PRODUCER

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid) – a minimum of 2 days/week in the office
Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 annually

Reports to: Associate Director of Content Production and Project Management

About the Role:

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is seeking an experienced Producer to join the Strategic Engagement Team. We're looking for a creative, highly organized, and collaborative producer who is passionate about podcasting, video production, and visual storytelling. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing ideas to life, managing multiple projects, and partnering with scholars and colleagues to create compelling content that expands the reach and impact of Mercatus research and talent.

The ideal candidate is an experienced producer who can independently manage productions from concept through publication while balancing multiple priorities and collaborating across teams. They should be comfortable working in both studio and field environments, troubleshooting technical challenges, and identifying opportunities to improve workflows and production quality. Experience producing podcasts is strongly preferred, while experience with video production, photography, and social-first content is a plus.

Specific Duties:

• Leads the end-to-end production of podcasts, interviews, videos, and multimedia projects from planning through publication.
• Coordinates recording logistics, including scheduling, studio and remote recordings, guest communication, and production documentation.
• Edits or oversees the editing of audio and video content to ensure high production quality, consistency, and accessibility.
• Manages post-production workflows, including transcription, quality assurance, publishing, and distribution across podcast, video, and web platforms.
• Collaborates with scholars and internal stakeholders to identify communications goals and recommend effective production approaches and content formats.
• Produces direct-to-camera videos, interviews, podcasts, promotional videos, and other multimedia content that supports Mercatus research and programs.
• Captures photography and video of scholars, events, and organizational activities for use across digital communications and marketing channels.
• Creates or coordinates promotional assets, including podcast artwork, thumbnails, and short-form social media clips.
• Manages multiple concurrent projects while maintaining timelines, communicating project status, and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Supports live event recordings and work with external audiovisual vendors when needed.
• Maintains studio equipment and production spaces while identifying opportunities to improve production workflows, documentation, and operational efficiency.
• Stays current on emerging production tools, technologies, and industry best practices, recommending new approaches that improve quality and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of professional experience in podcast, video, or multimedia production

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience independently managing creative projects from planning through delivery.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience producing professional audio and video content for digital platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure during productions.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop, and related production software.
• Experience with remote recording platforms such as Riverside, Zoom, or similar tools preferred.
• Familiarity with YouTube, podcast hosting platforms, WordPress, and social media publishing best practices is preferred.
• Experience working with subject matter experts, executives, or public-facing talent is a plus.
• Travel approximately 15% of the time for podcast recordings, conferences, scholar events, and other production needs.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should indicate your interest in the Mercatus Center's mission.

About the Mercatus Center

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is where top classical liberal scholars solve real-world challenges. Grounded in the tradition of market-oriented thinking and classical liberal ideas, we equip high-agency talent to apply bold ideas that shape institutions, inform policy, and help people flourish.

Employee Benefits Review

Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. In addition, Mercatus provides excellent benefits to all individual employees, including full health and dental coverage, unlimited paid time off, long-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings program, parking/travel benefits, and twelve free credits per year at George Mason University.

EEO Statement

The Mercatus Center is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

E-Verify

The Mercatus Center participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, Mercatus will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.