VP WABE Studios

WABE seeks an experience, motivated content development executive to lead its new production arm, WABE Studios, as its vice president. The VP of WABE Studios will oversee original content production for video platforms including television and digital outlets. Additionally, the VP will work with select content partners to co-develop and acquire programming for use on WABE platforms. The role requires demonstrated content development expertise combined with a deep understanding of the rapidly shifting media industry. 

The position is Atlanta-based and reports to the chief content officer for WABE. 

Accountabilities: 

Inward-Facing 

  • Devise plan for how WABE Studios should operate, including development/greenlight process, approach to production and resources, staffing, and more. 
  • Develop a detailed content strategy down to the individual show level to inform programming slates based on the content pillars set for the organization. 
  • Create editorial standards around our original production, recognizing that our programming choices must not conflict with WABE’s role as a news organization. 
  • Develop process to produce clear and thorough creative briefs, editorial calendars, and management of shared resources for production teams and other stakeholders within the organization. 

Outward-Facing 

  • Develop relationships with content creators, both in Atlanta and elsewhere, to find existing programming and new ideas to bring into WABE Studios. 
  • Set up pitch processes that ensure a steady and regular flow of new program opportunities from the community while cataloguing all inquiries, referrals, and pitches. 
  • Work with the WABE marketing team to efficiently promote programming produced by WABE Studios through PR, events, and more. 
  • Represent WABE Studios as a speaker and ambassador for the work it does.  

Audience- and Metrics-Focused 

  • Develop a target audience strategy to cultivate and grow new and diverse audiences through programming that focuses on and addresses the needs of these audiences as well as finding creators within the target audiences with which to collaborate on programming. 
  • Develop system of metrics to help understand if programming is achieving its goals and to inform decisions on renewals or expansion. 

People-Focused 

  • Lead the effort within the department to develop a staffing and resource plan for producers, crew, and talent, both staff and contract, to efficiently produce programming within the constraints of a non-profit organization.  
  • Manage departmental staff, providing work direction, constructive performance coaching, mentorship, and on-going feedback. 
  • Provide actionable notes and feedback to creators at each stage of development and production. 
  • Build strong talent relationships and identify opportunities to grow and develop new talent, especially from digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, etc. 

Financial & Administrative 

  • Develop and manage production budgets for the department. 
  • Work with the Underwriting and Grant departments to find funding for content production.  
  • Manage legal documentation for productions, including agreements, NDAs, pitch disclaimers, etc. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

Credentials/Education Required:  

  • Minimum of eight years’ experience in a related development role 
  • Experience in a creative executive capacity for a television-production entity, streaming service, production company or similar 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 
  • Willingness to live and work in Atlanta in order to develop creative relationships here. 

Abilities and Traits:  

  • Experience leading production teams responsible for multiple programs 
  • Experience producing content on multiple platforms ranging from television/video to podcasts/radio to digital 
  • Experience overseeing the pitch process for a production company and/or network 
  • Experience developing, launching, and producing new programs 
  • Experience negotiating major contracts 
  • Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling 
  • Demonstrated ethical decision-making and judgement in keeping with the reputation of a public media organization known for its unbiased news coverage 
  • Deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and what drives creative trends and audience interests 
  • Demonstrated willingness to undertake audience-focused reviews and revisions of content produced 
  • Committed to creating content for and with underserved communities 
  • Distinguished track record in program production including developing producers, on-air talent, and external partnerships 
  • Expert-level skills in building and presenting creative decks and pitch materials 
  • Highly collaborative with ability to champion ideas/projects and influence outcomes at all levels of the organization 
  • Ability to take an innovative, big-picture approach to content, motivating your team to generate programming ideas on an ongoing basis. 
  • Strong people manager with experience supporting talent and developing leaders; ability to teach, inspire and lead 
  • Creative problem-solver 
  • A strong team orientation and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate at all levels with clients, agencies, staff, senior management peers and industry colleagues 
  • Excellent organizational skills to work and represent a production unit in a multi-platform operation 
  • Proven track record of meeting financial goals and key business objectives 
  • Works calmly under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines 
  • Able to lead with confidence and decisiveness 
  • Able and willing to work varied hours as needed 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.