Content Evaluation and Administration Specialist, APT Content

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Content; VP Exchange and Digital Services

American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of content to U.S. public television stations. For 60 years, APT has distinguished itself by delivering an ambitious volume of high quality programs to public media. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series, and news and current affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. APT’s work is accomplished by an extraordinary team of people who are passionate about public media. APT has the following full-time position open in its Boston, MA location.

Summary – Job Objective:

This position supports APT’s content division in the evaluation of content, working closely with program suppliers (distributors, stations and independent producers), vetting its funding and program practices, adherence to standards, teleconference and screenings, and provides administrative support to the Executive Vice President, Content/ Vice President Exchange and Digital Services for presentations, correspondence, program information and files. This position supports APT’s three broadcast content services, with the primary focus (80%) on APT Exchange content, and a secondary focus (20%) on APT Syndication and Premium Services.

Essential Functions:
Screening/Operational for Exchange, Syndication and Premium Service departments

• Screen and write reports on program submissions, based on an evaluation of content, funding considerations, production values and technical standards
• Provide broadcast content acquisition opinion in consultation with Director of Content Development and Acquisitions, EVP Content and VP Syndication and Premium Services
• Supply distributors, presenting stations and producers with editorial notes and other necessary follow-up for both program submissions and program proposals
• Assess and analyze funding relationships of submitted programs. Screen programs for editorial, funding, and commercialism concerns, and share findings with EVP Content and/or Director of Content Development and Production Executive
• Screen and write program practices reports for programs in APT’s Exchange library
• Prepare national screenings by coordinating preview file delivery and processing, program clip selection (as needed), and script writing
• Present program offers at APT teleconferences as needed

Submission Process

• Work with suppliers to ensure comprehension of APT rules/guidelines at offer stage
• Help enter data into program database for Exchange/Syndication/Premium Service titles, and validate data for offers
• Edit/revise teleconference offer book descriptions for program content accuracy

Release Process

• Obtain, review, and edit details for pledge-formatted programs, and share information with Director of Content and Acquisition for Exchange or VP Syndication and Premium Service
• Screen, record, and post flagged content detail

Administrative Support

• Perform administrative duties specific to the Exchange, Syndication and Premium Service department as determined by the VP Syndication/Exchange and EVP Content
• Draft letters of interest for prospective program offers and rejection letters for program submissions
• Assist EVP Content, VP Syndication & Premium Service with special projects
• Maintain dependable and regular work attendance

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain program files and database records
• Assist with ongoing communication with station program managers and presenting stations via MyPBS, telephone and email
• Provide backup/secondary support for Exchange, Syndication and Premium Service staff
• Assist Director of Content Development and Vice President with special projects
• Occasionally train staff
• Assist other departments as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Abilities Required:

• This position requires at least a bachelor’s degree or the combination of equivalent education and work experience, 1-3 years related media experience, preferably in public media
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with MS Office and database applications and proficiency in basic e-mail applications; familiarity with HCL Notes is a plus
• Familiarity with broadcast file formats and some basic consumer playback equipment
• Ability to coordinate projects, provide updates, and request guidance and assistance when necessary
• Demonstrated experience in a multi-tasking environment and ability to work independently under established and self-prioritized deadlines
• Flexibility to transition work as broadcast and workplace technology evolves

Personal Characteristics:

• Self-starting, thorough, and able to deliver prolific volume of accurate work
• Highly detail-oriented and patient
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Well-organized, with an ability to juggle multiple priorities at one time
• Strong internal and external customer service skills
• Enjoys working with new software/technology
• Interest in public television programming a plus
• Recognizes and appreciates importance of, and contributes to, company Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments
• Ability to work independently under established and self-prioritized deadlines, and as part of teams
• Positive attitude, collaborative and collegial, and team-oriented
• Comfortable working in a small company with a participatory work style

This job description is intended to be general and will evolve over time. The description is subject to periodic updating. At management's discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time. APT offers generous benefits, competitive salaries, and a dynamic work environment.

Send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by email to: HRExchange@APTonline.org. Resume review process will begin July 29 and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is September.

APT is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls, please.