Executive producer, video podcast, Guardian US

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

The Guardian is seeking an Executive producer, video podcast, Guardian US. The ideal candidate is a creative, confident and strategic audio leader with vision and ambition to help us launch a new video podcast aimed at the US market.

The Guardian has a robust collection of award-winning podcasts in the UK, but this will be our first news show for an American audience. Working closely with editorial leadership in the US and UK, the executive producer will help develop a US news show that draws on the resources of our global newsrooms. You'll be a key voice in all development decisions, from video strategy to identifying talent to determining how to bring the Guardian's unique voice and global perspective to life.

The executive producer will build and manage a small audio/video team and work with the Guardian's journalists, columnists and desk editors, as well as with designers, marketing and product teams. We're seeking an experienced editor and manager with excellent news judgement and strong audience growth strategies who can run the show relatively independently day-to-day.

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Guardian US deputy editor Jane Spencer / Global head of audio Nicole Jackson

Normal location: New York office

Terms and conditions: Full-Time

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

  • Develop the vision and execution strategy for a US video podcast, in collaboration with US and UK editorial leadership
  • Hire, manage and develop a small team of producers
  • Commission stories and interviews for a news video podcast
  • Oversee guest booking, scriptwriting and episode structuring sessions
  • Oversee episode editing sessions
  • Ensure episodes meet the highest editorial standards and legal compliance
  • Attend and contribute to daily editorial and planning meetings
  • Assign stories to producers
  • Direct and sign off sound design and scoring of video podcast episodes
  • Create episode pages with engaging headlines and thumbnails
  • ??Analyze listener data to refine and improve engagement
  • Oversee daily social media packages to promote the podcast
  • Liaise with desk editors and colleagues across the organization including the UK and Australia

Key contacts and relationships (internal and external)

  • Guardian US editor Betsy Reed
  • Guardian global head of audio Nicole Jackson
  • Guardian US deputy editor Jane Spencer (strategy)
  • Guardian Us deputy editor Paul Harris (news)

Qualifications

Knowledge and experience

  • Experience in making the highest quality video and audio programming, including in a senior editing role in daily news/current affairs
  • Understanding and experience with the US podcast market and audience
  • Experience with tv production and/or video podcasts
  • Proven track record working with presenting/hosting talent
  • Ability to oversee a daily production schedule (legal, editorial, technical and staff management)
  • Ability to make high-level content decisions
  • Ability to manage a small team and budgeting experience
  • Demonstrable experience overseeing audio/video producers and researchers
  • Strong editorial judgment
  • Significant experience recording and editing audio and/or video
  • Experience working with a fast moving newsroom
  • Ability to work unsociable hours on occasion (this job will require early starts, and some late finishes and some weekend work)
  • Understand the tone, purpose and audience of the Guardian
  • Ability to innovate in audio and video
  • Ability to contribute to marketing the podcast on internal and external platforms
  • Understand and keep up to date with the latest developments in audio
  • A proven understanding of podcast distribution platforms and IAB agreed analytics
  • Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role.

About you

  • The Guardian's values: honesty, integrity, courage, fairness, and a sense of duty to the reader and the community
  • Great team player
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Comfortable producing work on tight deadline and good under pressure
  • Able to manage multiple projects at a time
  • Organized
  • Flexible
  • Collaborative
  • Creative
  • Passionate about digital journalism
  • Great communication skills

How to Apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself. All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

Compensation and benefits

  • Annual Salary: $175,000 - $195,000
  • 20 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays and 2 personal days
  • Unlimited sick time
  • Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
  • 401(k) Match
  • Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Generous parental leave with 100% pay
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Commuter benefits
  • Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to Employee Assistance Programs.

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

***The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.