Video Acquisitions Manager

Job Description

BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed is the world's leading tech-powered, diversified media company that reaches hundreds of millions of people globally through its cross-platform news and entertainment network. The company produces articles, lists, quizzes, videos, and original series; lifestyle content through brands including Tasty, the world's largest social food network; original reporting and investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and HuffPost; an industry-leading affiliate business, strategic partnerships, licensing and product development through BuzzFeed Commerce; and original productions across broadcast, cable, SVOD, film and digital platforms for BuzzFeed Studios.

The Role

BuzzFeed is looking for a creative, adaptable, and resourceful Video Acquisitions Manager to work full-time out of our NY or LA office, leading and managing a team of internal Video Producers acquiring content from external video partners. The ideal candidate will have management experience and a firm sense of what's widely shared on online video and social platforms, with a focus on short form video. In this role you will leverage the unique opportunity to partner with a range of external creators on all platforms, using BuzzFeed as a distribution network. Candidates should be looking to hone business skills in an entrepreneurial environment. The Ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:
• Experience working with external video producers and talent in a large scale environment
• Identifying, hiring and onboarding external creative producers/talent
• Build off existing process of working with external talent focused content creators
• Being able to give top down direction to external talent focused content creators
• Ability to give creative direction through notes to external freelance producers
• Effectively communicate with Video Leadership to fulfil on programming needs horizontally across our brands and platforms.
• Working with social publishing, content analytics and business analysts to determine creative direction and goals.

You Will
• The Video Acquisitions Manager will work with Editorial Video Director to lead the charge on BuzzFeed's existing commission-based video models and should have a clear POV on:
• How we improve upon existing commission-based workflow
• How we create high volume of output while maintaining strong creative
• Being the department expert on commissioning external producers and helping us define the future of the commission model at BuzzFeed
• Lead brainstorms, mentor producers, and give effective and actionable creative notes and final approval on videos with team and stakeholders
• Responsible for the team's slate of ideas, including projected success, feasibility, and costs
• Observe viral trends on social platforms to make shareable and relatable content
• Schedule and run efficient check-ins and other meetings with the team
• Encourage new ideas and experimentation, and celebrate success
• Set measurable performance goals and timelines for each member of their team(s) that fit within the broader team and department goals
• Able to lead growth and direction of the team and take ownership of the ideas
• Follow up on the team's successes and actively work to help the team succeed, including developing one-off hits into series and/or repeatable formats

You Have
• 3-5 years of experience with video production with people management experience
• Understanding of the digital landscape and a proven interest in keeping up to date with developments in web platforms and applications
• Knowledge of the life and production cycle of online video
• Interest in newer or emerging platforms (ex: TikTok, Instagram)
• Deep understanding of how to make shareable content
• Experience giving creative notes and workshopping creative ideas as well as giving effective technical notes
• Ability to target video output for specific brands
• Ability to communicate and hire in effective freelance support
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple priorities
• Knowledge of Adobe and Google Suite a plus

To apply:
• No formal cover letters, please. Instead, include a few short paragraphs in your application explaining why you'd be a good fit for this particular position and what excites you about BuzzFeed Video. We'd also like you to share 3-5 links to BuzzFeed videos published within the last year that you think did really well, and explain why..
• Attach a resume

This job requires 5-7 years experience in video production and management experience. We offer competitive compensation and a stock option program.

All job applications must be received through the official BuzzFeed Jobs board (https://www.buzzfeed.com/about/jobs), including referrals. It is BuzzFeed's practice to not schedule job interviews until after an application is submitted through our jobs board.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-g3kbm9-52-14-130-13-42 in your application.