Senior Producer, Audio

ProPublica 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 journalist to serve as senior 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 and strategic audio producer with a track record of creating compelling narrative audio from rigorous reporting. The senior producer will contribute to the creative development of the new show and help lead operational planning.

The senior producer will partner with the host and executive producer to develop the tone and direction of the show, which will translate reporters’ work into audio. You will produce episodes from start to finish — supporting the host in crafting incisive interview strategies, shaping story arcs, pulling tape, writing scripts and tracking. You will partner with reporters to gather tape and work with the executive producer to oversee the show’s workflow and calendar. You will also manage and oversee the work of a producer on the team.

The host will report to the executive producer for audio. This is a temporary, two-year role with the possibility of extension.

Key aspects of the job:

• Partner with the executive producer and host to develop the creative sensibility and operational systems of a weekly show for ProPublica.
• Lead production on episodes from soup to nuts.
• Identify guests and sources to interview; prep the host, planning questions and narrative arcs; coordinate logistics for interviews.
• Gather tape, at times accompanying writers on reporting trips.
• Write and structure scripts, ensuring accuracy and journalistic integrity.
• Edit tape and create assemblies in Pro Tools.
• Conduct research; 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.
• Maintain the editorial calendar and ensure the work meets production deadlines; manage multiple episodes simultaneously.
• Oversee the mix process for episodes with the show’s engineer, guaranteeing quality control and on-time delivery of assets to platforms.
• Supervise a producer on the team.

Our ideal candidate will have many of these skills:

• At least seven years of experience producing audio on a national level.
• Experience in public-interest journalism and a deep commitment to ProPublica’s mission of holding power to account.
• A portfolio that demonstrates expertise in successfully creating high-quality reported narrative audio. Prior experience in show development is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment juggling multiple deadlines.
• Experience collaborating with a host and reporters.
• Ability to adapt to individual reporters’ processes and experience adjusting approaches when working on stories with sensitive sources or high needs for confidentiality.
• Experience scripting and structuring long-form audio projects.
• A track record showcasing innovative audio sensibilities, a clear point of view and an outstanding ear for good tape.
• High-level organizational skills, attention to detail and time management.
• A firm commitment to accuracy, high editorial standards and unassailable journalism ethics.
• Deep production experience and familiarity with industry-standard recording equipment and software. Proficiency in Pro Tools is required.
• An interest in pushing the boundaries on what investigative journalism can sound like in audio and innovative ideas for how it can reach mainstream audiences.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and contractors; supervision and management experience is strongly preferred.
• Trauma literacy and experience working with complex and sensitive topics.
• 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 $120,000 to $150,000.

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.