Digital Production Coordinator

About the Opportunity:
The Digital Production Coordinator will provide support for the Morrison Planetarium and Visualization Studio (MPVS) department. The position will support the MPVS department staff in the creation of media content and live events for Morrison Planetarium, Hohfeld Hall, 3D Stereoscopic Theater, exhibits, and other venues within the Academy as well as content for the portable planetarium, online platforms, and other outlets. The position reports to the Senior Producer, Immersive Media.

Organizational Culture:
Join a team dedicated to the Academy's mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy's strategic plan includes three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United. Once the Academy has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Cal Academy Workers United this position will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.

About the Morrison Planetarium & Visualization Studio Team:
The Academy's Morrison Planetarium and Visualization Studio (MPVS) is where science storytelling comes to life.

Since reopening in 2008, we have brought immersive science visualization to well over six million guests in a variety of programs. Most of those immersive experiences leverage data-driven science storytelling created by the Academy's award-winning Visualization Studio. With over a century of collective experience in visual effects, the team has produced nine award-winning fulldome video planetarium programs, as well as videos and computer graphics for exhibits and online venues.

Learn more about our award-winning, immersive planetarium shows, videos, and exhibit media at https://calacademy.org/mpvs.

Key Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Schedule dailies screenings and workstation reviews with production team and key stakeholders, including science advisors and other content contributors
• Responsible for calendaring department events such as dailies, workstation reviews, department meetings, etc.
• Collate agenda items for meetings, take clear and accurate notes during dailies and all meetings, and distribute notes, with action items clearly indicated
• Maintain media production calendars, tracking and updating milestones and deliverables
• Arrange travel, catering, and other paperwork or accessories needed for meetings, lectures and events.
• Assist in audio/visual content and data research, production element acquisition, and clearance of rights
• Track all acquired data, image, video, and sound sources, citing proper attribution and rights clearance
• Create credits for planetarium shows and other venues, as needed; publish credits to industry websitesSubmit necessary accounting paperwork and assist Senior Producers with tracking department invoices, payments, and costs incurred
• Purchase software and equipment, as specified
• Assist on film shoots, perform basic editorial updates, and design audio/visual elements
• Assist Planetarium Programs Manager with set-up, running, and break-down for meetings, lectures and events
• Prepare and submit media elements for show distribution, marketing, and festivals
• Coordinate with production staff on archiving shows and media
• Follow all Academy safety regulations
• Other projects and duties as assigned

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

Education and/or Experience:
A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:

• 1 years film, visual effects, or animation production coordination
• 2 years experience managing budgets, timelines, and project management
• Demonstrated experience, or keen interest, in creation of science topics such as biology, geology, or astronomy preferred
• Bachelor's degree, or certificate, in media studies, business administration, or a related field

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to manage work-flow, on time and at the highest quality
• Ability to do content research in support of a broad range of science based programs
• Demonstrated experience working with detailed budgets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expense tracking, and confidential information/contracts.
• Working knowledge of computer graphics, compositing, editorial, audio, and image processing software preferred
• Knowledge of traditional and digital photography, cinematography, lighting, and sound preferred
• Proficiency in word processors, spreadsheets, and slideshow presentation apps
• Shows initiative, and constantly seeks to improve process to increase team efficiency
• Able to follow supervisor's instructions; ask for direction and assistance when necessary
• Able to multi-task, perform detailed work, and successfully complete assignments in a timely manner
• Valid California Driver's License and clean driving record preferred

Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50 % of the time.

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $54,000 to $68,000, annually. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Long-Term Temp Full Time until 6/30/2027, 40 hours per week. This is a grant-funded term position, duration contingent on continued federal funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please upload your resume, cover letter, and complete the brief online application.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on 3 March 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance(SF Police Code, Article 49).

We are committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, terminations, training, and social and recreational programs, will be on the basis of qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled. The Academy does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of any characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. Read our full Equal Opportunity Statement here.