Application Guide

How to Apply for Media Production Manager

at American Association of University Professors

🏢 About American Association of University Professors

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a unique union of higher education workers that combines advocacy for academic freedom with collective bargaining power. Working here means contributing to a transformative vision for higher education that centers on faculty, staff, and student rights.

About This Role

As Media Production Manager, you will lead digital media initiatives—video, podcast, and live streaming—that amplify AAUP's mission and the Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom. Your work will directly engage and mobilize the academic community, turning complex issues into compelling content.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by checking in with contributors for an upcoming podcast episode, then edit a video clip from a recent live stream for social media. Afternoon could involve scheduling content for the newsletter and planning the next online event with the team.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who American Association of University Professors Is Looking For

  • Proven experience managing end-to-end production for video, podcast, and live streaming, preferably in a union or advocacy context.
  • Strong project management skills to juggle multiple deadlines and coordinate with external contributors, including faculty and activists.
  • Expertise in video editing (e.g., Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve) and podcast production (recording, editing, publishing).
  • Familiarity with email newsletters or platforms like Substack, and a knack for repurposing content for social media.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Association of University Professors

1

Highlight any experience with academic or labor union media—show you understand the audience and mission.

2

Provide links to a portfolio with specific examples of video, podcast, and live stream projects you've managed.

3

In your cover letter, mention how you would use media to advance AAUP's advocacy goals, not just produce content.

4

Demonstrate ability to work remotely with a distributed team; mention tools like Asana, Slack, or Trello you've used.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize project management and contributor coordination, not just technical skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for higher education and academic freedom, aligning with AAUP's mission.", 'Specific examples of managing end-to-end production workflows, especially for advocacy or nonprofit media.', 'Your experience with live streaming and online events, as these are key to the role.', "How you can increase audience engagement and grow the reach of AAUP's digital content."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read AAUP's recent reports and statements on academic freedom and shared governance.
  • → Explore the Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom's website and its current campaigns.
  • → Review AAUP's existing media channels (YouTube, podcast, social media) to understand their current style and gaps.
  • → Understand the landscape of higher education unionism and key issues like contingent faculty and tenure.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a production schedule with multiple contributors and tight deadlines.
2 How would you develop a content strategy that balances video, podcast, and live streaming for a union audience?
3 What metrics do you use to measure engagement, and how have you improved them in past roles?
4 How would you handle a controversial topic (e.g., academic freedom case) in a media piece?
5 Explain your experience with Substack or similar platforms; how would you use them for AAUP?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing AAUP's specific mission or the Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom.
  • Focusing only on technical skills without showing project management or contributor coordination experience.
  • Ignoring the remote nature of the role—don't forget to mention your remote work setup and communication practices.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to American Association of University Professors!

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