Government Access Coordinator - Falmouth Community Television, MA

Posted By: Karen Anderson Job Postings,

Falmouth Community Television (FCTV) is seeking a motivated and experienced individual for the position of Government Access Coordinator.  This is a full-time supervisory role responsible for managing the Government Access Department. 

Falmouth Community Television (FCTV), located in beautiful Cape Cod, is a nonprofit community media center that fosters the production and distribution of local information.  FCTV provides access to training, technology, and content to encourage community dialogue, awareness and expression.

Primary Responsibilities

The Government Access Coordinator facilitates civic participation, promotes transparency, and fosters effective communication by overseeing the management, production, and coordination of government access programming and related initiatives. Responsibilities involve collaborating with government agencies and officials, community organizations, FCTV staff, and volunteers to ensure the effective delivery of government-related content to the public.

The Government Access Coordinator will lead and supervise the Government Access department and personnel, overseeing work, providing guidance and support, and promoting a culture of excellence in government programming and community engagement.

Job Duties

Contract Adherence:

  • Oversee, track and report compliance of the contractual agreement between the Town of Falmouth and FCTV.

Programming Coordination: 

  • Oversee the scheduling, production, and broadcast of government-related programming on FCTV channels and platforms, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of important information to the community. 
  • Oversee the production, editing, and quality control processes to ensure that government access programming meets professional standards and adheres to FCTV’s policies.
  • Collaborate with government and elected officials, civic organizations, and community stakeholders to develop relevant and engaging content.
  • Manage the production process of all government access programming, including content planning, scriptwriting, recording and post-production. 
  • Ensure adherence to the contractual obligations between the town of Falmouth and FCTV by overseeing, producing, or delegating coverage of government meetings and other required programming.
  • Produce programs as assigned by the Director of Operations or Chief Executive Officer.
  • Collaborate with FCTV staff, volunteers, and government representatives to deliver high-quality programming that meets community expectations.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Manager to establish a cohesive branding strategy for Government programming and platforms.

Community Engagement: 

  • Work closely with community stakeholders, elected officials, government agencies, departments and  civic organizations to identify programming needs and facilitate engagement opportunities related to government affairs. 
  • Organize and promote the production of community forums, town meetings, and other events. 
  • Produce live local election coverage.
  • Produce the twice monthly dedicated government segment for “Falmouth in Focus,” showcasing local government news, events, and initiatives.
  • Produce, record and edit the annual town of Falmouth Memorial Day, Veterans Day and 9/11 ceremonies.
  • Coordinate with Town Meeting and Select Board underwriters – produce, write, record and edit underwriting videos.

Content Management: 

  • Maintain accurate back-ups, records and archives of government-related programming and activities.
  • Compile and prepare monthly reports on government department activities, training and scheduling data, and programming statistics.

Supervisory:

  • Responsible for leading a team, fostering collaboration, and nurturing professional growth within the department to ensure cohesive and high-quality government access programming.

Government Liaison

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for government entities and elected officials seeking to utilize FCTV platforms.  
  • Cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with government representatives and elected officials. 

Technical Infrastructure:

  • Assist in the maintenance and enhancement of technical infrastructure, including town hall facilities, studio equipment, cameras, editing software, playback system and streaming platforms, to support the smooth operation of government access productions and programming.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues and provide necessary upgrades and training to ensure reliable broadcast quality.
  • Maintain inventory of equipment, ensuring its availability, functionality, and proper organization using FCTV’s facility asset and scheduling management software.

Training and Support: 

  • Provide guidance, training, and technical support to government and elected officials, staff, volunteers and community members on the effective use of FCTV resources. 
  • Educate and empower individuals to produce quality government access programming independently.

Compliance and Regulations: 

  • Stay abreast of relevant regulations, policies, and best practices related to government access programming.
  • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines and FCTV policies, including fair and balanced representation, non-partisanship, and open meeting laws.

Required Education, Training, Knowledge and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, media studies, a related field or equivalent work experience.
  • Proven experience in community media, government access programming, or a related field.
  • Understanding of local government structure, processes, and community dynamics.
  • 3+ years of experience in media creation.
  • 3+ years of demonstrated proficiency in studio, single and multi-camera field and post-production including:
    • Proven experience in video production, with a strong portfolio showcasing your storytelling abilities and technical skills.
    • Expertise with multi-camera studio directing, technical directing, graphics, camera operation, lighting and audio. 
    • A proven track record of editing high-production value content. 
    • Expertise with production and post-production tools (e.g. Tricaster, FCPX, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Motion)Photoshop experience is helpful.
    • Experience with playback software (Cablecast Community System preferred)
    • Proficiency with productivity tools and software (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace).
    • Proven team supervision expertise, fostering growth and collaboration.
  • 3-4 years of working knowledge and use of current media and internet technology.
  • Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to government access programming.
  • Valid driver’s license with a good driving record, free from major violations or accidents is required.

Essential Skills, Competencies and Characteristics

Must possess:

  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, programming needs, and evolving technological advancements in the media production field.
  • A proactive and solution-oriented approach to identify and address challenges, troubleshoot technical issues, and find creative ways to enhance government access programming.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to  collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Adherence to ethical standards, including non-partisanship, impartiality, and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive government matters.
  • A commitment to ongoing professional development, staying updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in media production and government access programming.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Required to:

  • Establish and maintain positive work relationships with co-workers, members, and the community.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and exhibit a positive company image to the public.
  • Be a self-starter who will initiate the completion of work and projects.
  • Have the ability and willingness to drive and operate a cargo type production van.
  • Work evenings and occasional weekends.
  • Work in-person at FCTV and various locations in Falmouth, MA, encompassing both indoor and outdoor environments. Occasional production work outside of Falmouth, but within Massachusetts, may be required.
  • Stand for extended periods while operating production equipment and have the ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 lb.

Compensation

Compensation package includes salary commensurate with candidate qualifications and experience ($55,000-$65,000), health, dental, life and disability insurance coverage, retirement plan and paid time off. 

How To Apply

Send a resume and detailed cover letter (as PDF attachments) explaining why your skills, interests and experience make this opportunity the right fit. All applications must include an online link to a demo reel demonstrating video production and post-production work. 

Email to:

Debra Rogers, Executive Director/CEO 
310E Dillingham Ave. 
Falmouth, MA 02540 
deb@fctv.org