Job Description

British Columbia’s Knowledge Network is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Manager of Independent Production to lead our diverse slate of documentary commissions, development projects, and second window pre-licenses.

Knowledge Network’s “primetime” (6PM – 6AM) broadcast schedule and K: streaming service focus on serving adult viewers (40+) in British Columbia with curious minds.  Knowledge Originals from BC-based filmmakers and producers have pride of place on our broadcast and streaming platforms. These commissions showcase authentic, engaging stories, with a strong point of view and a distinct creative vision.

This is a unique and exciting chance to work alongside the best storytellers in British Columbia. Leading a small team, you will have the opportunity to commission three to four premium documentaries each year for our audiences. These documentaries can include half-hours, one-hours, features and, on occasion, a limited documentary series. In addition, you will be working with producers from across Canada to pre-license a modest slate of second-window factual series and one-off documentaries. You will also manage special commissioning projects when opportunities arise.

This work will involve overseeing multiple projects in different phases of production from pitch until premiere, including reviewing production plans and budgets, assisting with financing plans, and providing creative guidance to help shape projects from conception through to delivery. You will be curating content that matches the expectations of our audiences, fits our brand, and reflects the purpose, values and mandate of Knowledge.

Not only are you creative and strategic but you have a mind for business affairs and keen attention to detail. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the allocation, compliance, and reporting of Knowledge’s Canada Media Fund performance envelope, ensuring alignment with our goals and priorities. You will collaborate closely with the independent production community, internal staff and our Senior Managers of Primetime and Children’s Programming to optimize funding utilization and facilitate the submission of funding applications and reports.

Reporting to the President & CEO and a contributor to the Knowledge Leadership Team, you have an eye for distinctive storytelling, a deep understanding of the documentary genre, and the ability to collaborate with filmmakers, producers, funders and other stakeholders.  A passion for public broadcasting and a belief in the value of Knowledge Network is woven into the fabric of our organization and our people and your work will touch every aspect of our business and make a difference in the lives of British Columbians.

Who We Are:

Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s provincial public broadcaster, operating a free and commercial-free television channel in B.C. and streaming services across Canada. The Knowledge brand is unique – we are not selling a product but providing a service rooted in the values of curiosity, commitment, inclusivity and accountability. We provide British Columbians with trusted free and commercial-free content that enriches minds, fosters understanding and contributes to a connected and more informed society.

We respectfully acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our Burnaby office is located.

What You will be Doing:

Knowledge Originals Commissioning

• Evaluate project proposals from a creative, strategic, financial, mandate and audience perspective and provide recommendations to the President + CEO regarding the viability and appropriateness of potential projects.
• Provide creative feedback and guidance at all creative stages of the production process.
• Conduct regular check-ins with producers to discuss the status of projects in production.
• Oversee the drafting of all letters of intent, development agreements and provide direction on terms, conditions and amendments.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager, Primetime Programming & Acquisitions to provide updates on commissioning slate, production timelines and identify optimal broadcast scheduling window.
• Strategically assess and adjust commissioning priorities based on industry trends, policy changes, programming priorities and available resources.

Second-Window Pre-Licensing

• Evaluate project proposals from a creative, strategic, financial, mandate and audience perspective and provide recommendations to the President + CEO regarding the viability and appropriateness of potential projects.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Primetime Programming & Acquisitions on the pre-licensing of factual series.
• Oversee the terms and conditions in the letter offer.
• Estimate future pre-license activities and budget requirements.

Canada Media Fund (CMF) Envelope & Other Canadian Funding Programs

• Provide strategic guidance and analysis to determine how to allocate Knowledge’s CMF envelope across different projects and genres.
• Analyze data provided by the CMF and determine any inconsistencies or discrepancies that could potentially impact future envelopes.
• Interpret the CMF guidelines to ensure potential projects adhere to all requirements.
• Keep up to date with all the potential funding programs and determine which projects are appropriate/eligiblefor the various funding opportunities.
• Advise Knowledge’s Leadership Team of any policy changes or issues that may impact future envelopes.
• Act as liaison between Knowledge & the CMF.
• Attend annual CMF consultations on behalf of Knowledge Network.
• Ensure all CMF deadlines are met.

External Relationships

• Initiate and manage positive, creative relationships with a wide variety of producers and filmmakers to ensure a steady stream of authentic and diverse stories.
• Attend film festivals, industry conferences and other industry events with an emphasis on cultivating relationships with the independent production industry.
• Represent Knowledge on industry panels, pitching forums and similar public facing events.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with other industry organizations that support documentaries such as the National Film Board, Creative BC, CMPA, Doc Northwest, Telefilm, the Indigenous Screen Office, Bell Fund, Telus and Rogers Fund in addition to broadcasters such as TVO, CBC, APTN and AMI.

What You Bring to the Team:

Experience & Knowledge:

• Prior experience in a similar role managing documentary commissions at a broadcaster, streaming service, or digital media organization.
• Experience in developing commissioning strategies that engage and represent diverse audiences. 
• Strong understanding of the documentary production process, including budgeting, financing strategies, production, delivery and launch.
• Deep knowledge of and wide experience with the Canada Media Fund is essential.
• Knowledge of the Canadian documentary eco-system.
• Budget planning and management.
• Experience managing people in a creative environment.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and creative focus.
• Ability to make project evaluations based on factors such as depth of content, thoroughness of treatment, perspective and integrity, experience of the core team, as well as technical standards, and audience appeal.
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of judgment in the execution of commissions, exceptional personal integrity and insight into the Knowledge Network brand and values.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with filmmakers and production teams
• Meticulous attention to detail and exceptional standards for quality.
• An articulate communicator.
• A creative dealmaker with influencing skills.
• A genuine passion for documentary filmmaking and public broadcasting.
• Clear ability to demonstrate critical and strategic thinking and leadership.

What We Bring:

Knowledge Network is a stable, trusted and inclusive employer. We believe employees are our number one asset. As such, we offer competitive benefits including:

• A Competitive Salary - $101,898 – $124,915 annually.
• A Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan with employer contributions
• Generous Vacation Entitlement - starting at 4 weeks along with 13 annual statutory holidays.
• 100% Employer paid dental, extended health, vision care premiums for you and your family.
• Wellness supports, including an Employee and Family Assistance Program, lunch and learn seminars, and mental health resources.
• Training and Professional Development funds to support your continuous learning and development.

Knowledge Network is committed to employment equity and building a skilled, diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates to voluntarily indicate in their cover letter if they are a member of a First Nations group, Inuk or M é tis; or identify as a racialized person; a person with a disability; a woman; or 2SLGBTQI+.

Knowledge Network is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, including but not limited to, mental health, physical disability, religious practices or medical conditions, please let us know by contacting hr@knowledge.ca .

If you are passionate about this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to  hr@knowledge.ca , by February 26, 2025.

This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada and with the ability to commute to our office in Burnaby. Candidates from across the country will be considered and relocation assistance would be provided.

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