Producer, MS NOW Podcasts

Versant•New York, NY

3d•$93,000 - $110,000

About The Position

We are looking for a Producer to join the Podcast Unit at MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). This role will serve as one of the key editorial players for the team; pitching and booking guests, collaborating with hosts, scripting, and being hands-in-tape to shape each episode. The exact assignment may change over time as unit needs evolve. But at the outset, we plan for this person to take the reigns on “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast.” WITHpod is MS NOW’s longest-running podcast, covering everything from politics to technology to environmental justice. The right person for this role will be able to reliably execute week-to-week, while also bringing enthusiasm for new projects and new forms of connecting with an audience. We anticipate that the Producer in this role will also work on “Main Justice with Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord.” To succeed in this role, you should be equally excited to dive into the minute details of court documents as you are to think philosophically about the urgency of large-scale problems like housing or climate change. The Producer will report to one of the unit’s Coordinating Producers and is expected to be a utility player, pivoting to tasks across the unit as needed. The right person for this position will have a mastery of audio and video editing, and have an interest in news, law, society, and politics. Adherence to journalistic best practices is a must.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Minimum 5 years of audio production experience, preferably in podcasting
Minimum 1 years of video editing experience, preferably for YouTube podcasting
Technical expertise in ProTools, Descript, and Premiere
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects under deadline
Follows current video and podcasting trends
Strong understanding of news & politics
Understanding of journalism ethics
Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
Must be willing to work varied shifts as news changes

Nice To Haves

Collaborative attitude and strong communication skills
Fast learner
Self-motivated to continually grow their skillset
Adaptable to the needs of an evolving team
Able to take accountability
Enjoys solving problems, and does so pro-actively
Highly organized
Works well within a large organization
Comfortable working on shared projects

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end production of podcast episodes, including but not limited to pitching, scripting, recording, editing, and publishing
Book studios and crews. When needed, work with TV crews on best audio practices. And distribute mic kits to remote guests
Research show topics, structure episodes, and pitch and book compelling show guests
Assemble episode prep for hosts. Script episodes in hosts’ voice and work with them to hone the sound of each episode
Collaborate with linear TV teams to support the needs and preferences of high-profile hosts
Lead recordings, ensuring that tapings are to-time, contain the editorial material necessary for a high-quality episode, and meet our recording standards
Track scripts, pickups, and promos with hosts
Edit audio & video cuts, and pass to engineers & video editor for final mixes
Oversee sound design and provide mix notes to ensure final mix is of high production quality
Write episode metadata that is optimized for digital audiences
Ensure all content meets editorial standards, legal guidelines, and brand voice
Partner with digital, social, and marketing teams on episode distribution
Publish audio & video podcast episodes
Occasionally post TV coverage as podcast offerings
Maintain weekly show calendars and plan future-looking projects
Produce bonus content (such as for our Premium or Direct-to-Consumer products)
Track performance metrics and stay on top of trends in podcasting
Additional duties as assigned. Subject to change as role is expected to evolve over time as needed