Talent Producer, Opinions

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

18d•$82,600 - $123,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Post Opinions team is seeking a highly connected and intellectually curious Guest Producer to identify, cultivate, and book compelling voices for our growing audio and video programming. This role will partner closely with opinion journalists, editors, and producers to source, pitch and book guests operating at the intersection of technology, politics, business, culture, and public policy — founders, investors, policy architects, journalists, researchers, creators, podcasters and more. Successful candidates will possess exceptional relationship-building skills, strong editorial judgment, and a deep understanding of the digital media ecosystem. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable tracking breaking news, cultivating industry relationships, evaluating audience interest, and identifying emerging voices before they become widely known. They understand how to balance audience appeal with substantive expertise and can help build a diverse pipeline of guests who contribute meaningful, engaging conversations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
2–5 years of experience in guest booking, talent relations, production, journalism, podcasting, digital media, or a related field.
Demonstrated understanding of the podcast, YouTube, and digital creator ecosystems.
Knowledge of current events, particularly within technology, politics, public policy, media, and business.
Strong editorial instincts and the ability to identify guests who will resonate with engaged audiences.
Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with high-profile guests, representatives, and industry stakeholders.
Excellent research, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefing documents and background research.
Sound judgment, initiative, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

Experience booking guests for podcasts, digital video programs, livestreams, or broadcast media.
Existing network of contacts within technology, policy, journalism, media, or creator communities.
Experience supporting long-form interview formats and opinion-focused content.

Responsibilities

Own the guest booking lifecycle from initial identification and outreach through confirmation, preparation, appearance, and ongoing relationship management.
Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective guests, including founders, executives, investors, policymakers, journalists, researchers, creators, and other influential voices.
Monitor the technology, politics, media, and creator economy landscapes to identify emerging trends, conversations, and talent opportunities.
Evaluate audience engagement trends across podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and other digital platforms to inform guest selection strategies.
Respond quickly to breaking news and emerging developments by identifying relevant and timely guest opportunities.
Build and maintain productive relationships with communications professionals, talent representatives, podcast producers, creators, and subject matter experts.
Prepare concise and actionable briefing materials that provide relevant background, previous public statements, key perspectives, and areas for further exploration.
Collaborate closely with editors, producers, and opinion journalists to align guest recommendations with editorial priorities and audience interests.
Recommend both established and emerging voices, using sound editorial judgment to balance reach, expertise, and originality.
Track booking activity, maintain guest records, and manage multiple concurrent booking and production timelines.