Sr Manager Media Production (Education)

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture 

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. 

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. 

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more. 

Ascend Learning leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO  

As a Senior Manager of Media Production, you will lead and coordinate all aspects of media planning and production, overseeing both project-based and operational budgets to deliver high-quality media assets for online learning, assessments, training, and marketing. You will drive innovation in media solutions, ensure alignment with brand and quality standards, and manage vendor relationships, tools, and workflows. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and communication with business leaders and stakeholders to support strategic goals. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing your team's skills, fostering a high-performing culture, and proactively identifying and mitigating production risks.  

WHERE YOU'LL WORK  

This position will work remote in the United States.  

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME 

• Independently lead audio, video, and photography production efforts, and collaborate on animation production efforts, including strategic planning and budget management, task assignment, location scouting, facility agreement facilitation, talent acquisition, equipment and wardrobe procurement, craft services, scheduling, directing audio and video, etc.   

• Manage media developers, including project resource allocation, skill development, team building, and performance management.  

• Research, evaluate, negotiate with, and manage contractors and vendors (e.g., talent agencies, freelance videographers, photographers) to meet media production needs.  

• Coordinate with business partners to determine solutions that meet media requirements for learning products, including budget and timeline considerations.  

• Serve as content expert and business contact for asset management systems that support media management and hosting.  

• Help inform strategy for the Media and Interactive Production department and to complete capital planning tasks.  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

• Bachelor's degree is required; Major in Animation/Film/Media Production or Business is preferred  

• 8+ years previous management experience  

• 10+ years of multimedia experience  

• Knowledge and experience akin to a DP: able to interpret scripts and capture the creative vision, plan film shoot details such as lighting, framing, and motion, and lead the camera team on set. 

• Strong understanding of composition, video/digital camera operation, set dressing, audio, and lighting design. 

• Proven ability to produce and direct large-scale video shoots, both on-location and in-studio. 

• Skilled in directing talent in person and remotely; both for audio performance and on-screen. 

• Ability to give constructive feedback to creatives while keeping business needs at the forefront. 

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya 3D software, and storyboarding/editing for broadcast; knowledge of content delivery networks and SmartSheet is a plus. 

• Capable of scaling with external teams to produce media-rich assets for current and future product needs. 

• Self-directed, highly motivated team player with strong organizational and interpersonal skills; able to lead project estimation, planning, and scheduling. 

• Willing to work flexible hours, including occasional 10-hour shoots, evenings, and weekends, and travel for off-location productions. 

BENEFITS 

• Flexible and generous paid time off  

• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance  

• 401(k) employer matching program 

• Parental leave 

• Wellness resources 

• Charitable matching program 

• Hybrid work  

• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington) 

• Community outreach groups 

• Tuition reimbursement 

Fostering A Sense of Belonging 

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.  

About Ascend Learning 

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. 

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. 

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