Podcast Producer & Studio Operations Manager

WQED Multimedia•Pittsburgh, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

WQED seeks a Podcast Producer and Studio Operations Manager to develop and produce original audio and video podcasts from concept through distribution. This role combines editorial judgment, hands-on production, host and guest preparation, and day-to-day coordination of WQED’s new podcast studio. The Producer and Manager will build a focused slate of programs that connects WQED’s arts, culture, education, local storytelling, and community work across podcast platforms, WQED+, broadcast, YouTube, social media, and live events.

Requirements

Three or more years of experience producing podcasts, digital media, broadcast content, journalism, or multimedia storytelling.
Demonstrated experience producing and publishing original audio and video content from concept through distribution.
Strong interviewing, writing, editing, and story-structure skills, with sound editorial judgment.
Hands-on proficiency with audio and video recording, studio workflows, and professional editing software such as Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro, Pro Tools, Sequoia, or comparable tools.
Experience directing hosts, guests, and recording sessions in studio and field settings.
Strong project-management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple episodes, collaborators, and deadlines.
Understanding of podcast hosting, feeds, metadata, distribution platforms, analytics, captioning, and transcription workflows.
Ability to collaborate across editorial, production, marketing, digital, engineering, and community-engagement teams.
Strong interest in the arts, culture, people, and communities of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Nice To Haves

Experience producing narrative, interview, documentary, or live-event podcasts.
Experience in public media, journalism, nonprofit media, or an arts organization.
Knowledge of broadcast audio standards and rights or release practices.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media production, broadcasting, film, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

Develop, pitch, and manage a focused slate of original podcast series and episodes.
Research topics, identify guests and community voices, and shape formats that serve clear audiences and editorial goals.
Write and edit scripts, show outlines, interview questions, episode descriptions, and related copy.
Prepare and coach hosts and guests; direct studio and remote recording sessions.
Record, edit, mix, and master professional-quality audio and video for podcast, broadcast, and digital distribution.
Exercise editorial judgment and ensure accuracy, fairness, clarity, accessibility, and alignment with WQED’s standards and mission.
Publish and optimize episodes for podcast platforms, WQED+, YouTube, websites, and other distribution channels.
Create or coordinate trailers, clips, audiograms, companion videos, captions, transcripts, and promotional materials.
Use available performance data and audience feedback to improve formats, packaging, release plans, and promotion.
Maintain consistent publishing schedules, metadata, credits, rights documentation, and archived production files.
Coordinate the day-to-day use and scheduling of WQED’s podcast studio for internal teams and approved collaborators.
Operate recording, camera, lighting, microphone, and production systems; identifying technical issues and coordinating maintenance or repairs as warranted.
Establish efficient workflows for recording, editing, review, asset management, publishing, and archiving.
Recommend equipment, software, and workflow improvements in coordination with Engineering and Technology staff.
Collaborate with WQED producers, hosts, editors, marketers, digital staff, and community partners.
Record interviews and programs at performances, festivals, community events, and other field locations as assigned.