Executive Producer, Central Time
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Producer provides leadership for broadcast and digital content of Central Time, The Ideas Network’s afternoon call-in talk show. Heard weekdays from 3-6 p.m., the show covers a broad range of topics that engage audiences on air and online. This position leads a host and a team of producers, oversees the editorial flow of Central Time, serves as a liaison to the news and digital content departments, manages scheduling and produces content as needed. This person is an excellent communicator and problem-solver who works well on deadline and has an eye for detail. The Executive Producer is a visionary for finding strategies for growth, collaboration and partnerships to maximize our impact and reach. This position is part of The Ideas Network leadership team and reports to The Ideas Network Director. The person in this role will work remotely for the time being and will eventually work in our office in Madison, Wisconsin.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise the production of broadcast and digital content from beginning to end.
- Lead daily editorial meetings, ensuring the right mix of topics, balanced coverage, guest diversity and a variety of perspectives.
- Develop long-range vision for Central Time and facilitate regular retreats to discuss ongoing show development.
- Collaborate with other departments including news, digital and regional bureaus.
- Supervise the work of the host and producers on Central Time. Guide and inspire staff to grow professionally and continually improve their work, including mentoring junior staff. Delegate tasks effectively and produce content as needed.
- Evaluate show using a variety of metrics, including script review and airchecks. Provide feedback to content creators for the best possible product, on air and online
- Maintain team schedules to assign work, ensure adequate coverage and meet all deadlines.
- Know, follow and contribute to WPR best practices and help your staff do the same.
- Other duties as assigned.
DEGREE AND AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Bachelor's degree required; emphasis in journalism, communications or related field preferred.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Three years’ full-time experience in journalism.
- Minimum of 1 years' experience managing a team, supporting team members with varying levels of experience.
- Superior communication skills, including excellent writing skills for broadcast and web.
- Proven ability to work in both indpendent and collaborative settings.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work within tight deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of journalism ethics, newsgathering and reporting techniques.
NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with live, call-in talk programming.
- Experience hosting and interviewing guests for broadcast programs.
- Knowledge and understanding of Wisconsin news, culture, issues and personalities.
- Experience with document sharing and virtual meeting software (e.g. Microsoft, Slack, Google, etc.)
- Ability to operate digital production software, control boards and audio recorders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Expected salary range for this position is in the $60,000s. Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications. UW–Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System and offers the WRS benefits package to eligible employees. UW–Madison offers a separate benefits package to certain appointees who are not eligible for the WRS.
The Ideas Network is unlike any other public radio service. It features more locally produced programs than any other public radio station and reaches an audience of more than 250,000 listeners across Wisconsin. Coverage on Central Time can include breaking news, which occasionally requires working outside typical hours. The team identifies issues that matter to people across Wisconsin and connects people from different perspectives for civil, enlightening conversations.
The person in this position must adhere to the UW-Madison code of ethics and uphold the WPR Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff located here: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines.
The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Apply online at https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu by 7/13/21. The job number is 235617. The following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume and 2) A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the job duties and the required and desirable qualifications.
As applicants progress, they will be required to provide four professional references with titles, e-mails and phone numbers (include one person you have supervised and at least one who has supervised you).
Questions? Contact: Erin Cook, Wisconsin Public Radio, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706; 608-262-0477.