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Assistant Producer
National Public Radio
Washington, DC, United States
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A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. NPR listeners value information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.
Hidden Brain is a weekly podcast and radio show about human behavior and life’s unseen patterns. Since our debut in September 2015, Hidden Brain has become one of NPR’s fastest-growing shows, and is regularly listed as one of Podtrac’s top 20 podcasts. Our radio show is heard on more than 160 stations across the country, and our host Shankar Vedantam also reports on the latest social science research for NPR’s Morning Edition.
The assistant producer will play a vital role in supporting both our podcast and broadcast work, particularly in audio production and sound design. If you’ve ever been described by colleagues as a “producer’s producer” – someone who loves working with sound, and delights in using audio to illustrate an idea or bring a narrative to life – then you’re the type of candidate we’re seeking.
We will be accepting applications for this role through February 16, 2018. Applications will only be considered if they include a cover letter.
Our Culture:
We prize “yes, and” over “no, but” as a default response to opportunities. Knowledge and book learning are valued on this team, but even more important are conscientiousness, collegiality and an ability to think clearly under pressure. We love provocative ideas. We are committed to the financial sustainability of our enterprise. We believe in being emotionally intelligent toward one another.
Essential Skills and Duties:
Sound gathering and audio production for the weekly podcast and radio show, as well as Hidden Brain newsmagazine stories. This is a high metabolism job for an audio producer and sound designer who is equal parts quick and skillful.
• Edits audio of long-form “spotlight” interviews for the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show.
• Assembles host-narrated “deep dive” stories for the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show.
• Gathers “found sound” from online and other sources and conducts field interviews.
• Assembles montages or “waterfalls” of sound for use on the show.
• Write and assemble podcast episodes, based on blueprints and guidance from host and supervising producer, with an ear for sound design and the use of music.
• Assembles shorter versions of our podcast stories for use on NPR’s newsmagazine programs.
• Assists with in-studio production, including running the sound board and connecting to guests via ISDN.
• Exceptional ability to track down characters for stories, and to book interviews for Shankar.
• Assists with production of live events and town hall-style recordings of shows.
• Assists with the scripting of host-read promos and other written content, including podcast episode descriptions and web “mini-builds” for NPR.org.
• Assists with duties related to the distribution of our radio show, such as loading audio elements into Content Depot.
• Writes “web-builds” for podcast episodes
• Understands the Hidden Brain project, and is familiar with our approach toward science and storytelling
Other duties as assigned. This job does not have on-air responsibilities.
Qualifications:
Education:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Required:
• At least 1.5 years’ experience in broadcasting.
• At least 1.5 years’ experience in news journalism.
• Ability to edit audio. Knowledge of MTE is a plus.
• Experience in podcasting and radio broadcasting, including producing in and operating digital audio self-op facilities.
• Strong storytelling sensibilities and an ability to identify anecdotes that can bring a larger idea or research finding to life.
• Experience and demonstrated commitment to fact checking.
• Thorough knowledge of research tools, including online databases.
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collegial and high-energy 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 locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.
Preferred:
• Knowledge of social science research, and good judgment about what constitutes rigorous science
• Ability to edit audio using ProTools.
• Experience working on a syndicated radio show, particularly one that is distributed through Content Depot.
• Ability to use recording equipment to gather field sound.
• Experience in musical composition, particularly music for use in long-form audio storytelling.
• Digital media skills, including proficiency in social media as a news gathering technique.
• Familiarity with blogging and Web 2.0 functionalities.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you. If you apply for this job, here's what you can expect in our interview process.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Follow us on Twitter at @NPRjobs, as well as #NPRlife for 'behind the scenes' tweets from our colleagues.
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