Video Development Manager

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Manager, Digital Content oversees day-to-day content planning, story development, editorial execution, content workflow management, and supervision of Digital Reporters, Video Producers, and Editors across Marketing & Communications initiatives. This role leads content intake, develops story concepts, writes and edits scripts, manages content pipelines, and partners with stakeholders to ensure projects are prepared for successful production and delivery.

Working closely with the Director, Digital Content, and in partnership with the Production Manager, the Content Manager helps transform organizational initiatives, participant stories, and business priorities into compelling content opportunities that support Marketing & Communications objectives. This role serves as the primary lead for content development, editorial coordination, and team management, ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through production.

In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC’s mission and values by supporting a high-quality, person-centered service environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise and provide day-to-day leadership to Digital Reporters and Video Producers..
• Assign, prioritize, and monitor work to support departmental objectives and production schedules.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for team members.
• Partner with the Production Manager to coordinate workloads, resources, and production priorities.
• Lead content intake, planning, and workflow management to support Marketing & Communications initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and refine compelling stories that advance organizational communications objectives.
• Develop creative briefs, story outlines, interview guides, scripts, and related content materials.
• Provide editorial direction and feedback to ensure content quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Support the development of documentaries, original programming, podcasts, and special content initiatives.
• Participate in pre-production planning, including story research, interview preparation, and content development activities.
• Attend select productions and field shoots to support story development and content capture.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure approved story concepts and communication objectives are effectively executed.
• Provide interview support on select productions, documentaries, and original programming as needed.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for content requests and project collaboration.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, subject matter experts, and organizational leaders to support content development efforts.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders and creative teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure projects entering production have completed story development, approvals, scripts, and supporting materials.
• Maintain visibility into content pipelines, timelines, priorities, and project status.
• Support content review, approval processes, and adherence to brand, legal, privacy, and accessibility standards.
• Ensure all content complies with legal, copyright, licensing, privacy, and ethical guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Film, Media Studies, Public Relations, or related field, or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in content development, editorial management, communications, journalism, media production, or related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading creative teams and supervising direct reports in a content, communications, marketing, or media environment.
• Experience developing stories, scripts, messaging, and content concepts across multiple formats and channels.
• Experience managing content pipelines, editorial calendars, and content development workflows.
• Experience supporting multimedia content initiatives, including video, digital, social media, podcast, and long-form storytelling projects.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop strategic content initiatives.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience providing editorial review, content feedback, and quality assurance throughout the content development process.
• Experience supporting content development from concept through production and delivery.
• Experience with documentary, nonprofit, advocacy, healthcare, educational, or mission-driven storytelling preferred.
• Experience supporting original programming, series development, or large-scale content initiatives preferred.
• Experience conducting story discovery, research, interviews, and narrative development preferred.

Number of Direct and Indirect Reports

• Direct: Digital Reporters and Video Producers
• Indirect: None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of content development, storytelling, editorial processes, and multimedia content production.
• Knowledge of content planning, workflow management, and project coordination.
• Strong storytelling, scriptwriting, editing, and narrative development skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to develop compelling content concepts and translate complex topics into engaging stories.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and maintain high editorial and content quality standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, leadership, and subject matter experts.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of accessibility, inclusive communications, and brand standards.
• Familiarity with content development tools, Microsoft Office applications, and Adobe Creative Cloud preferred.
• Reliable transportation required; ability to travel throughout Southern California as needed.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

• Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional / 0-30 lbs.

• Standing:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Sitting:

Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.

• Walking:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Travel:

Up to 25% of time.

• Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Keyboard activity, telephone use, and writing.

• Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.

• Environmental Exposure:

None.