Politics Producer, Audio

Position description

Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.

Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking an experienced audio producer with a passion for politics to work on a weekly election-focused project and our award-winning daily news podcast, “Post Reports.” You will help shape the sound of The Post by producing episodes that showcase our world-class journalism.

In this role, you will be comfortable pivoting from producing lively conversations that showcase the deep, original analysis of our politics team to episodes that help illuminate a wide range of topics and capture the boundless curiosity of our co-hosts, Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi. In this role, you will utilize your keen news judgment to identify Washington Post stories and pitch enterprise ideas that give our listeners a better understanding of the moment. You will work closely with colleagues throughout our newsroom and bureaus to transform their reporting and insights into compelling listening experiences. 

A strong candidate will be motivated to work on a highly collaborative team. You also thrive while working independently and can manage having more than one episode in production at once. You demonstrate grace under pressure and live for the moments when the news breaks and changes the day’s show plans. You get as much satisfaction giving your colleagues who are on mic just the right nudge for a memorable moment that unfolds on tape as crafting a cold open that hooks the ear and won’t let go. 

Responsibilities

• Ensure our politics coverage captures our listeners’ interest by working with editors and reporters to plan engaging panel discussions that leverage The Post’s unmatched expertise
• Attend regular Politics editorial meetings
• Book and coordinate recordings with guests from The Post and potential outside voices and newsmakers
• Research and write interview prep, conduct recordings and pursue any additional tape or reporting required
• Pitch other episode ideas that explore what’s driving the news cycle, and the humanity behind it 
• Keep our audience eager to come back each day by structuring episodes and segments in a conversational style supported by sharp writing
• Help maintain an efficient production process by identifying scoring opportunities when appropriate, maintaining up-to-date scripts and/or transcripts and managing organized assemblies

Minimum qualifications 

• 4+ years of experience working on audio news programs, talk shows and/or narrative-style shows 
• A commitment to daily news and experience producing political coverage 
• Well-versed in Pro Tools or similar software
• Ability to troubleshoot standard audio connections and equipment and help provide best practice guidance to newsroom colleagues
• Comfortable both turning around episodes on the same day and managing projects on a longer timeline 
• Willingness to travel occasionally to campaign-related events and work off-hours (nights and weekends) as needed 
• Ability to think critically and solve problems in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail, including fact-checking
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Can work effectively in a hybrid environment (Please note that this position is based in our Washington newsroom and requires being in the office three days a week)
• Passion for The Washington Post and its journalism

Preferred qualifications 

• Experience editing multiple podcast formats  
• Field production experience 
• Track record of offering constructive feedback in recording and tracking sessions 

Candidates should upload a résumé, cover letter and three examples of their work as PDFs to our jobs portal. All your application materials should be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled, but those received by Feb. 14 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Director of Audio Renita Jablonski, Deputy Director of Audio Allison Michaels and Post Reports Executive Producer Maggie Penman. 

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays and two personal days

• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

• Robust mental health resources

• Backup care and caregiver concierge services

• Gender affirming services

• Pet insurance

• Free Post digital subscription

• Leadership and career development programs

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net