Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking an audio producer with a passion for news, politics and cultural issues to work on audio initiatives from the Post Opinions team. This will include helping to produce the weekly Opinions podcast, "Impromptu." You will help shape the sound of Post Opinions by producing episodes that showcase our world-class opinion journalism and elevating a wide array of insights and perspectives.

In this role, you will be comfortable pivoting from producing lively conversations that showcase deep, original commentary of our Opinions team to exploring other ways to integrate audio into our report. You will utilize your keen news judgment to identify issues and themes that give our listeners a better understanding of the moment. You will work closely with colleagues throughout the Opinions section and Audio team to transform their columns and insights into compelling listening experiences. You will also support our production of human-read audio and opinion audio opportunities around enterprise and news events.

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.

Motivations

• You are passionate about opinion journalism.
• You have experience in audio storytelling.
• You are comfortable coaching talent and collaborating with others.
• You have an experimental spirit and want to find new ways of connecting audiences to journalism.
• You understand the value of presenting audiences with a diversity of viewpoints and are comfortable elevating a wide array of perspectives.
• You like the idea of constantly evolving your strategies to conform to ever-changing trends and new inventions.
• You are eager to foster community and conversation in innovative ways.

Responsibilities

• Ensure our Opinions podcast captures our listeners' interest by working with editors and columnists to plan engaging discussions that leverage The Post's unmatched expertise
• Attend regular Opinions editorial meetings
• Book and coordinate recordings with columnists from The Post and potential outside voices
• Research and write show prep, conduct recordings both remotely and in-person and pitch episode ideas that explore what's driving the news cycle
• Help maintain an efficient production process by identifying scoring opportunities when appropriate, maintaining up-to-date scripts and/or transcripts and managing organized assemblies
• Cut podcast assemblies in Pro Tools or similar

Minimum qualifications

• 2+ 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 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
• 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

Interested candidates should upload a résumé, a cover letter outlining the experience they would bring to the position and three work samples 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:
82,600.00 - 123,800.00 USD Annual

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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