📌 Core Information
- Job Title: Director (Video)
- Company: Dotdash Meredith
- Location: New York, United York, United States
- Job Type: Contractor (Hybrid: 3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
- Category: Media & Communications
- Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating and driving a weekly digital reality series for PEOPLE magazine.
- Directing and shooting in the field, managing small crews, and maintaining a consistent visual and narrative approach.
- Collaborating closely with magazine and digital teams to integrate projects naturally into the series.
- Working in a fast-paced, character-driven, and stylish environment while maintaining the PEOPLE magazine brand voice.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Direct & Shoot in the Field: Lead small crews in capturing vérité, stylized b-roll, interviews, and high-stakes moments. Set visual tone and make staff comfortable while keeping scenes moving and natural.
- Creative Strategy & Storytelling: Identify storylines and character arcs in real-time. Track beats, anticipate drama, and pivot as needed. Collaborate on series tone and style, enhancing storytelling and audience engagement.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely with editors to build out story arcs, shape interview selects, and ensure pacing, tone, and structure serve the episode. Supervise camera crew and hire and train new crew members.
- Brand Adherence & Quality Control: Ensure brand guidelines and voice are adhered to in all executions. Review cuts, organize selects, and provide clear editorial notes. Flag missing coverage or story gaps early to ensure fast turnaround without sacrificing quality.
- Communication & Project Management: Respond to all requests and communications in a timely and thorough manner. Manage sensitive or real-world issues with professionalism and discretion.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and work under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: BA or BS in Broadcast Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Film/TV, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience: 5+ years in unscripted/reality/documentary production
- Required Skills:
- Excellent leadership skills
- Flexible, fast decision-making
- Self-starter and independent worker
- Editing and creative mind
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Ability to multitask, prioritize projects, communicate progress, and work under tight deadlines
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience with digital-first programming
- Familiarity with magazine and digital team workflows
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in unscripted or reality production, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work independently will excel in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $50 - $60 per hour (based on industry standards for a contractor role with this level of experience and location)
- Benefits: Not specified (as this is a contractor role, benefits may vary)
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate production needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a contractor role with this level of experience and location. Benefits may vary depending on the staffing agency providing the contract.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Media & Communications, focusing on digital and print publishing
- Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
- Founded: Not specified (Dotdash Meredith is an operating business of IAC, founded in 1986)
- Company Description: Dotdash Meredith is America’s largest digital and print publisher, with 40+ iconic and fast-growing brands. They help nearly 200 million people every month make decisions, take action, and find inspiration through intent-driven content, fast sites, and the fewest ads.
- Company Specialties: Digital and print publishing, content creation, and brand management
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Experienced (5-10 years of relevant experience)
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the PEOPLE Video team and works closely with magazine and digital teams.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site in New York DDM Office, 2 days work from home)
- Growth Opportunities: This role offers the chance to create and drive a high-profile digital reality series, gain experience working with a major publisher, and potentially extend the contract based on performance.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to create and shape a high-profile digital reality series and gain experience working with a major publisher.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid (onsite and remote work arrangement)
- Office Location(s): 225 Liberty St, New York, 10281, US
- Geographic Context: New York City, known for its fast-paced lifestyle, diverse culture, and vibrant media industry.
- Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling to accommodate production needs, with core hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires candidates to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to adapt to flexible scheduling needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Not specified (applicants should refer to the job posting for application details)
- Key Assessment Areas: Leadership skills, creative strategy, storytelling, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
- Showcase your portfolio or reel demonstrating your ability to create and direct engaging content.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and creative decision-making skills.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should emphasize their relevant experience, showcase their creative portfolio, and be prepared to discuss their leadership and problem-solving skills in the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Not specified (applicants should refer to the job posting for required tools and technologies)
ASSUMPTION: This role may require proficiency in various video production software, editing tools, and camera equipment. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant technical skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Not specified (applicants should refer to the company's website or other resources for information on company values)
- Work Style: Fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and strong teamwork.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you maintain a consistent visual and narrative approach across multiple episodes while working in a fast-paced environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to pivot quickly to adapt to changing circumstances in a production setting?
- How do you balance maintaining the brand voice and guidelines while still allowing for creative expression and innovation?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and maintain a consistent brand voice while still allowing for creative expression and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines and changing priorities.
- Managing sensitive or real-world issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with adherence to brand guidelines and voice.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their ability to work well under pressure, manage changing priorities, and balance creativity with adherence to brand guidelines and voice.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on creating and driving a weekly digital reality series for a major publisher.
- Similar roles may include:
- Senior Producer (Reality TV)
- Director of Photography (Documentary)
- Executive Producer (Unscripted Content)
- Industry-specific context: The media and communications industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and strong storytelling skills.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how their skills and background make them a strong fit for this unique role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Not specified (applicants should refer to the job posting or company website for information on relevant projects)
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how their skills and background make them a strong fit for this role, with a focus on their ability to create and drive engaging content in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall content strategy for PEOPLE magazine and the broader Dotdash Meredith brand?
- What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams within the organization, and what are the key communication channels and tools used?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the PEOPLE Video team, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their eagerness to contribute to the team's success.
📝 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
- Prepare a portfolio or reel showcasing your ability to create and direct engaging content.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within 7-10 business days after submission to confirm receipt of your application.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and creative decision-making skills.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
