Audio Producer

Description

The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other accolades, we stand as a beacon of journalistic excellence in Minnesota.

We are the heart and voice of the North.

Our mission is to build a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities.

We're seeking dynamic leaders who are passionate about journalism and democracy to help shape this future. If you are excited about reinventing one of our state's most trusted institutions and leading us into a new era of growth and excellence, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary :

The Star Tribune is looking for a versatile and ambitious audio producer who can help us execute a new vision for how we show up in podcasting.

This person will help us develop and launch a new flagship podcast, in collaboration with our staff and outside experts, and will also work to elevate our existing podcast offerings.

We want to hire a doer - someone who can shepherd a compelling podcast from start to finish : pitching ideas for episodes, writing scripts, arranging and recording interviews, and editing and mixing the final product.

You'll be stepping into a newsroom of enthusiastic collaborators, some of whom have experience producing podcasts themselves, and many others who are eager to learn.

The right candidate for this job will be a player-coach, producing great audio journalism while helping to encourage and develop the skills of their colleagues.

As always, journalism sits at the center of what we do. An eye for a good story is crucial, as is the ability to pursue it with rigor.

The Star Tribune is in a period of growth, investing in new storytelling formats to reach new audiences. Although we have had notable successes in podcasting over the years - among them our Curious Minnesota and Daily Delivery franchises - we are looking for someone with the skills and ambition to help us take those efforts to the next level.

You will :

• Work with our team to launch a new flagship podcast, both helping to develop its concept and serving as its primary producer once it launches : organizing and developing episodes, writing scripts, recording interviews, and editing and mixing the final product.
• Take a leading role in outlining the weekly show direction, finding guests, generating ideas and writing / editing scripts.
• Lead high-end production to ensure top-notch audio and a professional and quality experience for hosts and guests.
• Engage and educate our journalists, coaching them on the nuances of reporting, writing and interviewing for audio. Work closely with hosts, from prep to coaching.
• Work with marketing, advertising and other departments to develop things like weekly ad recordings, as well as compelling show titles, descriptions and other materials to help expand the audience for our shows.
• Organize and elevate several other podcasts that are actively running in our newsroom, including Curious Minnesota and our popular sports podcast Daily Delivery.
• Collaborate with our director of audio / video initiatives to develop standards and workflows for launching new podcast offerings.
• Work regularly at Star Tribune headquarters.

You have :

• A proven track record of producing high-quality audio journalism, including specific experience producing podcasts.
• Rigorous journalistic standards, sound news judgment and an eye for what makes a compelling story.
• Audio editing and mixing experience, including the use of common editing and production tools (we currently use Adobe Audition).
• Extensive knowledge of industry standards and best practices around podcasting, from storytelling through distribution.
• An audience-focused mindset, including experience incorporating analytics and qualitative feedback into decision-making.
• A collegial, collaborative attitude, along with a willingness and desire to coach and mentor your colleagues.

Pay : Annual pay is in the range of $71,700 to $81,000, based on the Star Tribune's Newspaper & Communications Guild contract.

More about the Minnesota Star Tribune

At the Minnesota Star Tribune, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their happiness, growth, and well-being.

Here's a snapshot of the exceptional benefits we offer :

• Modern Downtown Office : Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio.
• Comprehensive Benefits : Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness & Work-Life Balance : Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days.
• Financial & Family Support : Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement.
• Additional Perks : Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.

Honored in 2023 with Diversity MBA's inaugural Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards, we are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Even if you don't meet every single requirement for this role, we encourage you to apply. At the Minnesota Star Tribune, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.