Producer, Live Events & Digital Content

Position Summary:

The Producer for Live Events & Digital Content, is an experienced journalist or creative producer, who has a passion for live storytelling and the exchange of ideas onstage and via emerging media. They advance KQED’s mission by convening civic dialogue and presenting distinctive experiences that inform, inspire, and involve live audiences throughout the Bay Area. 

Drawing on rigorous research skills, extensive networks, and versatility as a content-creator, the Producer is responsible for devising and implementing a range of events and complementary digital content that address KQED’s diverse editorial priorities and community values. With a demonstrated command of stagecraft for any scale and format—from intimate community forums and interactive workshops, to headline speaker engagements and complex scripted multimedia shows for high-capacity venues—and skill at collaborating with various content and production teams, they shape compelling onstage content and engaging gatherings. They orchestrate the entire life-cycle of assigned events—from initial concepts and guest bookings, to production and logistics plans—and coordinate their polished execution. They are also responsible for maintaining the livestreaming and digital video afterlife of events on YouTube and social media, in coordination with KQED’s Media Services and Audience Development teams.

The Producer is masterful at managing multiple simultaneous projects at various stages of development with impeccable organization and editorial judgment. They exhibit intellectual currency, practical expertise, and—above all—a deep understanding of what liveness offers as a medium for journalism and community engagement.

KQED envisions a public media organization with a culture that centers on human dignity, equity, and belonging. This will enable us to better serve and reflect the Bay Area through diverse and inclusive storytelling. 

We value the contributions of marginalized people in society — including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color,  people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people — and we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, and we strongly encourage members of these communities to apply.

The mission that drives us:

KQED provides citizens of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media.   We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

This role will work hybrid between working in KQED's newly renovated headquarters and working remotely. KQED requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Salary Range: $78,800-$97,800 Annually

Essential Functions:

• Work with KQED Live Executive Director and live events team to research, pitch, curate and plan seasonal live events programming that complements the editorial strategies of KQED’s other content platforms and programs. 
• Serve as lead producer on a portfolio of select events from start to finish, including all aspects of event-planning from content development, promotions, talent and vendor management, production and stage management, and overall creative direction. 
• Build and maintain a wide network of potential event contributors and content sources, including internal editorial and external community partners.
• Manage event talent bookings, including coordinating contractual and financial administration; conducting pre-interviews and creating briefing materials with content and production details; and arranging logistics and hospitality for guests.
• Serve as host for select events, as appropriate in support of overall program. 
• Coordinate with KQED newsroom, studio operations, media services, and external vendors to schedule reporters, producers, recording engineers, and other personnel to support event execution, recording, and distribution of broadcast or digital event content.  
• Write onstage content, including event scripts, interview or game questions, and other talking points and remarks as needed for presentation, in collaboration with hosts and editors. 
• Create detailed production timelines and run-of-show documents and work with production teams to ensure their seamless execution.
• Create event editorial packages for onstage presentation, producing and assembling slide decks, video segments, sound and music cues, and other audio-visual assets.
• Work with marketing and creative teams to prepare accurate and effective event promotions for multiple platforms, including event listings, emails, social, broadcast spots and other internal and external communications. 
• Coordinate with front of house staff regarding seating, entry, hospitality, and any unique audience experience needs, as appropriate.
• Manage and track individual event and project expenses within departmental budget.
• Manage day-to-day communications with internal content, production, operations and marketing staff, as well as external partners.
• Manage the KQED Live YouTube channel, including maintaining event livestream schedule and audience engagement posts. 
• Coordinate with marketing and audience teams to create supplementary promotional video content for events, including recording clips and social-first shorts. 

Other Job Functions:        

• Must be available to work shifts that include weekend and evening hours for scheduled events. 
• Represent KQED at events hosted by KQED or by external community organizations.
• Assume other event-related responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge/Experience Required:

1-2 years of experience as a live event producer, public programs manager, public affairs producer or relevant position with extensive background in booking and liaising with guests (headline speakers and interview subjects, expert panelists, community representatives, performers, etc.).

Demonstrated ability and comprehensive knowledge of best practices in complex event planning, including talent and venue bookings, logistics, contracts standards, technical production coordination, vendor management, promotion and ticketing, front-of-house operations, and stage management.

Excellent news judgment and reporting skills, with thorough knowledge of journalistic principles, ethics and standards.

Strong writing for event concept treatments and scripts, as well as speeches, interviews, and other onstage presentations.

Demonstrated ability to cover a range of significant public affairs issues and subjects such as government and politics, arts and culture, the economy, education, health, immigration, legal affairs and the environment. 

Strong knowledge of best practices for virtual events, livestreaming, and social media engagement for event video content. 

Strong knowledge of emerging media formats, platforms, and digital tools for application in live experience design and production.

Ability to interview and communicate with a variety of individuals.

Ability to research and communicate through a variety of mobile and digital tools.

Ability to work under deadline pressures.

A deep affinity for and knowledge of KQED, and an appreciation for public media’s mission. 

Knowledge/Experience Desired:

Working knowledge of a range of significant regional and statewide public affairs issues and subjects such as government and politics, the economy, education, health, immigration, legal affairs and the environment preferred. 

Working knowledge of the 9-county Bay Area and the Sacramento region.

Experience directing or producing for theatrical, multimedia, television or radio broadcast, or other live storytelling media strongly desired.

Some production design experience or ability to offer creative direction to production designers a plus.

Experience working in a demographically diverse news environment strongly desired.

Non-English language skills (fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages with large California speaking populations) highly desired.

Credentials/Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s preferred. 

Let us tell you more about our benefits:

Whether you’re single, married, have children, are in a domestic partnership or anything in between, we have you covered. Employees at KQED enjoy a family-friendly workplace offering 20 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, family medical leave benefits, comprehensive health/vision/dental and commuter benefits as well as a 403(b) with employer match. KQED encourages diversity, openness and offers training to support personal and professional development. In addition, we are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, wellness programs as well as free KQED membership.

The mission that drives us:

KQED is for everyone who wants to be more. Our television, radio, digital media, and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public services.