Director, Video Production

The LCMS Mission
"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Department Profile

LCMS Communications is responsible for informing, reporting and interpreting the Synod's purpose, program and position to its members and for promoting an increased understanding on the part of the church's public of the mission of the church and its positions and programs.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Managing Director of Production

Essential Job Functions

• Manage video production team currently comprised of a video production manager and social media video content specialist. 
• Manage working relationships with key creative and practical talent (freelancers, contractors, vendors) to produce professional videos for the Office of the President and internal LCMS clients, including disaster and general news videos, documentaries and mini-documentaries, promotional announcements for the Web and broadcast, honoree/tribute/anniversary videos, profile video, missionary support videos, training videos and fund-appeal videos.
• Strategically manage the direction of video production department for the LCMS, and identify, evaluate and execute new video communication opportunities.
• Review, select and incorporate technology solutions as required by digital media projects.
• Oversee all production of in-house video content.
• Provide on-location video support, including national and international assignments.
• Oversee digital media archive system, while continually updating both content and management system.
• Oversee video equipment inventory on-hand, manage acquisition of replacement gear, and supervise maintenance and daily usage scheduling.
• Manage any video-related physical facility, i.e. editing studio, production studio, sound booth, etc.
• Oversee the video department’s financial planning and yearly budgets.
• Engage with the Communication Department “intake process” on behalf of video projects, in coordination with communication department’s project manager.
• Strategize online video content creation in consultation with department’s Web and Social Media teams.
• Manage video productions team project deadlines.
• Provide video production project consultation to in-house LCMS clients and communication department staff.
• Participate in director-level strategic planning.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications or media.
• Six or more years leading a team in communications, digital media production, and/or broadcasting.
• Two to three years hands-on videography experience in formal/informal team environments and in stressful on-location settings.
• Foreign language knowledge is desirable.
• Experience working in disaster or crisis situations, with experience taking quick action and making rapid decisions, is desirable.
• Experience working with YouTube and video in social media platforms a plus
• Member in good standing of an LCMS congregation.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Able to manage, lead and teach a video production team.
• Extremely organized and able to multi-task, with proven history of working quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Strong communicator and video/photo storyteller with skill in all aspects of visual production from conception, to production, to post production and delivery.
• Ability to use all types of video cameras, audio recorders, video editing software, as well as PC and Mac devices.
• Experience as a Drone Pilot with an FAA Part 107 “UAV Oprertor” licence, or willing to get FAA certified.
• Familiar with all aspects of social media and its role in organizational communications.
• Able to direct multiple projects with divergent asset resources.
• Able to navigate requirements of difficult and potentially dangerous international travel assignments.
• Strong ability to integrate information/analysis into actionable verbal or written decision statements.
• Versatility in working within formal or informal team situations.
• High energy level, self-motivated.
• Able to work collaboratively with the entire Communications team (production, web, design, editorial, social media, photography)
• A good knowledge of LCMS theology.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises a two person video team.
• Supervises freelancers, contractors and vendors, including  scriptwriters, videographers, photographers, video editors, directors, producers, voice-over talent, animators, lighting directors, audio technicians, associate producers, digital asset managers, and other production talent as required by project parameters.