Production Assistant, Specials and Weekends Overnights

NBCUniversal•New York, NY

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The NBC News Specials team is seeking a Production Assistant to support the team during overnight breaking news coverage on weekends and Early Today weekdays. This role involves working closely with the Senior Producer and Line Producer to ensure all production elements are in place for seamless live broadcasts during major news events. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about journalism and thrive in a fast-paced, quickly changing, and deadline-driven team environment.

Requirements

At least 1 year of news production experience or internship-related experience at the network or cable news level.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, English, History or a related field of study.
Must be willing and able to work in person at 30 Rock Wednesday-Sunday, 8pm-4am.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Avid Media Central, Avid Interplay, VizRT graphics, iNews, Slack and/or similar editing and editorial technological systems.
Strong organizational skills and ability to handle logistics in a live-news environment.
Strong news judgment and a keen interest in national and international news.
Proficiency with automated control room systems and rundown tools–or clear aptitude to learn them quickly.
Must maintain strong awareness of current events and proactively respond to emerging news stories as needed.
Self-starter who has demonstrated strong knowledge and interest in news and current events.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Proficiency with automated control-room systems and rundown tools–or clear aptitude to learn them quickly.
Long-term career aspirations to be in the production/editorial space.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure, with a proactive approach to challenges.
Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across diverse production units.
Collaborative team player dedicated to supporting editorial excellence.

Responsibilities

Assist with multiple aspects of production including: compiling research for production team and talent, creating graphics and lower thirds during breaking news and special coverage, sourcing and gathering and editing video.
Research and compile visual elements for air.
Help monitor social media and web for any breaking news or long-term news stories.
Work closely with other members of breaking news team to research, select, and locate required footage for broadcast.
Support the production team in the control room during live broadcasts.
Build and manage elements including but not limited to graphics and video elements for on-air use.
Work with automated systems to support shows as needed, including building rundowns, segments and writing intros to packages / other taped elements.
Collaborate with Senior Producers and the Specials team to anticipate resources needed for major-event coverage.
Troubleshoot technical or logistical issues in real time to minimize on-air disruptions.
Partner with technical, graphics, audio, and talent departments to maintain top-tier production quality.
Produce live cut-ins, breaking news specials, and additional content as needed.
Assist show production team in the control room and studio during the broadcast.
Work closely with Producers and other members of the show team to find and edit the best video, sound and graphics for assigned stories.
Keep a constant eye on show rundowns to make sure video and graphics are in place, accurate and current.
Help research and fact check stories with speed and accuracy.