Media Production Manager

Reporting to the Executive Director for the Instructional Design and Media Production Studio, the Media Production Manager serves as a key member of the unit by providing expertise in and oversight of an effective media production environment for the enhancement of teaching and learning initiatives.

The Media Production Manager will direct the development of the digital learning assets for various course modalities offered across a variety of disciplines and audiences. The Media Production Manager will collaborate closely with instructional designers and subject matter experts, including instructors, educational developers, and researchers, to ensure the course design process meets quality and accessibility requirements and industry standards. The Media Production Manager will oversee all creative aspects of the course development process, including video, graphics, animation, immersive experiences, and other learning asset types, to support the development of engaging, interactive resources that convey complex concepts and support the effective, learner-centered delivery of course competencies and/or learning objectives.

The Media Production Manager will be an experienced designer with a strong sense of aesthetics, excellent production skills, attention to detail, knowledge of ADA / WCAG policies and the ability to build accessible learning assets in compliance with those and institutional policies, and a passion for learning and innovating. The Media Production Manager will be responsible for leading a team with expertise in graphic design, 2D/3D animation, and audiovisual production/editing to support teaching innovation at UIC.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and coordinate the day-to-day activities and project assignments of the media staff.
• Manage the complete creative development cycle (from concepting/storyboarding and illustrating to technical implementation and delivery of finished work).
• Supervise the concept, design, production, and storage of live video content.
• In coordination with instructional design team, ensure digital learning assets are created and delivered in a timely manner and according to a maintained course/program/eLearning module production calendar.
• Ensure media production follows quality standards, including those necessary for implementation of ADA / WCAG-compliant practices.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of the course/program/eLearning module development process, build relationships with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and learners, and define success metrics.
• Oversee the operations of the Academic Multimedia Lab, including management of multimedia support services and consultations.
• Identify, research, test, and select animation, motion design, digital communication, and video trends and technologies, to produce innovative and effective media-enhanced courses and course components.

Multimedia Content Production

• Act as a subject matter expert regarding design and motion graphics and provide input/assist in resolving issues
• Partner with instructors, educational developers, and instructional designers to develop concepts for media assets (audio/video/graphic/animation) and other creative components for courses/programs/eLearning modules.
• For courses, consult with instructors to determine acceptable formats for content; recommend asset types to support the proposed vision for the course and implement best practices that reflect the latest research in learning theory.
• Support the instructional team in the creation of innovative digital learning experiences.
• Ensure ADA / WCAG compliance for course/program/eLearning module components; develop and execute quality control and accountability processes across the media team.

Other Responsibilities

• Proactively engage in professional development to stay up-to-date on the use of applications and emergent technologies that support the learning process as well as institutional policies and industry standards for ADA / WCAG compliance, UIC marketing/brand management, etc.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in broadcasting, communications, or a related field
• Minimum of five years of professional videography and video editing experience
• Minimum of five years managing a team of employees with demonstrated ability to recruit and train new hires and serve as a mentor

• Expert knowledge of all phases of media production ranging from the formulation of concepts to the preservation of the final product
• Expert knowledge of video streaming platforms (e.g., VoiceThread, Panopto, Zoom), e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate 360, Camtasia Studio) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Audition, and After Effects)
• Experience using shared storage and media management server for production and post-production
• Proven skill designing editing workflows for media teams
• Ability to supervise, organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments
• Ability to estimate the time, money, and labor required to produce media products

• Certification and/or other formal training (e.g., Master's degree)
• Experience training others in online and/or hybrid learning environments

• Working knowledge of building accessible learning assets in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• Ability to work well under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to mentor, coach, influence, and motivate staff

Application Instructions

To apply, candidates should submit a resume and 1-2 page cover letter expressing their interest and summarizing their qualifications for the position. In their cover letter, candidates should address how they will manage unique demands of media production for complex course development schedules, and their management philosophy, and names and contact information for three professional references. Candidates may also submit up to five pages in materials from their professional portfolio that they feel would assist the search committee with an evaluation of their application. Finalists for the position will be invited to deliver a job talk showcasing their media production management vision, strategic plan for production, leadership approach, and relevant project examples.

For those requiring disability accommodation: No qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University. If requested, we will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application to receive an accommodation. Please request any reasonable accommodations for disability as early as possible in the application and search process. Requests may be directed to the hiring unit, The Instructional Design and Media Production Studio at idmpstudio@uic.edu.

Working Conditions General office environment. Must be available to work a hybrid schedule and be on campus at least three days per week. Occasional travel for work-related conferences and events, including professional development opportunities at least once per year. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer keyboards.