Executive Producer - Newscast

The Executive Producer, Newscast, is the leader of NPR's 24-hour newscast service, supervising the content, integrity and quality of the output across multiple platforms. The EP is a key leader in informing and executing the overall strategy of Newscast in conjunction with NPR news leadership. This position helps set the tone for the entire newsroom on where our coverage is and needs to go. Their team produces over 30 newscasts a day that are distributed over broadcast and digital platforms, in audio and visual presentations, both live and on demand.

The EP will supervise a team of over two dozen staff and temporary employees across a 24/7 dynamic environment including on-air talent and production teams.

They will work closely with senior NPR management on key issues, including newsroom initiatives, member station relations, sponsorship and product strategy. The EP ensures the Newscast unit is in compliance with NPR's editorial standards and union contracts.

The EP will lead the team into a new digital future ensuring the Newscast is reaching new and diverse audiences where they are, while serving existing audiences.

This position reports to the Vice President for News Programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sets the editorial direction of Newscast as the most listened to part of NPR News.
• Supervises the editorial product and the staff that produces it. The EP is the primary editorial advocate in the product development process. Ensures all material meets NPR standards and practices.
• Ensures high-quality writing, consistent style and journalistic excellence in newscasts.
• Works closely with the Managing Editors, to ensure broadcast and digital news share information and resources in efficient and timely ways.
• Maintains close relationships with show Executive Producers and Desk Editors to ensure coordinated coverage and staffing.
• Works with the VP of News Programming to guide an aggressive broadcast and digital strategy for new products and services, innovative content, and new ways to reach new listeners.
• Ensures Newscast work product is distributed across all of NPR's digital and broadcast properties.
• Directs chain of responsibility to distribute duties and establish accountability for all phases of the 24-hour operation.
• Maintains work schedules for unit members in compliance with union contracts and with back-up contingencies for leave, illness and other absences.
• Develops and administers writing and editing tests for potential on-air staff members.
• Hires and evaluates Newscast staff and temporary employees performance and ensures each staff member receives proper training and an annual performance review in addition to regular feedback.
• Plans and monitors the unit's annual budgets and spending.

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

• At least 10 years' broadcast journalism editorial experience.
• A minimum of five years experience in a senior editorial and supervisory position in national and/or international news.
• Strong leadership skills: the ability to set a new course for Newscast and to guide the staff through it.
• Demonstrated strong management and supervisory skills, including the ability to coach, empower and listen.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with other news leaders, as well as other divisions in the development of new products and new ways to reach the NPR community.
• A creative mind and a keen understanding of the NPR sensibility and mission of public radio.
• Willingness to learn new skills and lead the staff in constant learning and innovation.
• Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness.
• Significant skills in planning and scheduling in a union environment.
• Ability to handle multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities and conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
• Ability and willingness to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of advanced audio production and mixing techniques.
• Experience working on a live news program.
• Digital news production experience such as writing copy or producing content for digital platforms.
• Excellent audio and broadcasting writing skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or writing-intensive discipline and/or equivalent work experience.

WORK LOCATION

• On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC

JOB TYPE

• This is a full time, exempt position.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $172,000 - $210,000 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries 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.

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