Digital Producer/Host

NOVA is renowned as the most popular primetime science series on American television. We specialize in demystifying complex scientific and technological concepts that shape our lives, our planet, and our universe. With a reach extending to over 50 million Americans annually, NOVA is a trusted source of knowledge and a pillar of innovation and exploration. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is woven into the fabric of everything we do, ensuring that science is accessible and relevant to all.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Engineering is arguably one of the most critical skills in any society, from building bridges and homes to designing cell phones and life-saving medical devices. Yet many Americans do not consider engineering to be essential or relevant to their everyday lives, and may even question its positive impact on society. While there have been gains in the number of women and historically underrepresented groups in STEM professions over the past few decades, their numbers in the field remain disproportionately low. The Built World project, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to expand access to engineering content through the lens of “inclusive engineering,” which highlights how problem-solvers of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and perspectives approach and overcome challenges to innovate. The project applies this concept by creating a three-hour NOVA documentary series to air on PBS nationwide and a complementary interactive escape game streamed live on Twitch, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can play and solve engineering challenges together. The Twitch channel is part of a research project studying how live streaming, collaborative platforms can serve as safe and inclusive spaces for engineering learning; and exploring how audiences engage with inclusive engineering on different platforms— comparing a traditional documentary broadcast versus an interactive live collaborative experience—and identifying what learning outcomes might be expected on each.

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the guidance of the Senior Producer, the Digital Producer/Host will be responsible for developing, producing, and hosting regular interactive Twitch live streams related to the Built World project. You will be the voice and face of NOVA’s live engineering content for this project, supported by NOVA and GBH's digital video team. Channel content will include streaming the development, build and live play of an in-person engineering-themed escape game, engineering-related interviews, news coverage, field trips, and game play. The goal is to engage with the Twitch community through exciting and approachable interactive engineering content challenging perceptions around who can be an engineer and what engineering involves.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and manage the Twitch channel
Select topics, themes, and activities to feature content related to engineering and the design and build of the escape room
Identify and book guests and collaborators
Create and manage program and production schedules
Grow and manage the community
Produce and host on camera and run streams using dedicated software
Shoot and edit live and on-demand video content
Work with the senior producer to develop a research and fact checking process to ensure the integrity and accuracy of all content
Create and source multimedia assets for the channel and cross-platform social content
Manage and moderate Twitch streams, including setting up and writing content for chatbots, commands, extensions, and rewards
Ensure all content streamed on the channel adheres to existing rights agreements and is cleared for use on Twitch, and maintain rights tracking documentation
Creatively integrate interactivity into streams using on and off-platform tools and extensions
Write stream segment descriptions, titles, chat messages, and other copy as needed
Consult on and help facilitate escape game development, production, and streaming
Work with the informal science learning research team to incorporate design and moderation suggestions to foster a safe and inclusive space; take into account specific engineering learning outcomes identified by the research team
Analyze data and report on performance

Comply with relevant rules and regulations, including GBH and PBS rights policies
Occasionally work nights and weekends as the project demands

SKILL SET

Demonstrated proficiency with video production processes, equipment, and editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro
Comfort and experience with being on camera independently and with guests
Enthusiasm and familiarity with science/engineering principles and ability to capture and convey complex engineering concepts in an approachable and easily understandable way
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of AP Style
Organization & attention to detail
Commitment to editorial accuracy and integrity, and DEIA
Ability to work with little supervision and under pressure to meet tight deadlines
Experience producing and hosting interactive content for live streaming audiences on digital platforms, ideally Twitch
Demonstrated proficiency and understanding of streaming software like Streamlabs OBS and backend Twitch functionality, as well as common camera and audio setups for live streaming
Familiarity with and interest in interactive live streaming and online gaming as a viewer

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in science journalism/communications/media, video production, and engineering or equivalent work experience.
3-5 years of digital video production or Twitch streaming experience

Candidates should include an online portfolio or work sample links for consideration.

JOB-STATUS

Contract Position

This role is hybrid based in Boston, primarily streaming on-site at GBH, and may involve some travel.