Producer, 1A (Producer II)

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This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

The Producer, 1A develops, creates and manages stories, guests and conversations for a nationally distributed live news talk show with a presence across multiple digital media platforms. The Producer is responsible for researching a wide range of political, cultural, literary, and social topics; and for conceptualizing and shaping compelling stories on air and online. 

The Producer is responsible for booking guests, writing scripts and copy for web, pitching compelling stories and seeking our unique uses for audio and audience engagement.  

The Producer, 1A creatively uses an array of audio, visual and multimedia tools. The Producer leverages existing audience engagement tools to connect the program’s journalism to the needs and concerns of the audience. 

The Producer works alongside colleagues and other production team members, and assists new members of staff to identify their training needs. The Producer works with the Managing Producer, 1A and Executive Producer, sharing regular updates with the Director of Station Relations.       

This position reports to the Senior Supervising Producer, 1A. 

Essential Functions:

• Identify issues and themes relevant for a U-S audience, and produce original news-making content for broadcast and digital platforms. Plan, shape, and execute segments related to national and international current events, with an eye towards creating compelling content that sparks vibrant conversations on air and online. Frame issues for debate; identify, contact, and interview potential guests under stringent time deadlines; and write scripts for the on-air host.
• Develop and implement multimedia content for non-broadcast platforms. This will include a combination of audio editing, photography, video production, and basic graphic design. They will also be responsible for writing social media and web copy for their broadcast segments.
• Write, review, edit and distribute promotional descriptions of upcoming programming to be used on air and online by WAMU personnel, public information office at American University, and NPR stations which carry the program across the country. Serve as a representative of the show at conferences, in communications with member stations, and at public events. 

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs​.
• ​Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.​  
• Developing Plans​.
• ​Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions​.
• Building and Supporting Teams​.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
• 35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $75,487.00 - $80,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• ​​High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience​ in journalism and media. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• An established network of contacts with national and international newsmakers. 

• Experience producing content for a live daily talk program. 

• Experience developing high-quality digital-only content. 

• Proven ability to establish and grow online audiences. 

Travel Required:

• This position will be required to travel nationally 4 times per year. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Superb oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to identify trends and to generate and execute complex creative ideas.

• Keen understanding of national and international current events, and excellent news and narrative judgment. 

• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and assimilate large amounts of information efficiently under daily deadline pressures. 
• Proficiency with audio editing and multimedia production.
• Experience creating content for Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.
• Experience working with content management systems (CMS). 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Proven ability to identify and vet dynamic and sought-after national and international guests.

• Time management skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, unpredictable news environment.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email 

AsuccessfulU@american.edu

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.