Series Producer, Independent Lens

This is a Full Time Job

SUMMARY

This position reports to the Vice President of Production and supports the Executive Producer in guiding the organization's position as a leader in the production and presentation of independently produced multi-platform content for Independent Lens (IL) and ITVS. Responsibilities include: manage the Independent Lens series and ensure its alignment with ITVS' overall content strategy; manage the contracting, editorial, packaging and delivery of all content broadcast and streamed on the series; build strong relationships internally to support content strategy alignment toward strategic goals; build and maintain producer and institutional partnerships with filmmakers, PBS, distributors, and other co-producing partners, manage the series production staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Programming, Contract, Budget, and Production

• Lead and manage the IL series production unit
• Serve as a primary liaison to ITVS Audience Development and Business Affairs departments
• Work with PBS Scheduling and PBS Programming staff, IL Audience Development staff, and filmmakers to create and manage the IL schedule with focus on long form content and short form content integration
• Lead and facilitate meetings with Independent Lens production and AD teams and ITVS content leads.
• Lead contracting for majority of Independent Lens licensing agreements.
• Ensure all IL productions and acquisitions meet PBS legal, funding and editorial standards.
• Maintain a thorough and evolving understanding of PBS Standards & Practices.
• Serve as Supervising Producer for long-form IL acquisitions and IL commissioned co-productions.
• Develop and maintain policies and processes for effective communication, and execution for IL Production team and other teams with whom they collaborate.
• Supervise the cutdown of IL feature-length documentaries that require editing in order to conform to broadcast TRT standards or Indie Lens Pop Up needs.
• Select, and supervise the cutdown and delivery of program content used as filler including the acquisition of short form films, repurposing IL Journalism shorts, IL trailers, and other short form content.
• Work closely with ITVS Director of Distribution and provide programmatic expertise to support the IL Multi-Platform Distribution Plan.
• Communicate the status of IL acquisitions, contracts, and production budgets to Content Strategy Team (CST), senior management, and executive team leadership as needed
• Determine which IL episodes need a ''top of show'' introduction and work collaboratively with Creative Director to deliver.
• Manage IL Asana workflow within IL production unit and integrate throughout ITVS.
• Participate in IL Multi-Platform team meetings as needed and provide data and strategic direction.
• Participate in IL presentations at All Staff meetings, department meetings, executive meetings, orientations, etc.
• Participate in ITVS Open Call and SSP vetting when possible

Filmmaker and Field Relations

• Inform field relation strategies with an emphasis on sourcing feature length content and producers whose work is appropriate for Independent Lens.
• Participate in select industry events
Institutional Leadership

• Supervise and provide professional development to the Coordinating Producer and the Production Coordinator.
• Manage the Coordinating Producer
• Primary liaison with the Audience Development department to align the series exhibition strategies across all platforms and formats: streaming, broadcast, feature & TV Hour docs, shorts, IL Journalism
• Maintain internal and external communication and relationships on behalf of the Organization to maintain a culture built on teamwork and integrity
• Inform the strategic direction of the Series (streaming, broadcast, various formats, future expansion into new formats) that align with the Organization's priorities and goals
• Stay informed of and share industry streaming and broadcast trends
General Duties

• Fosters and cultivates a culture of care and a high commitment to quality informed by ITVS values.
• Contributes to culture by proactively participating in organization programs and staff events.
• Seeks and integrates constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Works collaboratively with peers and staff; builds relationships through effective and compassionate communication.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.
COMPETENCIES
• A commitment to social impact work and engagement in a variety of social, economic, and cultural perspectives.
• Care about principles associated with diversity, equity and inclusion; willing and wanting to support the voices and visions of underrepresented communities, and reflect the interests and concerns of a diverse society.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ''can do'' attitude; superior telephone etiquette, verbal and written communication skills; clear and professional communicator.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
• Ability to stay focused, highly organized and pay close attention to details.
• Juggle multiple projects, know how to prioritize, work effectively under pressure.
• Willing to support leadership's decisions and direction in a positive, professional and cooperative manner. Great sense of humor is helpful too!
• Enjoys working as a team member as well as independently.
• Able to work cross functionally and effectively as part of team.
• Know how to support and supervise peers, and manage up.
REQUIREMENTS

1. Required: 7+ years of film/television production experience, with demonstrated editorial expertise in the documentary field, digital production, and journalistic standards.
2. Required: Demonstrated experience delivering concurrent broadcast, digital and multi-platform productions.
3. Required: Experience in contract negotiation and deal-making with filmmakers.
4. Preferred: Knowledge or expertise in PBS Standards & Practices requirements.
5. Preferred: Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience
6. Preferred: Technological experience with Google Workspace and Asana.