Multimedia Producer

Company: City of Fargo, ND
Location: Fargo
Posted on: November 18, 2023

Job Description:

Salary: $59,446.00 - $77,272.00 Annually

Location : Fargo, ND

Job Type: Full Time Regular (40)

Job Number: 2023-00297

Department: Communications & Governmental Affairs

Division: Administration/Public Inf - SELECT THIS OPTION

Opening Date: 11/15/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Description

In addition to a resume and cover letter, please include a portfolio of applicable work and three professional references in your application packet. Applications submitted without the components listed above will not be reviewed.

The Multimedia Producer leads efforts in researching, developing, editing, writing, shooting and voicing video stories which advance the strategy and goals of The City of Fargo. This position curates strategic storytelling efforts for the department and across the organization. This work includes envisioning, producing, leading, social generating, analyzing, collaborating and communicating to educate a variety of audiences, including residents, businesses, members of the media, City employees and community groups on the operations and services of The City of Fargo. The videos created by the person in this position will vary from short-form videos with a fast turnaround to long-form videos spanning several weeks.

Scope of Responsibility:
The Multimedia Producer is responsible for ascertaining and transforming high-level ideas into engaging video stories through the entire creation process, including brainstorming ideas, pre-production planning, shooting, editing and shaping the content message. This individual will collaborate with the full Communications & Governmental Affairs (CommsGA) team and other cross-functional departments to plan, create and produce vivid and impactful informational, broadcast and social media style videos to showcase The City of Fargo's services, features and share The City's story in a unique and engaging way. Frequent direct collaboration will occur between the Multimedia Producers and other members of the CommsGA team.

The Multimedia Producer is expected to engage in strategic, creative thinking, script creation, voiceover oversight, talent management, shooting, editing and producing video materials and staying up-to-date on the latest technology and creative trends, all while exercising initiative and sound judgement to strategically advance The City's core mission and objectives. This position will also serve in a back-up capacity to the Broadcast Services Division of CommsGA to produce live broadcasts and assist with AV needs for City meetings.

The Multimedia Producer will be required to work through video reviews and constructive feedback from members of CommsGA and the project stakeholders. The hours of this job are variable and the Multimedia Producers will need adjust schedules to lead video shoots and broadcast work outside of normal hours as needed. This position will be a part of a rotational on-call weekend schedule.

Primary Responsibilities

• ENVISIONING - Act as a driving conceptualizer and creator for the City's external video communication efforts and a contributor to internal efforts.
• Function as an exceptional communicator with the ability to effectively translate technical information, City policies or programs for dissemination to the public in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Generate ideas, write, research, coordinate and distribute gathered information through video production to showcase City services, programs and events.
• Collaborate with the CommsGA staff members and cross-functional departments to write video scripts. This position will be the primary script creator for video production efforts, which will also include the authoring of textual visual elements. This will require visualization efforts in ensuring the script and subsequent b-roll accurately convey the intended project scope.
• Creatively execute and direct the vision of video stories from pre-production processes through the eventual internal approvals. The position is responsible for developing original and compelling ideas for digital content.
• Strategically shape the narrative and roll out of content and individual video story/message.
• Research and analyze background information related to complex events or programs to produce resident-facing stories to effectively distill and package information in a compelling and easy-to-understand manner.
• Determine a story's emphasis, length and format, effectively organizing material to compellingly advance the core values of The City through storytelling.
• Research trends across new videography equipment and advance change by making recommendations for capital equipment purchases, as well as software, digital assets subscriptions and broadcast tools.
• PRODUCING - Create high-quality video, podcasts and voice recordings to engage a diverse audience.
• Creatively and efficiently develop each story while adhering to brand guidelines and City-wide strategic goals. This includes producing high quality, professional-sounding voiceovers which may involve sourcing, utilizing, directing and negotiating external voice talent.
• Produce supplementary materials, including motion graphics and teaser videos to drive interest in projects.
• Work with departments across the organization to record campaign videos for PSAs, recruiting videos, educational videos and short videos designed for viral consumption.
• Assist with organizational photography, including event photos for use on social media, public websites, publications and other marketing materials.
• Independently organize video creation concepts capturing The City, its residents, businesses, events and naturalistic features.
• Spearhead efforts to implement and maintain a centralized video file library (Iconik) to ensure all departmental divisions have access to the raw files.
• Creatively direct new styles of content in the City's central production facility (Studio 105) including short internal and external informational videos, podcasts, interviews and other content.
• To promote continuity of operations, this position will be cross-trained to assist in the production of the live broadcast and rebroadcast of the City's meetings on and off-site, across cable access television channels and social media platforms. This includes both broadcast locations, Commission Chambers, Sky Commons and Gateway Commons as well as mobile, live broadcast as required.
• LEADING - Drive the strategic vision for video production and lead efforts in the conceptualization and design of compelling and informative videos.
• This position will serve as the operational video production collaborative liaison between the department's Broadcast Services, Community Engagement, Creative Services and Public Information Divisions.
• Produce a variety of video types from concept to completion, highlighting topics interesting and useful for residents and visitors of Fargo.
• Strategically lead department and City employees to a successful end product, even if they have no knowledge of the creative process.
• Support CommsGA staff with video creation for use in advertisements, email campaigns, social media and other channels.
• Create video layouts to showcase civic storytelling of the organization's missions, programs and employees to present to the public.
• Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following City style and formatting guidelines.
• Broadcast, edit and disseminate the City's recorded meetings of its boards, commissions, committees, and press conferences to various platforms.
• Assist as a secondary technology troubleshooter and lead broadcast technician for live, broadcasted meeting, events and press conferences.
• SOCIAL GENERATING - Strive to create higher rates of engagement and increased numbers of followers/subscribers across the City's various social media platforms through videos.
• Act as a content contributor among the City's social platforms by providing digital content to assist in the work of the Community Engagement Division.
• Work with the Community Engagement Division to develop content based off the different needs and trends of different social media sites.
• Work across departments to cross-promote City events and activities.
• Collaborate with departmental staff to create short videos for social media consumption, as well as broadcasting events live to our social media channels.
• ANALYZING - Using various methods and measurement tools, gather and provide datasets to the CommsGA Leadership Team as part of the on-going evaluation of the effectiveness of current communication strategies.
• Monitor storytelling trends and provide technical expertise regarding the communication industry to ensure content and style are contemporary, while maintaining conformity with established brand guidelines.
• Research new and innovative strategies of communicating information by surveying peer government agencies and the private sector.
• Engage in peer benchmarking for storytelling to monitor and modify ideas for potential incorporation into Fargo's videography operations.
• Routinely evaluate the various departmental videos' accuracy of presentation and that the contents are integrated with the City's overall communication initiatives; this involves ensuring that Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards are being met.
• Produce reports on the consumption of video content across the City's various platforms to be analyzed by City staff for evaluation of efficacy.
• COLLABORATING - Serve in a capacity that permeates all CommsGA team functions.
• Assist the Public Information Manager in ensuring all forms of video communications are coordinated, timely, accurate and on-message to promote credibility, public trust and awareness of the City. Prepare video content in various manners to sometimes be tailored specifically for the media's needs.
• Assist with coordinating production activities with video production vendors, consultants or partner agencies while working with them to ensure brand standards and integrity are met.
• Help increase cooperation between cross-departmental teams and ensure collaborative future video efforts.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback in the video review process through multiple revisions and video versions.
• Coordinate with the department's Project Manager on realistic deadlines and project workloads. Also, to negotiate with departments to right-size and right-fit the deliverable with the scope and intended goals of the end product.
• COMMUNICATING - Courteously and professionally maintain working relationships in executing job functions.
• Communicate with others (specifically the Project Manager) to provide information relating to work assignments and relay progress and challenges.
• Interact with the public, vendors and across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information where an explanation of concepts is needed, such as conducting a video interview and adapting to the situation.
• Schedule meetings with other departments and attend trainings to gain a better understanding of different roles throughout the organization. This position is required to conduct interviews to successfully extract employee expertise and knowledge.
• Build contacts and direct sources within other departments to unearth potentially valuable news stories and content ideas.
• Stay in contact with other members of CommsGA or the appropriate vendor if video or broadcast equipment or software is not successfully operating.
• Serve in a training capacity to other City employees and departments who may be working with video or broadcast technologies for the first time.
• PRIORITIZING SAFETY - Perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an on-going awareness of safety practices.
• Know and follow department and City rules, as well as quality work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
• Recognize digital security concerns and adhere to polices established by the City.
• Utilize protective equipment when required and proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work.
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, report them to the CommsGA Leadership Team in a timely manner.
• ADAPTING - Perform other duties and activities as assigned.
  Minimum Qualifications
  
