Producer, 1A (Producer II)

American University•Washington, DC

1d•$75,487 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The Producer, 1A develops, creates and manages stories, guests and conversations for a nationally distributed live news talk show with a presence across multiple digital media platforms. The Producer is responsible for researching a wide range of political, cultural, literary, and social topics; and for conceptualizing and shaping compelling stories on air and online. The Producer is responsible for booking guests, writing scripts and copy for web, pitching compelling stories and seeking our unique uses for audio and audience engagement. The Producer, 1A creatively uses an array of audio, visual and multimedia tools. The Producer leverages existing audience engagement tools to connect the program’s journalism to the needs and concerns of the audience. The Producer works alongside colleagues and other production team members, and assists new members of staff to identify their training needs. The Producer works with the Managing Producer, 1A and Executive Producer, sharing regular updates with the Director of Station Relations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
4 - 6 years of relevant experience in journalism and media.
Superb oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to identify trends and to generate and execute complex creative ideas.
Keen understanding of national and international current events, and excellent news and narrative judgment.
Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and assimilate large amounts of information efficiently under daily deadline pressures.
Proficiency with audio editing and multimedia production.
Experience creating content for Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.
Experience working with content management systems (CMS).
Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Proven ability to identify and vet dynamic and sought-after national and international guests.
Time management skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, unpredictable news environment.

Nice To Haves

An established network of contacts with national and international newsmakers.
Experience producing content for a live daily talk program.
Experience developing high-quality digital-only content.
Proven ability to establish and grow online audiences.

Responsibilities

Identify issues and themes relevant for a U-S audience, and produce original news-making content for broadcast and digital platforms.
Plan, shape, and execute segments related to national and international current events, with an eye towards creating compelling content that sparks vibrant conversations on air and online.
Frame issues for debate; identify, contact, and interview potential guests under stringent time deadlines; and write scripts for the on-air host.
Develop and implement multimedia content for non-broadcast platforms. This will include a combination of audio editing, photography, video production, and basic graphic design.
Write social media and web copy for their broadcast segments.
Write, review, edit and distribute promotional descriptions of upcoming programming to be used on air and online by WAMU personnel, public information office at American University, and NPR stations which carry the program across the country.
Serve as a representative of the show at conferences, in communications with member stations, and at public events.