years of work experience in the audio, video, broadcast, or media production industries.
Possess knowledge and experience in both the audio and video realms doing field recording/shooting, event production, studio recording/shooting, and post-production.
Experience in a media production environment meeting regular production deadlines for audience facing audio and video content.
Computer literate with experience using PC and Mac platforms.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays when work requires.
Ability to foster high standards and coach, inspire, and lead staff.
Ability to recruit and develop talent.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others.
Ability to interact and work professionally with hosts, interview guests, and artists.
Extensive knowledge and proficiency with audio software for multi-track recording, mixing, and editing.
Knowledgeable with microphone selection and placement techniques.
Demonstrated skills with live audio mixing and console operation for both broadcasts and events.
Skilled with audio processing tools and plug-ins including equalizers, compressors, limiters, de-esser's, reverb, and other digital effects used for both live mixing and post-production.
Demonstrated skills operating and knowledge of video cameras and shooting techniques.
Excellent customer service skills.
Project planning, communications, and teamwork skills.
Ability and desire to not just maintain the status quo, but to increase the quality and efficiency of the team’s work overtime.
Ability to think about content editing from the perspective of the audience to help shape a story or piece with creative editing and production techniques.
Creative problem solver and ability to communicate complex principles in non-technical terms.
Ability to maintain composure and perform well under pressure.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and partnerships to achieve common goals.
Working knowledge of audio and video over IP formats (e.g. Dante, NDI, AES67).
Experience in a broadcasting or media environment.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of supervisory/management experience.
Working knowledge of computer networking architecture (static IP vs. DHCP, firewalls, VLANs).
Proficiency with video editing and live video switching techniques.
Working knowledge of lighting techniques for video production.
Knowledge of digital production and content management systems for 'on-air' program production and automation.
Knowledge of loudness standards (LUFS) for content delivery to different platforms.
Audio-over-IP certification and/or training (e.g. Dante Certification)
Project management training, and/or experience with project management tools such as Airtable.

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains the highest standards of production, customer service, and technical knowledge within the MPR|APM Media Operations team.
Establishes and enforces efficient standard operating procedures and holds staff accountable to those standards.
Works with other departments and external partners to remain up to date on all technical and content changes and modifications.
Hires, trains, and supervises direct staff while providing work direction, constructive performance coaching, mentorship, performance meetings, and on-going feedback.
Coordinates the team’s work schedules to support remote recordings, live broadcasts, interviews, general studio operations, post-production, and other duties as assigned.
Facilitates last minute schedule changes for emergencies and unexpected situations and has the authority to rearrange schedules as circumstances warrant.
Cultivates a creative and productive work environment.
Creates development opportunities and individualized training and development plans for staff to enhance skills and foster growth.
Provides technical support for MPR|APM and affiliates.
Leads by example and works with team to deliver on standards.
Collaborates closely with show hosts, directors, and producers to accommodate an efficient and creative broadcast/production environment.
Leads technical planning of remote broadcasts, recordings, and events to help shape the scope early in the planning process so that we can meet the expectations of everyone involved.
Maintains expert knowledge and operational skill in digital audio production using in-house software-editing platforms (currently utilized systems include Dalet and Pro Tools) as well as mixing consoles (currently utilized systems include Axia, Neve, Midas, and Yamaha digital consoles.)
Maintains expert knowledge and operational skill in digital video production using software editing platforms (currently utilized systems include Davinci Resolve & vMix) as well as video cameras (currently utilized equipment include Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6k G2, Canon C70, & ZCam E2N.)
Coordinates remote connections for live broadcasts and interview recording (currently utilized systems include Comrex Access, LiveU, Opal, Riverside, Teams, and more.)
Stays up-to-date on industry trends for audio and video equipment and content production.
Makes recommendations on equipment purchases to thoughtfully make incremental improvements over time.
Strategizes with other leaders on content production styles.
Grows and improves our production training resources through documentation, videos, and in-person trainings.
Responsible for responding in a timely and professional manner to internal and external requests for audio or video files, technical assistance, and planning details.
Facilitates regular testing of disaster recovery procedures for MPR services.
Performs duties of a Technical Director as needed.
Other duties as assigned.