Just the News Studio Production Manager

Description:

The TV Studio Production Manager oversees the daily logistical, financial, and operational execution of studio broadcasts. They bridge the gap between creative vision and physical production by managing budgets, scheduling, crew hiring, and studio resources to ensure shows are delivered safely, on time, and within financial constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Scheduling: Build and maintain detailed production timelines from pre-production through filming and post-production.

• Technical & Equipment Upkeep: Maintain, troubleshoot, and update complex broadcast equipment (e.g., mixing desks, cameras, lighting grids, and playback devices). Work with the engineering and IT departments to schedule preventative maintenance and repair faulty gear before it derails production. Ensure the program meets high technical standards, including proper audio balance, lighting levels, and visual clarity.

• Operations & Logistics: Oversee studio facility operations, book stages, coordinate set builds, and manage supply orders.
• Compliance & Safety: Conduct risk assessments, ensure adherence to FCC/Ofcom broadcast regulations, and maintain strict health and safety protocols on the studio floor.

Essential Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Typically 3–5 years of progressive experience in television production, studio operations, or asset/resource management.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of broadcast equipment, studio staging, lighting, and post-production workflows.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with union labor practices (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, IATSE), copyright laws, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities, crisis management skills, and clear communication to resolve on-set issues smoothly.

Core responsibilities are divided into four primary areas:

1. Daily Operations & Workflow Management

• Scheduling: Coordinate studio usage, manage calendars for different production teams, and avoid booking conflicts.
• Pre-Production Support: Assist producers with pre-production tasks like gathering materials, organizing graphics databases, and blocking out shoot times.
• Live Broadcast Oversight: Liaise directly with floor managers, anchors, and control room directors to ensure smooth live broadcasts and resolve on-air emergencies.

2. Technical & Equipment Upkeep

• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, troubleshoot, and update complex broadcast equipment (e.g., mixing desks, cameras, lighting grids, and playback devices).
• Engineering Liaison: Work with the engineering and IT departments to schedule preventative maintenance and repair faulty gear before it derails production.
• Technical Quality Control: Ensure the program meets high technical standards, including proper audio balance, lighting levels, and visual clarity.

3. Personnel & Talent Management

• Staffing: Recruit, train, and schedule camera operators, audio technicians, and production assistants.
• Talent/Guest Relations: Create a welcoming environment for guests and on-air talent, briefing them before takes and ensuring they are in place at the correct times.

4. Administrative & Commercial Duties

• Budgeting & Billing: Manage the studio’s rate card, secure new clients for "dry-hired" studio space, and oversee client invoicing.
• Safety Compliance: Enforce health and safety regulations, ensure clear fire exits, and maintain a secure working environment on the studio floor.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of professional production experience at a media organization, preferably in news and documentaries.

• Advanced proficiency with DaVinci Resolve, After Effects, Photoshop, Audition, Premiere and the Adobe Creative Suite production workflow. Knowledge of Audacity is a plus.

• Advanced proficiency in video editing techniques, including motion graphics, audio mixing, color correction, good sense of composition, type layout and animation. 3D experience is a plus.

• Must be available to work a variety of schedules, including weekends, to meet production and broadcast deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills, online and in person.

• Working knowledge of the best types of video for digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and OTT.

• Must have a relentless commitment to accuracy, precision, fairness and balance.

Benefits

· 401(k), Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

· Flexible Schedule

· Paid Time Off

This is a full-time role represented by Just the Network, with a salary range to be determined depending on experience and generous benefits. The office for Just the News is located in Washington, D.C., and applicants must be willing to work out of the office, which is located at 1717 Pennsylvania Ave.

To Apply

To apply, please send a resume, a brief pitch for the job, and a few samples of your work to jbeck@justthenews.com with the subject line: Video Editor / Just the News

Contact John Beck / COO / Just the News

jbeck@justthenews.com

Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Just the News!

We look forward to reviewing your application.