Content Development Producer

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're seeking a content development producer to join us on the front lines of piloting and incubating programming for the next generation of NPR audiences. Our content development team brings innovative ideas and fresh talent into the NPR fold, and connects that talent to the resources and support they need to develop their concept. This job primarily focuses on the piloting process. We are in active stages of evolving our content development process, and this producer would play a pivotal role in helping shape its definition.

The content development producer will support hosts and showrunners in test-driving their concept, and producing sample episodes within a fixed period of time with the goal of finalizing a pilot. They should expect to help shape the show concept in its early stages, quickly identify high-level editorial strengths, and problem-solve around editorial questions that will require further testing.

We are looking for a producer who can do it all: pitch smart and engaging episodes that can serve as the show's pilot; craft a richly textured multi-layered mix using multiple sources of audio, music and sound; write tight crisp scripts finding the host's voice; mentor junior producers on storytelling style and aesthetic approach; and mix together episodes with care and fastidious attention to detail.

The content development producer should expect to rotate around multiple projects and advise the transition into the show's eventual launch phase. Agility and flexibility will be key in managing these workflows.

The content development producer will be part of a small team managing the piloting process, and is ideally based in New York, Los Angeles, or Washington DC

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports overarching piloting process.
• Supports hosts in honing in on show concept, problem-solves around editorial and narrative challenges that require further testing and development
• Outlines sample episodes based on host's editorial vision, and supports host in landing on concept for pilot
• Edits audio.
• Records, mixes and edits complex, multi-track audio stories
• Takes a pilot episode assignment and sees it through the process, working with the hosts to report and edit interviews, writes scripts and joins in edits and final production.
• Manages complex production assignments on a tight deadline.
• Works with host, producers, and others in arranging for related elements to complete or supplement a piece.
• Generates segment and interview ideas.
• Researches and pitches ideas for interviews and segments
• Prepares questions and approaches to host interviews
• Conducts research and assists in arranging interviews
• Pre-interviews guests and prepares research material for host
• Bargaining unit employees may be given assignments on different platforms, such as multimedia production, including producing Web text, interactive material and multimedia content.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

Required:
• At least 4-5 years' experience in podcasting, broadcasting, and / or audio production
• Demonstrated ability to mix complex, multitrack audio stories
• Demonstrated ability to support hosts in scheduling guests, recording interviews, field production, script writing and other production needs
• Demonstrated writing ability
• Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure. Ability to handle more than one assignment at a time; ability to prioritize, anticipate and communicate effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• 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
• Ability and willingness to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic location

Preferred:
• Experience with production during piloting and / or launch phase
• Has worked on multiple productions across different formats and subject matters
• Managing Complexity
• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Quality Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Flexibility with ambiguity

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d22kpm-3-138-105-31-42 in your application.