Temporary Producer III, Enterprise Storytelling Unit

NPR’s longform narrative podcast team, the Enterprise Storytelling Unit, is looking for a creative, motivated and highly-skilled producer to work on its longform documentary podcast Embedded. The Producer III plays a key role in shaping the sound and direction of series under the Embedded umbrella, working closely with any producers, supervising/senior editors and hosts. The Producer III’s role on any individual Embedded series will depend on the needs, style and staffing of that particular project. This producer may also occasionally be asked to assist with the production of The Sunday Story from Up First episodes, which includes repackaged news content, rebroadcast podcast episodes, and occasional original content. A successful candidate has a background in show production, experience with sound design, and a desire to tell complex and layered stories in the audio form.  

This is a union-represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. 

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help Supervising Senior Editor or other senior staff brainstorm season, episode, and feed visions (in meetings to help develop season/episode guiding questions, story structure, reporting strategy, and sonic vision). 
• Brought in at Crucial Moments to help make the episode work (offering editorial guidance to help shape/edit stories to support editorial integrity and quality). This may include co-writing, sitting in on an interview, listening to raw tape and suggesting cuts to pull, production work. 
• Sometimes lead producing a series and/or stepping up to oversee the production timeline and help with lead up to series launch. 
• Mentoring and training of ESU producers on Embedded.
• Participate in editorial planning of the assigned series including episode topic selection, story arch, and selection/booking of guests.
• With the team, create sound and structure of assigned series.
• Direct host(s) during recordings, providing direction and constructive feedback.
• Contribute to day-to-day production of the assigned series, including designing, updating, and managing production calendars and workflows.
• Write scripts under deadline.
• Work on major, long-term projects, as well as short deadline pieces, sometimes simultaneously.
• Craft engaging copy for podcast, radio show, and web.
• Help score and sound design assigned series. 
• Work closely and collegially with hosts, editor, producers, interns, plus freelancers, contractors, and Member Station/newsroom partners.
• Assist in production training (and possibly mentoring) for new staff members and other content collaborators, both internal and external.
• Ensure that all content complies with NPR’s standards for accuracy and fairness.
• Assume other duties as assigned, including supporting other special projects in the Enterprise Storytelling Unit.
• Manages listener engagement channels, including social media, listener mail, and audience call-outs.
• Demonstrates consistent expertise in field production, where applicable. 

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5-7 years experience working closely with hosts and reporters. Includes demonstrated ability and experience working with a wide range of personalities under the pressure of deadlines and editorial review.
• At least 3-5 years experience producing longform, narrative storytelling. 
• At least 3-5 years experience producing on Protools, Adobe Audition, or similar professional digital audio workstations. Protools proficiency preferred. 
• At least 5 years' experience in podcasting or broadcasting. 
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure. 
• Ability to handle multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes. 
• Understanding of journalistic ethics. Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness. 
• Strong oral communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Building Stakeholder Relationships
• Resilience
• Managing Complexity
• Emotional Intelligence
• Creative Brainstorming
• Multitasking
• Project Planning

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

WORK LOCATION

• Remote Permitted: This is a remote permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.

JOB TYPE

• This is a temporary (6-month) full time position.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate:  The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $54.09 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. 

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