Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:

CAN TV is an independent nonprofit established in 1983 as the public's space on cable television, free of commercials, filters, and censors. It is one of the nation's largest and most prominent public, education, and government (PEG) programming providers. With five local channels, CAN TV airs the diversity of people and ideas that reflect Chicago, including voices often excluded from the mainstream media.

Position Overview:

The Production Manager at CAN TV plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the successful execution of studio and field productions that reflect the voices, stories, and diversity of Chicago. This position is responsible for assigning, coordinating, and overseeing production crews—including camera operators, editors, audio technicians, and other key personnel—across a wide range of programming, from live broadcasts and recorded studio shows to community-produced content.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, technically proficient, and collaborative production professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. They bring strong leadership skills, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously while maintaining high production standards and a supportive, inclusive culture for both staff and community producers.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Operations & Crew Management

• Assign and manage production crews based on project needs, skillsets, and availability
• Oversee all aspects of crew coordination for studio and field productions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for crew-related communication before, during, and after productions
• Ensure all productions are adequately staffed and technically supported

Scheduling & Resource Coordination

• Develop and maintain production schedules, call sheets, and crew assignments
• Coordinate studio time, control room usage, and field equipment allocation
• Manage overlapping production timelines and adapt to last-minute changes or staffing needs

Technical Oversight

• Ensure proper setup, operation, and breakdown of production equipment
• Troubleshoot technical issues in real time during live and recorded productions
• Maintain working knowledge of cameras, audio systems, lighting, switchers, and editing platforms
• Collaborate with engineering/technical staff to ensure equipment readiness

Editorial & Production Planning

• Collaborate with producers to determine technical and crew requirements for each production
• Translate editorial goals into efficient and effective production plans
• Maintain high standards for visual storytelling, audio quality, and overall production value

Team Leadership & Development

• Foster a professional, respectful, and inclusive production environment
• Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to emerging community producers and crew
• Address and resolve on-set or team-related conflicts as needed
• Supervise, support, and evaluate freelance, part-time, and volunteer crew members

Workflow & Systems Management

• Track crew hours, production resources, and equipment usage
• Maintain organized production records and documentation
• Support efficient media management and post-production workflows

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelors Degree and/or 3–5+ years of experience in television, video production, or media operations
• Demonstrated experience managing production crews and coordinating multiple projects
• Strong knowledge of multi-camera studio production and field production workflows
• Proficiency with industry-standard editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
• Familiarity with broadcast and streaming production equipment and systems
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in community media, public access television, or nonprofit organizations
• Familiarity with live streaming platforms and encoding systems
• Experience training or mentoring entry-level or community-based producers
• Knowledge of production management tools, scheduling systems, or databases
• Understanding of accessibility standards, including captioning and ADA considerations

Working Conditions:

• Full-time Monday - Friday, with some evenings/weekends , typically during regular business hours, with the potential for extended hours based on production needs.
• Occasional travel may be required
• The work environment may include prolonged standing or sitting
• Open desk layout and common areas

Our Benefits:

• Competitive Medical and dental plans, Employer covers 95% of the premiums.
• 401(k) Retirement Planning
• 10 Company-Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time accruals
• Employee Assistant Program

Salary:

From $65,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

CanTV is an equal-opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. If you require assistance with the recruiting process, please send us a message.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have managing production crews?
• Do you have experience with multi-camera studio productions?
• Are you proficient with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar editing software?
• Are you available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed?
• When are you available for employment?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• in television, video production, or media operations : 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60608 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person