Vacancy: What If Producer
About the role
This is a creative production role where you will be responsible for adhering to the editorial direction and production requirements for episodes of the What If show. You are responsible for pitching ideas, producing them into videos, deciding how ideas are produced and presented, and monitoring content performance after publishing.
The role requires a deep understanding of YouTube as a medium, including its unique language, audience psychology, and the mechanics of online attention. You must balance the art and science of production, producing content that is informed by data but without sacrificing creative quality.
Day-to-day, you will act as the hub for pre-production, ideation, packaging, production, and post-production tasks. This includes finding irresistible stories, framing them effectively, and ensuring the production team executes quickly at the highest quality. Many of these tasks will be enabled or automated by various AI tools and skills.
NOTE: This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 days a week in our Toronto studio and head office. It is only for permanent residents in Ontario, Canada. Applicants that don’t reside in Ontario won’t be considered.
Application Deadline: midnight Friday, Jun 26, 2026
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Showrunner and our production team to create engaging, high-quality episodes for YouTube
- Lead the pre-production, production and post-production phases for each video, including, ideation, packaging, researching, outlines, scripts, shooting, editing, etc.
- Solve creative and technical problems, overcome hurdles.
- Implement changes based on the Showrunner’s feedback.
Qualifications you bring
- YouTube Experience: You have 3 or more years of experience in YouTube content creation, video production, digital media production.You have a proven track record of making content that engages and retains audiences on YouTube: you understand what makes people click, watch, and come back.
- Science Lover: You have a deep-rooted passion for science and a keen eye to distinguish truly original speculative concepts from tired tropes. You think visually about science, and you get excited about scale comparisons, simulations, and consequence chains. When you learn about a new discovery, your first instinct is to imagine how you’d show it.
- Digital Storyteller: You know how to craft a story. You have a proven ability to produce engaging, long-form (20–30 minute) episodes for established, successful channels.
- Data-Driven Producer: You know how to use data to listen to your audience, and you have a track record of using data to engage and retain audiences.
- Team Player: You’ve worked with production teams in fast-paced environments. You know how to set clear expectations, give constructive, actionable feedback, and create the conditions for everyone to contribute their best work.
- AI TaskMaster: You know how to use various AI production tools for ideation, research, pre-production and production tasks. In particular you are familiar with using AI tools for generating graphic elements.
- Adobe Suite: working knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
How to Apply
Submit your application along with a link to a viral video or successful social format you have produced, created or ideated. Showcase your ability to capture audience attention and drive significant engagement and growth.
Underknown is a creator-led media company making high-quality, long-form videos for YouTube and beyond. We produce factual storytelling that explains science, tech, and the natural world in engaging, accessible ways. Our global team runs 100+ channels in multiple languages, reaching 70 million monthly viewers. While YouTube is our core platform, we also publish on Snapchat, Facebook, MSN, and operate the Popular Science streaming TV channel.
Why work at Underknown?
- Your work will be seen by millions of people around the world.
- A competitive salary.
- Work from home and at our studio in Toronto with an international team of creators and thinkers.
- A manager who deeply cares about your development and makes a personal investment in your career at Underknown.
- A team that trusts and wants to win together and has a work hard but have fun attitude
- Work for a values-driven company; we don’t work with brands and organizations that pollute the planet and exploit people.
We know that applying to a new role takes a lot of work and we sincerely value your time and your interest in Underknown. We’re looking forward to reading your application. We thank all applicants, though only those selected will be contacted.
Underknown is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations that we serve. We are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We have implemented policies with respect to accommodating people with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any time during your application or employment with Underknown, please contact the Human Resources Department.

