at University of Chicago
Job Description
DepartmentCOMM UChicago Creative: Multimedia
About the Department
UChicago Creative is the in-house agency at the University of Chicago. Like the community we're part of, we are a team of creative thinkers who thrive on challenges and excel at producing innovative solutions. Our expertise spans from strategic assessment and brand positioning to creative direction and development to production and distribution. We collaborate with departments, units, and affiliated partners locally and globally to create innovative content that achieves their communication goals while advancing the University's reputation. We capture the voice and vision of the University through a variety of media, including print, photography, video, and digital. We address a full spectrum of creative challenges and develop solutions that may include everything from social media content to a fully integrated 360 campaign.
Job Summary
The Project and Production Manager (PPM) will be responsible for the planning, development, and execution of audio and video productions ranging from lectures and other events/live productions to features and documentaries; as well as actively managing multiple projects simultaneously within UChicago Creative. Reporting to the Director of Multimedia and working in close collaboration with a team of producers, the PPM works with clients within the vast University of Chicago community to ensure that projects run smoothly and stay on schedule, on budget, and within scope. This position is in direct contact with clients and therefore, responsible for client relationships and client satisfaction.
With little oversight, the PPM should understand all aspects of a project to achieve the overall strategic goals. This person must be proactive, able to perform well under pressure, nimble, problem solve and provide alternative solutions as changes arise during a project. The ideal candidate is a dynamic individual who can work independently when needed; enthusiastic, self-driven, and solution-oriented; and fosters an ongoing commitment to achieving high-quality results - both creatively and operationally.
Event/live video production is an integral part of the multimedia content that UChicago Creative produces throughout the year for the University. Therefore, this position requires an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of live event video production, whether in-person or hybrid, including the ability to manage the required staffing and equipment resources, anticipate logistical needs, and understand event video flow and execution. At times, the PPM may be asked to be the client liaison on productions.
This position has the option to work a hybrid schedule, with up to two remote days per week as business needs permit. Attendance or support at some evening and/or weekend productions may be required.
Responsibilities
- Oversees the quality of production and project communications from pre-production to delivery by defining the scope of projects, and developing project estimates and timelines.
- Collaborates with the staff producers and the Director of Multimedia for scheduling events, lectures, and all video production related tasks on the production calendar, assessing and assigning the proper equipment and staff for each project, and overseeing the weekly production meetings.
- Oversees workflow efficiencies and ensures revenue targets are being met and projects are completed and billed in a timely manner.
- Works closely with the Director of Multimedia and Director of Operations to help track project progress and conducts analysis of the multimedia department's workflow capacity utilizing forecasting tools.
- Works in partnership with the Director of Operations to provide up-to-date project tracking and forecasting information for weekly financial review meetings.
- Ensures continuity of work across the broader UChicago Creative team during integrated campaign development.
- Works primarily independently to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles project teams, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Manages the integration of vendor tasks and tracks and reviews vendor deliverables.
- Tracks progress, conducts analysis, and prepares for and facilitates project meetings.
- Leads project and weekly production meetings, responsible for project planning, tracking and analysis, as well as making sure the production calendar, project sheet, and Forecast are kept up to date.
- Acts as a resource for the project team. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
- Manages the successful integration of vendor tasks and track and review vendor deliverables.
- Has a deep understanding and experience to support the planning, development and execution of audio-visual productions with minimal supervision.
- Designs, develops, installs, operates and troubleshoots audio-visual systems, such as video conferencing, digital media and desktop and network-based technologies.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelors degree.
Experience:
- Production management experience.
- Project management experience in a production studio or creative agency.
- Experience or familiarity with communications in higher education.
- Experience or familiarity with live event video production.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- In-depth knowledge of audio and video production to be able to assign appropriate staff members, plan resources, generate detailed project estimates and timelines; and advise clients accordingly.
- Live event production coordination.
- Experience with project management tools (e.g., Basecamp, Harvest, Forecast).
Preferred Competencies
- Creative agency or production company experience coupled with strong knowledge of video, audio, and live event video production.
- Solid project leadership skills combined with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Team player and client service-minded individual with a positive attitude and the willingness to learn how to best support each member of the multimedia team-and entire UChicago Creative team-from project inception to delivery.
- Flexibility to navigate in a fast-paced environment, calmly respond to short-notice requests and juggle numerous demands concurrently.
- Exceptional organizational and scheduling skills in managing the details, prioritizing team workloads and logistics for 20+ multimedia projects per month in various stages of production and post-production, ensuring high quality and productivity while meeting client needs.
- Decisive communicator with the ability to think creatively regarding shoot set-ups, thematic story lines, and final creative deliverables.
- Identify opportunities to streamline and improve workflow process and procedures.
- Confident problem-solver, able to anticipate possible roadblocks and recommend viable solutions.
Working Conditions
- Attendance or support at some evening and/or weekend productions.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
35.7
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
