The Embedded Production Assistant (PA) will assist in every aspect of the process, pitching ideas, identifying surprising characters and narratives, gathering field tape — alone or with colleagues — and collecting “found sound” from online and other sources. The PA will also assist with in-studio production of interviews and live events; booking guests for host interviews and conducting research on show topics; mixing episodes through multiple iterations; participating in group edits; producing content for digital media, including web builds and newsletters; and conducting research, compiling show data and completing other show tasks as needed.
Participates in sound gathering and audio production for the Embedded podcast and online segments and NPR broadcast platforms as assigned.
- Assists with in-studio production, including running the sound board and connecting to guests via ISDN.
- Gathers audio from host interviews, “found sound” from online and other sources.
- Edits and mixes audio for Embedded podcast episodes.
- Assembles shorter versions of our podcast stories for use on NPR’s online and broadcast platforms.
- Assists with production of live events.
- Pitches story ideas at regular show meetings.
- Assists other NPR reporters, hosts, producers, and correspondents in bringing their NPR work to this new format.
- Participates in group edits, shaping episodes for the show.
Participates in reaching out to guests and developing content for the Embedded podcast.
- Helps to coordinate and book guest interviews.
- Does field reporting and scouting when necessary, to find surprising characters and narratives.
- Prepares background research on interviewees and other topics as required.
- Writes copy for web builds, newsletters, and other digital content.
Participates in show-related administrative tasks.
- Assists the supervising producer with workflow management, including assembly of spreadsheets and other content management materials.
Other duties as assigned.
Required:
- Ability to edit audio. Knowledge of MTE is a plus.
- Strong narrative storytelling sensibilities and an ability to identify surprising characters and arcs that can bring a news event to life.
- Experience and demonstrated commitment to fact checking.
- Thorough knowledge of research tools, including online databases.
- Demonstrated writing ability.
- Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure.
- Ability to handle more than one assignment at a time; ability to prioritize, anticipate and communicate effectively.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collegial and high-energy team.
- 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 AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.
Preferred:
- Experience in podcasting and radio broadcasting, including producing in and operating digital audio self-op facilities.
- Ability to use recording equipment to gather field sound.
- Digital media skills, including proficiency in social media as a news gathering technique.
- Familiarity with blogging and Web 2.0 functionalities.