Podcast Producer, WFDD

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Job Description Summary

• This role coordinates WFDD's new podcast incubator initiative. The Podcast Producer assists in developing, piloting, and launching three distinct podcast products that serve community needs, advance WFDD's mission, and expand audience reach across platforms. This position requires strong organizational skills, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to manage day-to-day tasks under the general direction of the Content Director.
• They will coordinate the production pipeline: from concept development and talent engagement to recording, editing, publishing, and audience engagement. The ideal candidate balances editorial judgment, storytelling craft, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Job Description

Primary Deliverables (Year One)

The Podcast Producer will support the development and launch:

One Community-Based Podcasts

• •Could be place-based, identity-based, or issue-driven
• •Should reflect voices and stories from WFDD’s 32-county listening area
• •Flexible in format: narrative, talk, roundtable, co-produced, etc.

One WFDD News-Focused Audio Product

• •Could be a daily, weekly, or series-based approach
• •Must align with newsroom standards for accuracy, ethics, and editorial quality
• •Should complement existing broadcast content

One Youth-oriented product

• •Could be youth-driven or aimed at younger audiences
• •Flexible in format: narrative, talk, roundtable, shorts, etc.

Essential Functions:

1. Coordinate the WFDD Podcast Incubator

• •Assist with/administer the application and selection process
• •Create and apply an evaluation rubric for submissions at different stages of development
• •Recommend projects for selection and support their development
• •Coordinate logistics: studio access, training sessions, equipment use, and scheduling
• •Draft participation agreements and guidelines for Content Director approval
• •Provide hands-on editorial and production support to help creators reach launch or next-stage readiness
• •Ensure all incubated projects reflect WFDD’s mission, ethics, and brand integrity

2. Develop One WFDD-Branded News or Public Affairs Podcast

• •Identify opportunities based on audience needs, newsroom gaps, or existing content
• •Propose a show concept and format for approval
• •Coordinate development from pitch through production and rollout
• •Manage the execution without placing additional workload on newsroom staff unless collaboration is pre-approved

3. Create a Youth-Oriented Audio Product

• •Research how youth audiences are engaging with on-demand audio or adjacent formats
• •Propose a concept and format (youth-produced, youth-focused, or hybrid)
• •Support production of the series from planning to launch
• •Assist in building partnerships or participation models with minimal disruption to existing staff capacity

4. Manage Day-to-Day Production Tasks

• •Maintain production schedules, workflows, and project documentation as assigned
• •Communicate progress, needs, and timelines clearly to the Content Director
• •Collaborate across departments only when necessary and with clear planning

5. Maintain Editorial, Brand, and Ethical Standards

• •Apply established guidelines
• •Uphold WFDD’s standards around representation, ethics, tone, and accuracy
• •Flag quality or compliance issues to the Content Director promptly
• •Escalate potential reputational or editorial risks to the Content Director

6. Audience Growth, Engagement, and Distribution Strategy

• •Track performance metrics (downloads, reach, engagement, listener behavior) for all podcast products
• •Coordinate with Marketing, News, and Membership teams to promote shows, grow audiences, and build visibility
• •Support implementation of platform-specific strategies (podcast apps, YouTube, social, streaming, newsletters, partnerships)
• •Adjust production, promotion, or format approaches based on data, trends, and audience needs
• •Stay current on emerging platforms, formats, and audience habits—especially youth and on-demand listenership
• •Provide input when a product isn't reaching its audience goals
• •Develop and document outreach, launch, and promotional plans for every new product

Other Functions:

• •Participates in on-air fundraisers as needed.
• •Maintains organized project documentation, production calendars, and agreements with participants.
• •Represents WFDD professionally in community, youth, and partner-facing settings.
• •Participates in staff meetings and strategic planning conversations as assigned.
• •Performs other duties as assigned by the Content Director.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• •Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism, media production, communications, or a related field.
• •Demonstrated two-year experience producing podcasts or narrative audio content from concept through publication.
• •Proficiency with audio recording and editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition).
• •Strong writing, story development, and editorial judgment.
• •Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously.
• •Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• •Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work with community partners, youth, and non-professional storytellers.
• •Ability to develop and enforce guidelines, standards, and expectations professionally.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• •Experience in public media, newsroom environments, or nonprofit journalism.
• •Familiarity with podcast distribution platforms and audience engagement strategies.
• •Experience working with youth, educators, or community-based organizations.
• •Knowledge of ethics and best practices in journalism and storytelling.
• •Understanding of branding, voice, and representation standards.
• •Bilingual or multilingual ability (Spanish preferred)
• •Experience developing new products, pilots, or editorial initiatives.

Accountabilities:

• •Meets production deadlines and deliverables for the three core incubator projects.
• •Protects WFDD’s editorial standards, mission, and brand in all podcast products.
• •Adheres to approved budgets, schedules, and resource limits.
• •Maintains clear communication and reporting to the Content Director.
• •Ensures project documentation, agreements, and guidelines are followed.

Physical Requirements:

• •Ability to work at a computer or audio workstation for extended periods.
• •Ability to operate recording equipment, including microphones, headphones, and mixers.
• •Occasional lifting or transport of audio equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• •Ability to travel locally for recording sessions, trainings, or meetings as needed.

Environmental Conditions:

• •Occasional off-site work in community spaces, schools, or partner locations.
• •Work may include evening or weekend hours depending on production needs or recording schedules.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant