Assistant Producer, Pop Culture Happy Hour (Temporary)

OVERVIEW

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INTRO TO POSITION

Pop Culture Happy Hour is the number one TV/film podcast, according to the Podtrac ranker, and one of the most beloved arts and entertainment podcasts. Its cast of panelists get together to review the latest in television, film, and more — in a lively, engaging format — all for a growing and loyal audience. The podcast is published four days a week.

We’re looking for a collaborative, team player, who enjoys fast-paced, daily journalism and brings intellectual curiosity and rigor to pop culture. The Assistant Producer will work on all aspects of show production; supporting the hosts as well as the full production team. The Assistant Producer should be creative and versatile with passions for both audio production and pop culture. The Assistant Producer will be required to occasionally work weekends and evenings for awards shows, breaking news, and film screenings,  and must have a willingness to be flexible about scheduling. 

This is a union-represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. 

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Edit and mix audio for podcast and occasionally radio, from raw conversation to fully produced mix,  including occasional quick turnaround episodes in one work day.
• Prepare scripts and other research material for hosts and showrunner as required.
• Pre-interview and book guests.
• Conduct research and fact-check the podcast.
• Gather tape, assist with studio booking, screening booking, production and mixing.
• Stay current with major arts and entertainment stories.
• Be an active participant in pitch meetings, consistently engaged with news of the day.
• Assist hosts as needed in preparation for the podcast.
• Assist other team members with interview prep and logistics.
• Assist other team members with audio production.
• Assist with web production of stories as necessary.
• Assist with social media as necessary.
• Assist in maintaining strategic and productive engagement with audiences across social/digital platforms with NPR digital content teams.
• Actively participate in ensuring that all materials aired meet NPR program standards and practices, including standards of fairness, objectivity, and balance.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two to four years of audio production experience on broadcast digital audio workstations (i.e. MTE/DAVID, Dalet, ProTools or similar).
• Some experience working with daily production deadlines is desired.
• Experience with journalism-related research and demonstrated ability to collect, organize and disseminate information.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
• Ability to work independently but also work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Must live within commuting distance of a city that holds press screenings of films: NYC, DC, SF, LA, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and interest in arts and entertainment news, and an affinity for pop culture, television and film.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience.

WORK LOCATION

• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role include duties that are better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be onsite at the Washington, DC / Culver City / New York City / Chicago office at least 10 days a year. The employee must reside in or near an NPR-supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose. The employee must also live within commuting distance of a city that holds press screenings of films: NYC, DC, SF, LA, etc.

JOB TYPE

• This is a temporary (6-month) full time position.

COMPENSATION

-Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $37.26 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. 

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

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