Audio producer, US video and audio podcast

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.

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Executive Producer, US video and audio podcast

Location: New York, New York

Terms and conditions: Full-time, Permanent, News Media Guild

Annual salary: $110,000 - 120,000

About the role

The Guardian is looking for an experienced, creative, and organized audio producer to help us launch and make a new video podcast aimed at the US market. The podcast will also be distributed as a video podcast, but this role will focus on the audio version of the show.

The Guardian has a robust collection of award-winning podcasts in the UK, but this will be our first show for an American audience. Working closely with the show's executive producer, deputy EP, and host, the audio producer will be a key player in helping us translate the Guardian's unique voice and global perspective into a compelling podcast.

The show will primarily be an interview format recorded in our New York studio and we're looking for a producer with excellent news judgement who is interested in expanding what a news and talk show can look and sound like. Episodes will come out three times a week and be informative and meaningful as well as loose and conversational. The audio producer will have a role in editorial tasks such as booking and interview prep as well as the editing and uploading of the audio podcast. The ideal candidate will understand how to handle all these tasks with care and respect when dealing with sensitive stories and creativity and playfulness whenever possible.

Key responsibilities

  • Participate in story meetings and pitch ideas for episodes
  • Book guests, both Guardian reporters and editors across the organization including the UK and Australia, as well as outside guests
  • Help coordinate recording setups for remote guests
  • Do extensive research and interview prep for host
  • Help determine the structure and edit of interviews and then edit the audio of episodes
  • Help to ensure that episodes meet the highest editorial standards and flag any potential legal concerns
  • Write engaging episode descriptions that will appear on YouTube and in podcast platforms
  • Collaborate with social media producer to develop daily social media packages to promote the podcast
  • Serve as additional video editor (candidates need not know how to edit video, but must be willing to learn)

Key contacts and relationships (internal and external)

  • Executive Producer, US video and audio podcast Jonathan Menjivar
  • Deputy Executive Producer, US video and audio podcast

About you

  • Knowledge and experience
    • At least 5 years of experience making the highest quality audio and video programming, including in an editing role in daily news/current affairs
    • Proven track record working with host talent
    • Ability to make high-level content decisions
    • Strong editorial judgment
    • Significant experience recording and editing audio in ProTools or other audio editing software
    • Experience with Riverside and/or other remote recording software
    • Experience with Descript and/or other transcription software
    • Experience working with a fast moving newsroom
    • An understanding that producing a near daily show that's reactive to the news will require occasional early morning or late night interviews and prep work
    • Understand the tone, purpose and audience of the Guardian
    • Understand YouTube audiences and keep up to date with the latest developments in the video and audio podcast space
    • Ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role
  • Skills and Behaviors
    • Strong knowledge of global news and politics
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
    • Comfortable producing work on tight deadline
    • Commitment to high journalistic standards for factual accuracy
    • Able to manage multiple projects at a time
    • Ability to meet high standards, but work with kindness and respect while doing so

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.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at recruitment.us@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

  • 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
  • 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 an Employee Assistance Program.

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.

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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.