Producer, Audio
ProPublicaProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
We will accept applications for this role at least until Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. ET.
ProPublica, the country’s largest investigative news organization, is seeking an accomplished audio producer for a new weekly podcast series based on our reporting. Although ProPublica has already co-produced several successful podcasts — including “We Don’t Talk About Leonard” and “Trump, Inc.” — the creation of our own weekly podcast represents a new venture for us. We’re looking for a highly skilled audio producer with a track record of creating compelling narrative audio from rigorous reporting.
The producer will lead production on individual episodes of the show, which will translate reporters’ work into audio. You will support the host in crafting incisive interview strategies, shaping story arcs, pulling tape, writing scripts and tracking. And you’ll partner with reporters to gather tape and shape the audio versions of their stories.
The producer will report to the senior producer, audio. This is a temporary, two-year role with the possibility of extension.
Key aspects of the job:
- Produce weekly podcast episodes from start to finish, managing multiple episodes simultaneously.
- Identify guests and sources to interview; prep the host by planning questions and narrative arcs; coordinate logistics for interviews.
- Gather tape, at times accompanying writers on reporting trips.
- Write scripts, ensuring accuracy and journalistic integrity.
- Edit tape and create assemblies in Pro Tools.
- Conduct research and ensure strong journalistic ethics and fact-checking processes throughout production.
- Foster relationships with reporters appearing on ProPublica’s podcast; coach reporters in audio techniques and on-air presence.
Our ideal candidate will have many of these skills:
- At least three years of experience producing audio on a national level.
- Experience in public-interest journalism and a portfolio that demonstrates expertise successfully producing high-quality reported narrative audio.
- Production experience and familiarity with industry-standard recording equipment and software. Proficiency in Pro Tools is required.
- Experience scripting and structuring long-form audio projects.
- Experience researching, booking and coordinating logistics for interviews, editing tape in ProTools and drafting scripts.
- Innovative audio sensibilities and an outstanding ear for good tape.
- Organizational skills, attention to detail and excellent time management.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment juggling multiple deadlines.
- A firm commitment to accuracy, high editorial standards and unassailable journalism ethics.
- Trauma literacy and experience working with complex and sensitive topics.
- Ability to collaborate with staff and contractors and previous experience working with hosts, reporters and other producers.
- Ability to adapt to individual reporters’ processes and experience adjusting approaches when working on stories with sensitive sources or high needs for confidentiality.
- The ideal candidate will have a track record of producing ambitious, imaginative projects and possess a deep commitment to ProPublica’s mission of holding power to account.
- Ability to travel for assignments, training and meetings as required.
This job is full time on a temporary, two-year basis, and it includes benefits. ProPublica is based in New York, but we’re open to remote candidates. We have offices in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Chicago; Austin, Texas; Phoenix; and Berkeley, California. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The expected salary range for this position is $85,000 to $110,000.
This is a good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishment and location. ProPublica is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.
We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them but will accept applications at least until Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. ET.
Questions? Send an email to talent@propublica.org.
No phone calls, please.
We know there are great candidates who may not fit into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. (Here is a breakdown of our staff.) We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.