Native American Journalists Association

WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and DCist is our digital outlet for local news. We provide in-depth and enterprise reporting alongside essential daily news and information that aims to reflect and serve the diverse communities of our region. We believe in news as a public service and put our current and future audience at the center of our work.

Summary/Objective

• The Producer develops, creates and manages stories, guests, conversations, and produced audio for news-oriented live talk audio programs with a multimedia presence focused on topics of local interest. The Producer is responsible for researching topics; and for conceptualizing and shaping compelling stories on air and online, and deal efficiently and appropriately with breaking news.
• The Producer is responsible for booking guests, writing scripts and copy for web, pitching compelling stories and seeking out unique uses for audio and audience engagement for local programs
• Producer is responsible for planning, producing and executing live editorial events such as panel discussions and townhalls on a range of local topics relevant to diverse communities across our region.
• The Producer creatively uses an array of audio, visual and multimedia tools. The Producer leverages existing audience engagement tools to connect the program’s journalism to the needs and concerns of the audience.
• The Producer works in a collaborative environment with relevant colleagues choosing topics and guests for local programs. Once topics are chosen, the producer must work independently with little supervision to produce the content, including booking guest appearances, coordinating with key departments, preparing research material and scripts. Production of digital assets and social media engagement to accompany/complement the content is also required.
• Producer will be assigned to report and produce content for newscast and digital platforms, Producer may also be assigned to fill in for newsroom producers. This position reports directly to the Editor.

Essential Functions

1. Plan, shape, and execute segments related to current events, with an eye towards creating compelling content that sparks vibrant conversations on air and online. Frame issues for debate; identify, contact, and interview potential guests under stringent time deadlines; and write promotional and program scripts for the on-air host. Includes research, pre-interviewing and booking topics and guests.
2. Work with Editor and Marketing and Events team to develop community events on timely topics. Select topics, guests and locations that reflect the diversity of issues and communities across our region. Coordinate across key departments (e.g., Events, Marketing, Engineering, Content, etc.) to ensure events are integrated into the station’s larger event and promotion schedule. Develop planning and rundown materials for events, set and lead planning meetings with key station staff, collaborate on promotional materials, and outreach to engage and attract a robust and diverse audience for the event.
3. Participates in Newsroom meetings. Identifies and prepares audio/visual assets as needed for audio program and digital presence. Oversees assigned content website presence, social media, audience engagement and podcast.
4. Collaborates with technical staff to ensure high quality production.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.
• Project Leader/Advisor B.
• Exempt.
• This position is union eligible.

Salary Range

• Starts at $68,067.00/year; commensurate with experience

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 4 – 6 years of relevant experience in broadcast journalism/producer.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5-8 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of broadcast journalism and production, including writing for air, audio editing and recording techniques; previous producer and reporting experience; knowledge of social media strategy for engagement before, during and after events and on-air shows.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Impeccable writing skills, with the ability to write quickly, accurately and in an accessible tone and format.
• Proven ability to establish, engage and grow audiences.
• Exceptional editorial judgment.
• Keen understanding of local news and current events, and excellent news and narrative judgment.
• Must possess the judgement to predict which local stories are the most timely and relevant in a given week, as well as which issues are relevant and timely for regular live townhall style events.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and assimilate large amounts of information efficiently under deadline pressures.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within and across departments.
• Must be capable of doing complex research and writing in order to compile and provide support material for the host.
• Must be able to write in a clear and concise “radio” manner, understanding what works on-air and what doesn’t.
• Must have an excellent phone manner, especially when working with potential guests and staff of elected officials.
• Must be able to formulate clear and insightful answers to questions and provide the answers before the show goes on the air.
• Must be able to work under stress and react to breaking news and unexpected events with calm and clear thinking.

Apply Here