About the Role
This position will be responsible for the acquisition of TVO’s documentary programming as well as scheduling and content executive duties. The documentary programmers work closely with the programming team to deliver on our content strategy and shape our primetime schedule. This involves sourcing high quality unscripted programming. The Programmer will also be assigned TVO commissioned films and series to oversee editorially. We are looking for an experienced programming professional with a background in documentary content for broadcast and digital platforms. We are excited to meet with candidates who have excellent storytelling instincts and an understanding of current content trends.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain relationships with distributors, independent producers, sales representatives, agents and other media representatives.
- Provide editorial feedback on TVO Originals during various stages of development and production.
- Liaise with producers throughout productions to ensure programs deliver on the creative intent.
- Feed into team submissions review meetings by providing constructive feedback on project proposals.
- Source content from a range of distributors and independent producers that fits the TVO mandate, meets diversity goals, adheres to the content blueprint, and meets scheduling needs for all TVO platforms.
- Screen and evaluate potential acquisitions, pre-buys and co-productions for broadcast and/or streaming readiness and adherence to content standards.
- Advise Business Affairs on parameters for negotiation of content.
- Assist in developing and implementing programming strands and schedule on all platforms.
- Contribute to scheduling and promotion planning by recommending suitable programs.
- Curate content and manage and exploit inventory to maximize value.
- Secure best programming value within allocated budget.
- Create content schedules and maintains accurate inventory reports.
- Provide metadata and texts that are search engine optimized (SEO).
- Direct the editing of acquired content as required.
- Perform other directly related duties.
Requirements
- 5 years or more experience in a television / film programming or production environment.
- Solid understanding of the independent production industry.
- Robust networking skills and established relationships with both distributors and producers.
- Experience assessing projects at all stages of production.
- Strong storytelling instincts.
- Direct experience in unscripted programming.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and an ability to learn new database software.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with various external stakeholders.
- You live our values: we value bold thinking, we embrace change, we thrive with diverse voices, we honour our commitments, we're better together.
Skills
- Documentary content for broadcast and digital platforms
- Storytelling instincts
- Current content trends
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Database software
- SEO
Location
- Toronto, Yonge & Eglinton (On-site)
Work Type
- Full-time Contract
- Union
Experience Level
- 5 years or more experience
Education Level
- University or college education with a focus on media
Salary/Compensations
- $80,125.52 - $87,918.29
Benefits
- Option to join the Public Service Pension Plan on day one
- Employee and Family Assistance Plan
About the Company
- TVO Media Education Group is a social impact organization devoted to inspiring learning that changes lives and enriches communities.
- An internationally recognized digital learning organization that strives to engage, inform, and educate Ontarians of all ages.
- TVO is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Education and a registered charity funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors.
- Through our brands, TVO Kids, TVO Today, TVO ILC and TVO Learn, we provide multi-platform educational programming; ground-breaking original documentaries; in-depth public affairs content; the largest online secondary school in Ontario; and award-winning digital-learning resources that support Ontario’s curriculum.
Equal Opportunity
- We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to TVO.
- We have a diverse workforce and are committed to building a culture within the workplace that brings out the best in everyone.
- These values anchor how we work and lay the foundation for a workplace that celebrates differences, encourages self-expression and empowers learning, which we know is a key component to our success.
- Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process (e.g., including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms).
- TVO does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools to screen, assess, or select candidates. All applications are reviewed by the hiring team.
