The Programs and External Affairs ("PEA") Production Coordinator uses audio and video technology to share the Society’s stories with public audiences. They will be the main person responsible for running technology during seminars, events, and programs, whether in person, hybrid, or virtual. The position also leads audio and video production, including two podcasts and video content, and contributes to storytelling and program development.
Reporting to the Director of Engagement on the Programs and External Affairs (PEA) team, the PEA Production Coordinator will work closely with the Research, Communications, and Development teams, both collaboratively and independently, to manage the immediate technical needs of regular events while also overseeing long-term production work (podcasts, video outreach).
Key Contacts:
Reporting Relationships: This position reports to the Director of Engagement
Supervisory Responsibility: None
External: Individuals and organizations involved with the podcasts, speakers at events, vendors related to podcast and video creation, and outside A/V vendors
Internal: Director of Engagement, Programs & Events Manager, PEA team, communications and research staff, Chief Technology Officer, Ops staff
Schedule and Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position, and on-site, in-person attendance for the Society’s events and programs is an essential function. The PEA Production Coordinator primarily works on-site at the Society’s Boylston Street, Boston headquarters. Occasional hybrid work is available, but the schedule must incorporate evening program tech needs. While the regular salaried work week of the Society is 35 hours, Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, the PEA Production Coordinator will be expected to work evenings at events in support of the Society’s work. Some travel in Greater Boston/Massachusetts, with occasional travel throughout New England for podcast interviews and video filming, will be required.
Major Responsibilities (all essential functions):
1. Event and program technology (primary responsibility; approx. 45%)
Serve as the main person responsible for technology during all internal and external MHS seminars, meetings, events, and programs, working closely with the Programs & Events Manager, staff across the PEA division, and the entire organization.
Set up, run, and troubleshoot tech equipment, including projection, microphones and audio, camera, and Zoom, for in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs.
Problem-solve technology issues during programs.
Conduct pre-event tech checks with speakers and presenters, and manage the technical side of each program’s run-of-show, including audience Q&A sessions as needed.
Learn current A/V systems and ensure systems are being fully implemented and leverage; evaluate additional methods, technical skills, and tools to enhance content delivery across in-person, hybrid, and fully remote productions.
Maintain A/V equipment in coordination with the Chief Technology Officer and Ops staff. Document technical procedures and train colleagues on basic A/V and Zoom use.
Collaborate with outside media involved in recording, photographic, or broadcasting programs and seminars.
2. Audio and video production (approx. 40%)
Oversee production of the podcast The Object of History, working with the Director of Engagement, Chief Historian, Associate Director of Research, and Communications staff to develop episode ideas, edit sound recordings, create episode narratives, select music, and ensure timely production.
Workwith the Chief Historian and Associate Director of Research tooversee production of the podcast Historians & Their Histories, including conducting interviews as needed, editing sound recordings, and ensuring timely production.
Work with the Communications team to create short promotional videos and highlight reels, complete post-production editing on recordings of programs, and ensure appearance releases are signed and filed.
Work with the Director of Engagement to interview experts, history makers, and community leaders to create videos for program series.
3. Storytelling and program development (approx. 15%)
Work with the Director of Engagement and Research Department to think strategically about a season’s narrative arc and its intersections with public programs.
Assist with future A/V programming that will support outreach regarding access to our collections.
Work on other MHS projects as needed, including but not limited to exhibitions, web features, and filming requests.
