Freelance Senior Producer

Sarah
Leighton

Hello!

I'm a Senior Integrated Producer and Project Manager, with 12+ years in the industry bringing cross-functional teams together and leading multifaceted work. I cut my teeth on the agency side working with clients like Electronic Arts, Burger King, MINI USA & Global, Mission foods, Jameson, and 9Lives. I've also had the distinct pleasure of working at some of the biggest technology companies client side, such as Meta, Yahoo, Google, Apple and Airbnb. 

These experiences in both internal and creative agency work has resulted in a well rounded, process driven, collaborative philosophy on Production and Project Management. I'm fueled by working with creative-minded people in fast paced environments. I see opportunity in ambiguity and am thrilled to problem solve creatively and collaboratively. While I make sure to get sh*t done, I also think it's important to have fun while you're doing it!

Outside of work, I’m a lover of ugly dogs, vintage treasures and well-balanced cocktails.

THE CHOPS

Apple – FREELANCE SENIOR PRODUCER, REMOTE

APRIL 2022 – PRESENT

A design system project is crucial for large teams working in different areas of the product. It requires the ability to foster collaboration between design, development and product teams. Working as a conduit between Core Creative and Design Systems, I led them to work holistically with co-creators across the organization in an effort to concept, document and implement a unifying design system and component library that guarantees consistency, flexibility at scale and effective workflows. Our efforts resulted in a cohesive, best in class visual and user centered experience that Apple is known for.

Skills: User testing, Project Management, Design & UX Management, Relationship Management, Timeline Management 

• Work shared upon request

GOOGLE – FREELANCE SENIOR PRODUCER, REMOTE

OCTOBER 2020 – APRIL 2022

Global product launches require work cross-functionally with brand strategists, designers, developers, as well as agency partners. During the launch of Pixel 5a with 5G, Nest (indoor, wired) and Pixel 6a on Google Store, my team (along with 100+ stakeholders) used insights and data to craft a memorable brand experience for each product. These digital experiences transformed perception, informed and strengthened bonds to the brand across 31+ locales/countries.

Outside of production work, I also helped shepherd adoption of Google Store’s creative and marketing operating models and product launch processes. Using project management skills and flexible organization methods, I helped teams to communicate, collaborate and deliver industry-leading creative work in an ambiguous environment with competing cross-functional priorities.

Skills: Content Management, Production, Process Improvement, Program Management, Online Marketing, Brand Marketing, Digital Transformation, Digital Project Management, Marketing Strategy, Timeline Management

• Work shared upon request

AIRBNB – FREELANCE SENIOR PRODUCER, San francisco, CA.

JANUARY 2019 – JULY 2020

At Airbnb, connection is everything. In my time there I set up process and workflow management that ultimately led to the launch of Airbnb's first on-platform content platform, the Host Resource Center. This workflow enabled the team to create 200+ articles and videos in 31 languages for launch, and unexpectedly allowed us to rapidly spin up content, serving as the primary information hub for 4 million+ hosts around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With a talented and lean editorial and creative team, I led the production of editorial content, campaigns, events and product stories that encouraged Host success, trust for the brand and enabled community connection within and outside of the product. Ultimately, reducing customer support tickets and increasing host retention. 

Skills: Project Management, Video Production, Design Management, Agency Relationship Management, Timeline Management

• More work shared upon request

FACEBOOK – FREELANCE SENIOR PRODUCER, MENLO PARK, CA.

APRIL 2018 – SEPTEMBER 2018

As part of the Studio Production team that partnered with Product Marketing to build campaigns at scale, I managed projects founded in innovative and data-driven marketing strategies and produced high-performing creative that leveraged power and potential for Facebook Brand (Meta), Facebook and Messenger.

In addition to producing the first outbound marketing in over 2.5 years for Messenger,  I took the initiative to establish comprehensive documentation and resources for our client partners and vendors. This initiative significantly improved collaboration among cross-functional teams, fostering a more cohesive and streamlined approach to project execution.

Skills: Brand Integrity, Project Management, Video Production, Agency relationships, Cross-functional management, UI/UX Design, Digital production

• Work shared upon request

YAHOO SPORTS – FREELANCE LEAD PRODUCER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.

MARCH 2017 – APRIL 2018

Working within an in-house creative agency model, collaborating with cross-functional product teams, I assumed a leadership role overseeing  end-to-end production on one of Yahoo’s most recognized brands, Yahoo Sports. I lead consumer marketing, employee initiative and events for brand, product and social.

In my capacity, I also undertook the responsibility of mentoring and upholding essential processes within the organization. This mentorship played a crucial role in developing talent, fostering a culture of creative excellence, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects internally and with external vendors. My commitment to process improvement and talent development had a positive effect throughout the team, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Skills: Project Management, Video Production, Digital Production, Social Media, Design Management, Agency Relationship Management, Timeline Management, Operational management

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LEVEL STUDIOS - SENIOR PRODUCER & SCRUM MASTER, SAN FRANCISCO CA

JULY 2015 - FEBRUARY 2017

• Led, planned and organized Level Studio’s first mobile app for The Irvine Company Apartments Residents

• Implemented core agile principles facilitating collaboration and efficiency across interdisciplinary teams

• Collaborated with technology team to apply recently developed process model for new business as sole producer in San Francisco office

• Responsible for scoping all projects in terms of deliverables, schedule and budget for all non-apple clients, resulting in fiduciary competence

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EVB - PRODUCER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

JUNE 2014 - JULY 2015

• Headed production for 9Lives integrated campaign consisting of video, microsite design and development, contests and sweepstakes and display media

• Supervised all social content and digital work for Jameson Irish Whiskey implemented worldwide

• Established the scope of projects, project requirements & deliverables for large-scale projects including websites, video, installations, site takeovers and social initiatives across multiple client businesses

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BSSP - DIGITAL PRODUCER, SAUSALITO, CA

MARCH 2014 - JUNE 2014

• Lead producer on MINI USA and Roku including management of resource allocation, scheduling and production of F56 2014 Hardtop launch

• Planned, organized and executed Greyhound 100-year anniversary microsite

• Oversaw maintenance and continued development of PictaGrid, a tool that tracks and manages an Instagram account by collecting images and displaying regular infographics

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BSSP -  ASSOCIATE DIGITAL PRODUCER, SAUSALITO, CA

OCTOBER 2011 - MARCH 2014

• Co-Founded and initiated internal inspiration group "the Fault Zone" ensuing in the ideation and production of PictaGrid

• Acted as production lead, inspiring creative team to develop innovative Mission / Better Homes & Garden interactive tablet ad resulting in an average time spent of :23 (vs. :14 of ads run on BH&G at that time)

• Collaborated with development and design teams to build a responsive web app for the Worldwide Partners North American Conference

• Executed the launch of responsive, Wordpress enabled sites for ZICO USA, ZICO Canada and BSSP

• Oversaw production and planning of rich and standard digital media for the launch of the MINI Roadster and MINI Paceman

CP+B - DIGITAL ASSISTANT CONTENT MANAGER,  BOULDER, Co

AUGUST 2010 - OCTOBER 2011

• Oversaw all BURGER KING® social communications, resulting in a 59% increase in “like” growth in Q1 2011 and a top 50 ranking by TechCrunch for top Facebook Brand page growth

• Instrumental in the creative development, production and success of multiple new business pitches including Milka Chocolate and MetLife

• Led the implementation of eGifting platform on the BK® Facebook Fan page