Job description
Washington, DC
American University
WAMU 88.5 is Washington DC’s leading public radio station for NPR news and information. It’s our mission to connect Washingtonians with each other and the world through balanced, enlightening, inspiring and entertaining programs of the highest quality.
Summary/Objective
Working closely with Managing Producer and Senior Talk Host, the PT Associate Producer creates topical, issue-oriented, daily live interview/listener call-in programs. This position reports directly to the managing producer, depending on the program. Occasionally and if the managing producer is out, this position will work alongside the senior talk host, program director and other members of the programming department.
The producer works in a collaborative environment with the managing producer and Senior Host choosing topics for the program. Also works collaboratively with engineering staff to produce show. Once topics are chosen the producer must work independently with little supervision to choose the proper guests and schedule the segment. Production of digital buildouts and multimedia assets to accompany/compliment on-air segments, as well as digital engagement tasks, are also required when appropriate and feasible.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position supervises volunteers.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Part-time
27.5 hours/ week.
This position ends on 1/15/2021.
Salary Range
$25/ hour
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or equivallent.
1-3 years of Journalism experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree or equivalent.
Knowledge of journalistic principles and/or a degree in journalism, radio production techniques, including screening calls and social media comments and questions; previous talk show experience preferred.
Knowledge of social media strategy for engagement before, during and after the program and experience with computer based research tools very helpful.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Impeccable writing skills, with the ability to write quickly, accurately and in an accessible tone and format.
Proven ability to establish and grow audiences.
Exceptional editorial judgment.
Keen understanding of local and national current events, and excellent news and narrative judgment.
Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and assimilate large amounts of information efficiently under daily deadline pressures.
Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Must possess clear and accurate knowledge of local and national current events.
Must possess the judgement to predict which stories will work as conversations on the radio and which will have currency as much as a week away.
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 pre-interviewing potential guests for the program and when answering the phones.
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.
Hiring offers for this position are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
How to apply
Apply online
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