POSITION SUMMARY

This full-time producer will guide KERA’s podcast production and expansion. A primary initial responsibility will be transforming the station’s signature talk show, Think, into a podcast listening experience that taps into podcast best practices. The show’s podcast is downloaded 300,000 times each month. Exploring creative ways to grow that number will be a key focus for the position.

In addition, the Producer will develop new limited-run and open-ended podcasts that capitalize on the newsgathering capabilities of the KERA and Texas newsrooms as well as KERA’s other content priorities. One key goal: Build a content strategy that includes not just audio, but digital, social-media and in-person elements.

The ideal candidate is plugged into current trends in podcasting and is a voracious listener of audio-based media. That interest should include established public-media productions as well as the ever-expanding world of for-profit media offerings – everything from true crime to experimental storytelling. This person will be audience-focused and data-driven, and will have a firm grasp of how sound enhances the listening experience. They will be fluent in using social media to engage with listeners, and with other techniques that lead listeners to download the Think podcast and future station podcasts in a crowded field of worthy listens.

This person is a dynamic team player who is comfortable in a fast-turnaround environment and can also help organize big-picture plans and projects. The ideal candidate is excited by the possibilities of public media and of the evolving media landscape in North Texas and beyond.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Lead daily production of Think podcasts and the effort to continuously refine how the team can transform each hour long radio show into the ideal listening experience for the podcast user.
  Develop spinoffs or other ways to produce additional Think podcast content.
  Develop new podcasts for KERA that leverage the station’s newsgathering and other content priorities to reach new, untapped audiences.
  Work with both the news team and marketing team on strategies to market station podcasts through other KERA channels, social media, live events and potential podcast partnerships.
  Coordinate with KERA digital team to continuously improve the Think digital presence and evaluate how the show is serving its podcast-first audience.
  Maintain editorial standards of accuracy, thoroughness, ethics, balance and diversity.
  Participate in KERA news meetings and fundraising campaigns and represent KERA in the community.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years in podcasting, journalism or relevant experience.
  Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, mass communications or related field or equivalent experience.
  Intimate knowledge of podcasting best practices
  Expertise in audio editing, and ability to produce a high-quality listening experience in a fast-paced, daily setting.
  Understanding of how to market podcasts.
  Organized team player and problem solver with a wide variety of interests.
  Familiarity with content management systems (WordPress expertise a plus) and established and emerging social media platforms.
  Success in managing projects and meeting daily, weekly and longer-lead deadlines.
  Ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR ethics and editorial standards.
  Passionate and enthusiastic about public radio journalism and serving a diverse North Texas audience.
  A demonstrated commitment to diversity, including the ability to connect with and maintain relationships with diverse communities.
  Valid Texas Driver’s License and insurance required for assignments/activities that involve work outside of the office.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Reporting experience.
  Public radio production experience.
  Experience producing music-rich audio journalism and working with composers.
  Deep knowledge of North Texas people, cultures, issues, and geography as well as national and international issues, and events.
  Fluent in multiple languages.

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide a resume, a cover letter summarizing professional accomplishments and qualifications and at least recent audio/digital work samples. Please include how you found out about this position in your cover letter. Submit this information as you prefer to:

E-mail to: resume@kera.org
Fax to: 214-740-9323
Mail to: KERA, Attn. Human Resources, 3000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75201

North Texas Public Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer