Media Production Manager

The Media Production Manager will manage and produce a variety of digital media initiatives for AAUP and its Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom (CDAF), with a primary focus on the development and scheduling of video and podcast content, coordinating with contributors, staffing online events, editing video and audio content, and meeting engagement goals. Projects include managing webinars, CDAF’s Academic Freedom on the Line podcast episodes and Substack, the AAUP TV livestream, and content for AAUP’s YouTube channel, social media, and Zoom events. Producing polished, engaging video for a variety of platforms is a key component of the job. The ideal candidate will strengthen AAUP’s public presence by elevating and accelerating our media profile.

The Media Production Manager will report to the Director of External Relations and collaborate with numerous AAUP and CDAF staff, contractors, fellows, and member leaders.

This is a one-year Special Appointment position in the Department of External Relations covered by the AAUP-United Staff of AAUP collective bargaining agreement. Renewal of the position for a second year is possible, dependent on funding. Special Appointment positions are short-term appointments (not to exceed two years) for the purpose of fulfilling clearly defined, temporary projects, including but not limited to organizing assignments, pilot programs, and grant-funded projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the development and distribution of AAUP media, including work flows involving multiple stakeholders with consultative and approval authority.
• Develop and release content.
• Support AAUP and CDAF project leads.
• Improve efficiency and pace of media production.
• Develop and implement promotion strategies that increase audience engagement.
• Produce engaging clips for social media.
• Record, edit, format, and distribute video and audio content.
• Produce informational video content to promote AAUP publications and other materials.
• Guide the production of virtual programming.
• Maintain production calendars for multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating recording and publication schedules and meeting deadlines.
• Work with graphic design contractors to ensure a coherent and impactful visual identity.
• Edit, review, and revise content to ensure high production quality.
• Perform editorial tasks that are necessary for launch, release, or publication of multiple projects.
• Monitor audience feedback, comments, and replies.
• Identify growth opportunities and content trends.
• Facilitate between staff, contributors, and elected leadership.
• Track performance and engagement metrics.
• Ensure accessibility of all published content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end production workflows for digital media, including audio and written content.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, contributors, and production stages simultaneously.
• Sound editorial judgment, including the ability to edit for clarity, coherence, tone, and audience.
• Working knowledge of podcast production processes, including recording, editing workflows, publishing, and distribution.
• Familiarity with email newsletter or publishing platforms (e.g., Substack or comparable tools), including scheduling, formatting, and audience management.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit copy such as show notes, headlines, summaries, and promotional text.
• Ability to manage external contributors or vendors, including designers, editors, audio engineers, or writers.
• Attention to detail and commitment to production quality, consistency, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with internal stakeholders.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Strong video editing and production skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or producing a regular podcast with a consistent publishing schedule.
• Experience editing or managing editorial content for a newsletter, blog, or publication with a defined voice or audience.
• Familiarity with podcast hosting platforms, analytics tools, and performance metrics.
• Experience developing or supporting audience growth strategies across platforms.
• Experience working with freelance contributors and managing production budgets.
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices, including transcripts and captions.
• Experience working in a labor union or similar mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with legal review processes for published content.
• Experience coordinating content approvals in organizations with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with technical tools and production software, such as: Restream (live streaming), Riverside (podcast, webinars, and video production), Canva (still and video image design), Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro (video editing), Zoom (webinars), CineSend (streaming video).

Compensation

Salary range: $72,610.10 - $85,074.31. AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacations days; and 401(K).

Position Classification

This special appointment full-time Associate position is included in the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is remote and does not require relocation. However, the Media Production Manager will travel to in-person work sites to produce audio and visual content, sometimes on short notice.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and include the names and contact information of three references; all application material are required. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately. Full consideration of applications will be given to applications submitted by June 28, 2026. If necessary, applications submitted after June 28, 2026 may be considered on a rolling basis until July 13, 2026.