Description:

Position Title: Production Manager

Position Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Position Pay: $18.00 Per/ Hr.

SUMMARY
A Production Manager for our family-owned company is expected to share in the same baseline job description. You will report directly to the News Director, who will decide on scheduling, evaluate your performance relative to the job description, and help enhance your leadership style, which is personal to you. Our operation is based on a story-centric workflow. That means we prioritize story treatment across a variety of platforms, from our linear broadcasts to our streaming services, as well as social media and our digital properties. A good Production Manager ensures smooth technical operations across all our platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintains technical quality of all broadcasts, both for linear and streaming coverage.
Lead contact for operations within the studio and control room.
Work closely with engineers to ensure all equipment is operational and maintained. Responsible for communicating all technical and staffing issues to News Director and engineers, ensuring issues are addressed.
Responsible for loading and maintaining all graphic elements in control room, ensuring all on-air graphics are current while deleting out-of-date content.
Assist with training and onboarding of all production staff.
Establish workflow and training procedures that will create efficiencies and enhance productivity.
Manage studio operations for all equipment, fixtures and furniture.
Help train directors to build rundowns for all live and recorded broadcasts, operate Control Room computer and automation systems, which includes the creation and utilization of templates to automate production functions including technical directing, audio mixing, live/remote segment cut-ins, video file playback, graphics insertion, and switching.
Work with other news managers to develop and execute large scale coverage for special events and breaking news.
Back fill for directors and editors if needed.
A competitive passion to win and openness to innovation is mandatory.
Must be flexible to cover breaking news or big coverage on any shift, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Other duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum three years of experience at a live commercial media outlet.
Degree in Journalism, Media, Broadcast or similar field preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS

Strong leadership skills.
Ability to work effectively in a high intensity, live environment with several people.
Availability for big breaking news coverage on unassigned shift.
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Able to make decisions and judgments quickly, often in a fast-paced, chaotic environment.
Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Problem solver and quick thinker, using technical know-how to resolve existing issues and to work around problems that arise during live news.
TECHNICAL SKILLS

Office Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent tools (e.g., Google Workspace), including email and calendar management.
Broadcast-Specific Software: Proficiency with newsroom systems such as ENPS or iNews and teleprompter operations. Proficiency in transmission, broadcasting, switching, control and operations of television systems. Use of multi-ME switcher, video servers, graphic systems, and editing systems preferred.
Live Streaming: Familiarity with live-streaming platforms and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
KEY COMPETENCIES

Language Skills

Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing to communicate complex information clearly.
Ability to adjust tone and vocabulary for diverse audiences and platforms.
Customer Service Skills

Strong conflict resolution and adaptability to audience preferences.
Professionalism when representing the station at public events or online.
Reasoning Abilities

Strong critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and report problems.
Strong problem-solving skills regarding technical issues and production team oversight.
Physical Demands

Frequent walking, standing and sitting for extended periods of eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day.
Manual dexterity in operating equipment and computers.
Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Work Environment

Primarily indoors in a control room setting.
Frequent exposure to medium or loud noise levels.
A fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom environment.
 

What we offer:

We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:

A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere
Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!
We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!
For detailed information regarding benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday time, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

Montana Benefits: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/NonStopLocalMT

What Next? If you want to be part of our winning team, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Stephanie Ashley, Director of Recruiting, at: Stephanie.ashley@NonStopLocal.com.

Don’t forget: Complete your application at https://careers.cowlesco.com complete all required fields, and upload any supporting documents such as a resume, cover letter, references, and examples of work! At the end of your profile creation, simply pick the position(s) you would like to apply for and press “submit.” It’s that easy!

If you already have a company profile, log in and update your information where necessary, then apply to the open requisition.

If you need assistance with creating or logging into your candidate profile, please email careers@cowlesco.com and an HR representative will respond as quickly as possible.

At Cowles Company, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is unwavering, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that together we can build a brighter future for our employees and our organization that enriches our organization, drives innovation, and fuels our success. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and strive to maintain a respectful, professional workplace where individuals are evaluated based on merit, performance, and business needs.

All candidates selected for hire will be required to submit to a background check.

Drug Testing, including THC, applies to safety-sensitive positions.

Position open until filled.