Executive Producer, Daily News Podcasts

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Across our organization, we're building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

The Programming Division includes creative and expansive thinkers – about content, products and editorial strategy. Home to NPR's industry-leading podcast portfolio, Programming also includes the Events & Experiential, Visuals and Music teams, which produce NPR's beloved Tiny Desk Concerts. We put the audience first and seek to foster innovation, engagement and delight in everything we do.

NPR is looking for an experienced editorial and programming leader to help guide the strategic direction and growth of our daily news podcasts and on-demand audio news, working in close partnership with NPR's news division. As EP, you will coordinate with stakeholders across NPR and member stations to realize the potential of a portfolio that includes the first-ever local/national news podcast Consider This, pop up podcasts like State of Ukraine, and daily shows including Up First, Short Wave, the Politics Podcast, the Indicator from Planet Money, Pop Culture Happy Hour and Book of the Day. In addition, as an in-house news podcasting expert, you will help drive content strategy for NPR's audio app and platforms, and support the development of a podcast network for the public radio system. This work requires understanding of current trends in podcasting, a strong journalism background and success in shaping editorial content into programming that is fact-based, engaging and meaningful to people's lives.

This ideal applicant will bring proven ability to think strategically and a track record managing and developing creative people and healthy, diverse teams. You will know how to encourage curiosity and innovation and create best-in-class programming that leverages ideas from NPR hosts, producers, reporters, as well as external contributors. The successful applicant will be someone who thrives in collaborative environments and brings vision and spirit to their work.

The Executive Producer will actively work to foster diversity as well as cultivate and support an inclusive and equitable workplace. The EP reports to the VP News Podcast Strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide strategic guidance to grow and evolve a portfolio of shows; act as an in house expert on news podcasting
• Directly manage some teams based in Programming, co-manage others with the News Division.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the programs, including editorial agendas, audience growth initiatives, promotional campaigns, and content and IP extensions.
• Establish a structured environment for creative work
• Support regular reviews of shows and projects so that they continue to iterate and improve
• Identify opportunities to leverage NPR audio content in new ways to expand NPR's audience service
• Collaborate on the development of new concepts or shows
• Represent the content divisions in NPR initiatives aimed at growing the footprint of on demand audio and podcasting in public media
• Manage relationships with a variety of internal stakeholders, especially the News division, and pursuing relationships with outside contributors and organizations, including NPR Member stations
• Manage budgets and coordinate with colleagues in revenue driving divisions to support the financial health of the daily news podcast portfolio
• Supervise 2-4 direct reports and their teams. Prepare regular performance reviews making effective recommendations regarding any hiring, promotion, and discipline for these positions,
• Cultivate and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, executing diversity, equity and inclusion goals

REQUIRED SKILLS:
• Minimum seven years of experience building and managing audio teams
• Minimum seven years experience generating and managing complex editorial projects and teams with multiple stakeholders, including the successful execution of surprising concepts and ideas
• Demonstrated success working with and managing highly creative, driven, results-oriented contributors.
• Strong organizational skills and proven success in creating and overseeing successful production flow and systems would be highly desirable
• Comfort working in audio engineering producing on Dalet, Cool Edit, ProTools, or similar broadcast digital audio workstations
• Strong oral communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to find, onboard, and develop talent for future innovative projects and initiatives.
• Commitment to cultivating and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience is required.

WORK LOCATION:

This is a hybrid-permitted role. The employee will be required to be onsite at our Washington DC or New York office at least 10 days a year. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rnj615-18-117-165-66-42 in your application.