Spanish Video Production Manager

Who We Are:

Zearn is the nonprofit educational organization behind Zearn Math, the top-rated math learning platform used by 1 in 4 elementary-school and more than 1 million middle-school students nationwide. Zearn Math supports teachers with research-backed curriculum and digital lessons proven to double the learning gains of a typical year of instruction. Our instructional materials – including 450+ hours of digital math learning – are free for teachers and families. Zearn also offers school and district- and statewide licenses and professional development to support implementation.

Everything Zearn does is driven by the belief that every kid can be a math kid. Learn more about us at https://about.zearn.org/.

We are looking for a talented, multi-tasking Spanish Video Production Manager who has experience in managing video production, the studio, props (including purchasing & inventory), vendor management, scheduling and problem-solving. Weekend work in the studio is anticipated. This role is part of our Customizations team tasked with ensuring high-quality Spanish digital lessons that will meet the needs of multilingual learners in U.S. classrooms. The core team includes: a Spanish Translations Manager (who will ensure high-quality Spanish translations and lead our QA process), Spanish Video Production Manager (you will ensure high-quality production of Spanish digital lessons), the Spanish Operations Manager (who will lead our Content Management System work), and our State Program Manager (who will lead project management).

What This Role Will Do:

• Take ownership of the video workstream, be a self-starter and problem-solver:
  • With our video production vendor, finding and casting real teachers in the NYC/NJ area with a Pan-American accent.
  • Ensure the overall quality, length and content execution of Spanish videos is similar to our original English videos.
  • Plan and run efficient shoots, keeping production on time and within budget.
  • Ensure our aggressive schedule with a large quantity of videos to film meets timing targets at the high level and shoot day level
  • Lead on key budgetary duties to ensure the video team stays on budget, manage and flag changes in scope across internal and contracted work
• Achieve customization goals on time
  • Set and execute production calendar
    • Organize and schedule on-site shoots and remote recordings
    • Maintain shot lists, included for pickups and other needs
    • Secure production crew and talent for shoots
  • Ensure daily operations run smoothly
  • Propose solutions in advance to Customizations Director for issues that may affect timeline or quality
• Directly support pre-production and production days
  • Coordinate with the Spanish Translation Manager in order to prep for the shoot with the crew (e.g. understanding necessary shots; ensuring that Spanish videos will be the same length as the original English videos)
  • Lead the casting of on-camera teachers, voiceover actors and Z Squad students who speak Spanish with a Pan-American accent
  • Attend shoots to facilitate smooth operation of the studio and support crew as needed, especially with shots involving specialty props
  • Maintain studio inventory and wardrobe, acquiring new wardrobe and props as needed
  • Photograph props or other setups as required for product team
• Build and manage relationships between internal stakeholders and external contractors and vendors, anticipating needs and offering solutions
  • Manage and coordinate needs between external production house (sourcing on-camera talent and conducting video shoots) and external post-production vendor; keeping a pulse on post-deliveries and any issues to resolve
  • Coordinate file deliveries and archiving
  • Manage relationships with cast of in-app teachers (talent) including auditioning, onboarding and scheduling new teachers (along with external production house)
  • Coordinate with external casting director or producing partners for lessons involving children
• Lead the quality assurance and review process of Spanish production deliverables
  • Provide quality assurance that the vendor production will meet the needs of K-8 multilingual students in U.S. math classrooms
• Take ownership of all Spanish production of our digital content, collaborating with Production, Product and Engineering Directors to ensure content is created intentionally according to best practices and identify issues or inefficiencies with our production process
• Manage and execute mu