Assistant Director, Broadcast Production, Producer (Athletics)

Department: Univ Athletics-Extrnl Affairs
Salary/Grade: EXS/5
Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,350 – $60,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director, Producer is responsible for the preparation and execution of live sporting-event productions for Northwestern Athletics’ in-venue video boards and Big Ten Network StudentU broadcasts. This position serves as a producer, director and control-room operator for live events, coordinating production elements, personnel and technical resources to deliver high-quality broadcasts and in-venue presentations.

When not actively producing or directing events, the Assistant Director works with internal departments, venue partners, conference and network representatives, and other stakeholders to plan upcoming productions, develop show content and ensure operational readiness. This position is primarily focused on live-event production and does not have regular post-production, editing or creative-video responsibilities.

Please note:

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Produces and or directs live sporting-event productions for Northwestern’s in-venue video boards and Big Ten Network StudentU broadcasts.
• Serves in key control-room positions before, during and after live productions, including producer, director, technical director, replay operator, graphics operator and other roles as assigned.
• Leads the preparation of event rundowns, production schedules, show formats, scripts, and other materials necessary for the successful execution of live events.
• Collaborates with marketing, sponsorship, athletic communications, facilities, venue technology, creative services and other stakeholders to develop and execute production plans that support departmental, institutional and partner objectives.
• Coordinates with coaches, sport administrators, event management personnel, conference representatives, broadcast partners and visiting production teams to identify event-specific needs and communicate relevant production information.
• Works with the Director/Associate Director of Broadcast Production to assign personnel, equipment and technical resources across simultaneous in-venue and streaming productions.
• Assists, in collaboration with the Director/Associate Director of Broadcast Production and other stakeholders to develop staffing plans for events.
• Provides leadership and direction to students, part-time employees, freelance personnel and contracted production staff during live events.
• Participates in production meetings, technical walkthroughs, rehearsals and event-day preparation to ensure all departments and production personnel are aligned.
• Troubleshoots production, operational and technical issues and develops timely solutions to minimize disruption to live events.
• Assists with maintaining consistent production standards, operating procedures, show formats and workflows across Northwestern Athletics venues and broadcasts.
• Reviews completed productions and provides feedback to staff and student operators to improve execution, consistency and overall production quality.
• Occasionally assists with student training, equipment setup, system testing and other Broadcast Operations responsibilities as needed.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC, and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in video/film production, communications or related field or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience with sports video production, including shooting, editing and post-production.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere, After Effects and Photoshop.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently on short deadlines, including balancing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 1 year of professional experience with live sporting event production and technical understanding of required equipment (including router, switcher, graphics engines, replay machines and more). Working knowledge of Ross XPression and Carbonite preferred.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with directing, technical directing and overseeing game day staff preferred.
• Understanding of sports broadcast production techniques and the ability to communicate and teach techniques to students preferred.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the Application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.