Researcher, Opinion Audio

New York Times Opinion is seeking a Researcher/Producer to work on a new audio and video podcast hosted by columnist Ross Douthat. Candidates should  have experience working across a wide range of topics, from politics and policy to religion and culture. They should possess an enthusiasm for heterodox ideas and enjoy showcasing the conservative movement in sophisticated, interesting ways. They will be focused on researching and synthesizing the work of guests on the show, and preparing questions and conversational approaches for the interview. 

This is a hybrid position based in New York and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance. 

Responsibilities:

• Performing in-depth research for interview prep, including reading books, articles and academic papers and conducting reporting calls with sources.
• Writing prep documents that synthesize key themes, questions, and quotes for a given interview.
• Sourcing potential guests for the show and participating in pitch meetings with producers and host.
• Pitching ideas for future episodes and future coverage.
• Working with the show’s Editor on making cuts of transcripts for post-production in both audio and video.
• Reviewing cuts from the audio engineers and video editors, for accuracy, quality control, and editorial excellence. 
• Coordinating with fact checker to ensure accuracy of all episodes.
• Booking and scheduling guests.
• Assisting in writing show copy and headlines as needed. 
• Collaborative spirit is a must. 
• Comfortable taking and giving feedback.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
• This role reports to Senior Editor, Opinion Audio.

Basic Qualifications:

• Deep familiarity with Ross Douthat’s work and the conservative intellectual landscape.
• Intellectual omnivore with deep knowledge of politics and political culture, and curiosity to explore other topics.
• Ability to sift through and synthesize large troves of information. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• 3+ years experience compiling research.  

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience in a research-focused role in a profession like journalism, academia, politics, or think tank. 

• Familiarity with writing for the ear or for video.
• Post production experience, or experience with non-linear editing software like ProTools or Premiere 

To apply, please submit a cover letter with three guest ideas, including an explanation for why Ross Douthat would be the right person to speak to these guests.

REQ-018098

The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws. 

For information about The New York Times' privacy practices for job applicants click here.

Please beware of fraudulent job postings. Scammers may post fraudulent job opportunities, and they may even make fraudulent employment offers. This is done by bad actors to collect personal information and money from victims. All legitimate job opportunities from The New York Times will be accessible through The New York Times careers site. The New York Times will not ask job applicants for financial information or for payment, and will not refer you to a third party to do so. You should never send money to anyone who suggests they can provide employment with The New York Times. 

If you see a fake or fraudulent job posting, or if you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer, you can report it to The New York Times at security@nytimes.com. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general.