  This position requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in digital media, video production, multimedia design, mass communications, broadcast journalism or a closely-related field; at least 1.5 years of prior production experiences or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. A valid driver's license is also required.
  
  Knowledge, skills and abilities should include:
  

• Ability to conceptualize, produce and edit videos with a strong emphasis on strong storytelling.
• Skills in interpersonal communication to facilitate high-level discussions with co-workers, supervisors, the general public and others to exchange or convey information, resolve disputes and receive work direction.
• The ability to multitask, with adherence to multiple deadlines, under stressful or difficult situations.
• Preferred Part 107 Certified UAS Pilot.
• Project management experience with precise accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem resolution capabilities.
• The ability to quickly demonstrate effectiveness, credibility, thoroughness and collaborative skills in adhering to and advancing The City of Fargo's brand.
• Digital social media engagement optimization concepts and strategies for video production.
• Fluency in computer applications used by the Communications & Governmental Affairs office, including the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience conducting and shooting interviews.
• Excellent visual and conceptual motion graphic design skills.
• Experience with non-linear editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro Preferred.
• Experience with digital camera equipment and knowledge of manual camera functions.
• Experience with color correction and color grading log footage.
• Experience with audio equipment and audio editing.
• Experience broadcasting/live streaming.
• Experience positioning objects in a frame and adjusting for best lighting.
  Physical Demands
  
  Work is performed in television studios and on location at meetings and events, resulting in a variety of settings including intermittent exposure to moving traffic, extreme weather conditions, construction or hard hat sites, rough or unstable terrain and electrical components. Vision is required to perform and monitor essential functions, including viewing the full range of the color spectrum.
  
  Activities include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, hand dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing and repetitive motions. Also, carrying video equipment. Intermittent (once or twice per week) use of a vehicle on City business is also required. At times deadlines are very strict.
  
  On occasion there may be a need for emergency response. In an emergency situation, the person may be required to be on-site for a prolonged period of time at a designated facility. Activities include fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
  
  Occasional overnight travel may be required. The person in this position is required to be on-call during some evenings and weekends as some events, press conferences and emergency response situations take place outside of normal work hours; this responsibility is shared among the Multimedia Producers.
  
  Medium Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with medium work: Exerting up to 60 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
  
  Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
  
  Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
  
  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
  
  The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. For more information on our benefits click
  
  If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Fargo.

Keywords: City of Fargo, ND, Fargo , Multimedia Producer, Other , Fargo, North Dakota