Production Manager, Axios Live (Part-time Temporary) at Axios in Washington, DC

Job description

1 big thing: Axios Live transforms award-winning journalism into dynamic live events—offering editorial experiences that spark smart conversations across politics, business, technology, health, and more. We are hiring an Associate Director of Production to manage the technical execution, budget management, and vendor oversight for in-person and virtual events, helping scale Axios Live into its next phase of editorial and experiential growth. Why It Matters: This isn’t just about running events—it’s about making them work flawlessly. You will serve as the technical lead for some of Axios’s most visible moments, from live-streamed policy interviews to international stage productions. As a strategic and hands-on executor, you'll ensure each event reflects Axios's high standards for editorial integrity, production value, and audience experience. The details: Technical Execution & Production Oversight Manage the technical production of Axios Live events, including A/V systems, staging, lighting, livestreaming, video playback, and on-site recording for our large-scale event productions. Serve as stage manager and show-caller, managing real-time production cues, backstage operations, and talent movement Oversee A/V production vendors, including sourcing, scoping, budgeting, contracting, and on-site management Coordinate site-specific tech builds, rehearsals, and contingency plans for both in-person and virtual platforms (e.g. Zoom, Vimeo, custom integrations) Manage post-production editing workflows, including rapid content clipping in Adobe Premiere Pro and video asset delivery to marketing/editorial teams Production & Budget Management Own end-to-end production timelines, task tracking, and staffing schedules for simultaneous events Manage event production budgets at the line-item level—tracking vendor estimates, spend actuals, and reconciliations with minimal supervision Negotiate cost-effective solutions with vendors while ensuring Axios’s production standards are met or exceeded Maintain internal tools and documentation for production planning, budget tracking, vendor database and show files (e.g. run-of-show, call sheets, tech specs) Cross-Functional Collaboration & Mentorship Collaborate with editorial, creative, and design teams to bring branded experiences to life across Axios IP and custom event formats Act as a technical advisor to internal stakeholders on what’s possible (or not), offering solutions grounded in experience and vendor capabilities Provide mentorship and guidance to associates and freelance contractors, helping build a strong, technically savvy team culture Support new production innovation by identifying technical opportunities to improve quality, reduce risk, or scale event offerings What You’ll Bring: You are a technical producer with creative instincts, leadership skills, and a command of live event dynamics. You have: 5–7 years of experience in high-volume event production, including technical design, A/V execution, and budget management Deep understanding of A/V production workflows, including livestreaming, broadcast systems, LED, comms, rigging, and event safety Demonstrated success managing production budgets line by line, including vendor estimates, POs, and invoice reconciliation Proven ability to build and manage relationships with A/V and production vendors, including onsite teams High proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro; experience with After Effects and Photoshop is a plus. Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with senior executives and high-profile participants Ability to manage fast paced, quick communication work flows with external and internal stakeholders. Experience managing open-press or public-facing events under tight timelines Calm, adaptable, and solution-oriented under pressure Familiarity with project management software (e.g. Wrike, Airtable) is a plus Willingness to travel regularly and work early mornings, evenings, or weekends when required Starting sala