Production Assistant, Morning Edition

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.

Morning Edition and Up First are looking for a budding journalist to join the team as a Washington, D.C-based Production Assistant. This position helps produce program material for NPR's flagship morning show and daily morning podcast.

The right candidate for this position is interested in daily news and is eager to deliver the freshest, most important stories to listeners to start their day. They should also want to understand the needs and wants of various audiences.

The Production Assistant mixes pieces, pulls soundbites, assembles the podcast and helps with breaking news. They generate story and interview ideas. The Production Assistant researches topics and guests, books live interviews and assists in writing copy for show hosts. The ideal candidate has experience producing intricate piece and interview mixes including under tight deadlines. The selected candidate must be available to rotate across shifts, including regular stints working overnight to bring the live show to air at 5AM and podcast to publication at 6AM.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Cuts audio for air, including both host interviews and reporter pieces, which often require complex mixes.
• Works across the hours, including early mornings, swing and overnight in service of the live broadcast.
• Helps prepare scripts and other material, with editorial oversight. This includes show opens, returns, tape and copy elements and interview briefs for hosts.
• Pitches story ideas and potential show guests.
• Works under tight deadlines to react to breaking news.
• Produces the Up First podcast with editorial assistance.
• May train up on show directing skills.
• May be given assignments on different platforms such as social media.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• At least one year experience in broadcast journalism.
• At least one year experience in news journalism.
• Ability to edit audio on digital editing systems.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
• Ability to collect, organize and communicate information effectively, especially across shifts using established workflow guides.
• Strong research skills.
• Demonstrated writing ability with an emphasis on clarity, economy of phrase and a strong grasp of the rules of grammar.
• Ability to handle more than one assignment at a time; ability to prioritize, anticipate and communicate effectively about assignments.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Experience producing in studios and operating digital audio self-op facilities.
• Digital media skills, including proficiency in social media as a tool for topic research, news-gathering and audience interaction.
• Willingness to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. The minimum annualized salary for this position is $65,000.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d5j9j1-18-222-184-200-42 in your application.