Production Director & Media Coach

Job Summary

Aptive is seeking a Production Director with Media Coaching experience. Your inspired, bold, multi-skilled video production and ability to coach media engagement techniques, refine messaging, and ensure effective communication with various audiences across different media platforms will lead to successful training instruction, meetings, townhalls and conferences.

As the Production Director you will be an integral part of the production team. You will be responsible for ensuring all projects are completed on time and exceed client expectations through managing, planning, communicating, operational planning and management of studio broadcasting. Leverage a minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience leading a program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Talent Management Office. The Production Director / Media Coach will support a diverse creative team to support digital content creation across client owned properties located in Washington D.C. Lead production of live synchronous, online events, training, conferences and/or meetings through the VA IT Campus, studio recorded events, rehearsals, congressional hearings, external delivery modalities (e.g.: LinkedIn, Twitter) and event coaching and mentoring for presenters documentary pieces, commercial-style shoots, both in the field and in studio settings.

We are looking for someone with an exceptional eye for detail who brings creative technical and management skills to help concept, brainstorm, produce, and play a key part in the planning and production process. As a Media Coach you will play a pivotal role in developing the media presence and communication skills of our executives and spokespersons.

This position is located in Washington D.C., with limited travel as required (less than 10%) per client request. Working on-site 8:00 am through 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure the quality of project activities and work product and approve and submit all client deliverables.
• Experience supporting executive-level clients and creating meaningful relationships.
• Works closely on various projects with creatives, vendors, and contractors on photo/video production.
• Manages scheduling to meet project and client timelines.
• Prepare locations, technology and other resources needed for production.
• Communicates daily with creatives and project managers on project status and deliverables.
• Creates project roadmaps and timelines.
• Schedules talent for photo/video production.
• Creates and maintains database of presenters and topics for all projects.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, organize time, and identify resources for projects.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to carry out multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Develop and execute customized media training programs for executives, spokespersons, and team members to improve their media communication skills, interview techniques, and on-camera presence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to craft clear, concise, and impactful messaging that aligns with the organization's values, goals, and target audiences.
• Conduct mock interviews and simulations to help participants practice handling various types of media interactions, from press conferences to one-on-one interviews.
• Provide personalized coaching on body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication aspects to ensure effective on-camera presence.
• Develop and deliver crisis communication training, equipping participants with the skills to navigate challenging and sensitive media situations.
• Advise on media engagement strategies, including identifying relevant media outlets, tailoring messages for different platforms, and maximizing positive coverage.
• Offer constructive feedback and ongoing coaching to individuals, tracking their progress and refining their media skills over time.
• Keep up-to-date with media trends, industry developments, and best practices in communication to ensure the training content is relevant and effective.
• Work closely with the communications team to align media coaching with overall communication strategies and support the organization's branding efforts.
• Familiarize presenters with the virtual environment, live in-studio production, presentation templates and answer all questions associated to technology and production.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Photography, or a related field (advanced degrees and certifications a plus).
• 5+ years of experience working as a Production Director with experience at an agency and/or production house environment.
• End-to-end familiarity with photo and video production process, form pre-production through post.
• Strong project-management and organizational skills.
• Proven experience as a media coach and training, communication consultant, or related field.
• Experience and able to communicate with and support a wide range of tech nical and creative deliverables.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• A capable self-starter with a drive to get all types of work done and high attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of media landscape, interview techniques, and various communication platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with executives and individuals at all levels.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire participants.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail and a passion for clear and impactful messaging.
• Tech-savviness and familiarity with production environments.
• Ability to work on-site 8:00 am through 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
• Ability to obtain and maintain public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to concept, manage and produce innovative digital video products and marketing content across client-owned channels (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.) daily.
• Participate in strategic planning for photo and video storytelling across channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, as well as conferences and other in-person events.
• Manage all aspects of photo/video production including pre-production, production, and post-production.
• Experience producing short and long form videos.
• Serve as on-site field producer for photo and video productions for clients, external and internal events, and conferences.
• Experience in communicating detailed and technical concepts to a diverse audience.
• Ability to adapt training content for different audiences.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and work well with others.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues; desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Ability to shape compelling narratives and foster positive relationships for media deliverables.
• Experience with a US Government customer.
• Experience with Office of Information & Technology (OIT) Office.

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We're advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.