Production Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Production Manager to join the Creative Team at a well known museum in DC. This person works closely with Creative Division staff and originating offices to establish priorities and determine production schedules.

• Serves as a technical advisor to Creative, Director of Contracting, and Museum staff on printing, mailing, and production requirements and processes

• Serves as the technical liaison between the Museum and commercial vendors on printing and production matters

• Establishes and coordinates all phases of production and monitors work in progress, ensuring that quality control is maintained

• Collaborates with designers and project managers to complete specifications. Sends specs out to pre-approved vendors for the purpose of obtaining estimates. Re-bids projects as needed when using pre-approved vendors

• Provides subject matter expert support to vendors in accordance with USHMM and Federal Acquisitions. Coordinates payment with the project payer

• Keeps up-to-date and organized records following established processes

• Sends digital files to the selected printer for production. Monitors and ensures that the job is on schedule through all production phases and alerts the appropriate parties if there are delays

• Receives and routes proofs. Advises on schedule or cost changes based on changes made in the proofing stage. Ensures any and all additional costs above the original estimate are approved in writing by the payer and/or client

• Ensures the product is delivered to the correct location in the correct format (packaging, folding, collating, etc.)

• As needed, resolves disputes with vendors, collects pertinent information, writes situation reports, negotiates the best resolution for the Museum, and informs all concerned parties in writing of the results of these negotiations

• Assists with archiving final digital files once print projects have been delivered

• Archives production documentation (specs, quotes, proofs, etc.) for each project

• For projects involving signage installation at the Museum, is on-site to assist the vendor and act as liaison between the vendor and Museum staff

A successful candidate would have demonstrated writing and editing experience in a professional environment as well as the following knowledge/skills:

• Minimum of 10 years experience managing print production and mail shop processes

• Technical knowledge of paper, printing, and capabilities of printing equipment

• Background knowledge of desktop Creative techniques and Adobe Creative Suite

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while simultaneously collaborating with the Creative team, Museum leadership, staff, consultants, and vendors

• Ability to resolve issues, recommend schedules, and suggest options

• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and monitor assignments or projects; manage time; achieve deadlines; and recognize and respond to changing priorities and circumstances

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to convey information in a clear and concise manner to keep all parties informed

• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory limitations on printing with federal funds is a plus