Jump to Detailed Position Description
The Opportunity
WPR is seeking an experienced producer with a passion for live radio to contribute to The Ideas Network’s morning drive program, The Morning Show. Heard weekday mornings from 6:00 until 9:00 a.m., The Morning Show covers a broad range of topics including politics, environment, education, health, personal finance, and more. Be part of a close-knit team that identifies issues that matter to people across Wisconsin and connects people from different perspectives for civil, enlightening conversation. The Ideas Network is unlike any other public radio service. It features more locally produced programs than any other public radio station and reaches a growing audience of more than 340,000 listeners across Wisconsin. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join The Ideas Network.
The Organization
As a public radio pioneer, Wisconsin Public Radio has a strong commitment to innovation, on air and online. Over its 100-year history, WPR has grown into a two-service network that serves nearly 500,000 weekly listeners through broadcast, and we have a growing online community. WPR is well-supported by its listeners with more than 54,000 donors. We want our staff and programming to reflect the rich culture and diversity of our state and actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. WPR is headquartered in Madison on the University of Wisconsin campus, just down the street from the state Capitol.
Responsibilities
As producer for The Morning Show, you pitch topics and guest ideas in editorial meetings and identify, pre-interview and schedule lively guests who represent a variety of perspectives, sometimes on tight deadlines. You craft the conversation and provide research to prepare the host for the show. As a producer, you take an active role in the live broadcast, from on-air directing to managing audience engagement. The early morning schedule rotates; one week you’ll start the day at 5 a.m. The next week, your workday begins at 7:45 a.m. Producers also write engaging online content for The Ideas Network on WPR.org and social media.
Qualifications
The right candidate is an avid news consumer, thrives on deadlines and enjoys working both independently and as part of a team. This person has excellent writing, communication and organizational skills, and they have a minimum of three years’ full time in talk show production or directly transferable experience. Additional experience in broadcasting or journalism is a plus. This person is excited to be part of a morning public radio show that helps listeners make sense of the day ahead.
Compensation
We expect to pay in the high-$40Ks to low-$50Ks annually dependent upon qualifications, experience and official title. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation, sick leave, healthcare and pension.
Want to learn more?
Please read the detailed position description which follows. Direct inquiries to Betsy Nelson, Wisconsin Public Radio, 821 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, 608-262-5221; betsy.nelson@wpr.org.
As a unit within the University of Wisconsin, WPR is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and no qualified applicant will be eliminated from consideration. WPR is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion. We want our staff and programming to reflect the rich culture and diversity of our state and actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Detailed Position Description
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Availability: For best consideration, apply by February 19, 2018; rolling consideration.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Produce talk shows and related web content. Research and pitch topics, pre-interview and schedule guests, prepare background materials, call-screen and direct the live broadcast, and write related web content. Collaborate with colleagues, including opportunities to learn and to mentor. Communicate with guests and develop fresh topics and segment ideas. This position works on The Morning Show, which is a statewide, morning drive program broadcasting on The Ideas Network from 6:00-9:00 a.m. The early morning schedule rotates; one week you’ll start the day at 5 a.m. The next week, your workday begins at 7:45 a.m. This position reports to The Morning Show executive producer.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Keep current on issues of importance and interest to WPR listeners, including Wisconsin-specific topics.
2. Develop show ideas, schedule guests, and provide host with background research and interview questions.
3. On air production, including screening listener phone calls, emails, and social media interactions.
4. During the live broadcast, direct the host and control the flow of the program. Coordinate audience engagement and transitions.
5. Participate actively in daily editorial meetings to discuss topics and guests.
6. Participate actively in regular pitch meetings, including bringing own pitches for consideration, and providing feedback to other team members.
7. Write engaging website content for The Ideas Network on WPR.org and social media.
8. Adhere to Ethics policies found here: http://bami.uwex.edu.
9. Know, follow, and contribute to WPR best practices.
10. Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work product and in organizational interactions and demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships.
11. Other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Know and adhere to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
Think, plan and execute programs with creativity and knowledge.
Work independently and as part of a team, meeting tight deadlines.
Demonstrate strict attention to detail, on and off the air.
Maintain composure and professionalism when faced with the unexpected.
Demonstrate dexterity in using varied electronic studio equipment and computer software.
Willingness to learn from coworkers and to share expertise with colleagues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Avid news consumer able to generate ideas on a range of topics, from current events to cultural affairs and more.
• A minimum of three years’ full-time experience in talk show production or directly transferable experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under strict deadline pressure.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including strict attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge and adherence to AP Style guidelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Successful content generation on social media.
• Prior experience editing audio of broadcast quality.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Additional full time experience in broadcasting and/or journalism.
• Experience in live call-in talk show production or directly transferable experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin news, politics, culture, and personalities.
• Previous public radio experience.
SALARY:
We expect to pay in the high-$40Ks to low-$50Ks annually dependent upon qualifications, experience and official title. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, pension plan, flexible spending accounts, employer paid training and development, generous paid vacation and sick leave. Learn more here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/summaries/.
HOW TO APPLY:
Recruitment will begin immediately, with rolling consideration. Please apply through www.careers.wisconsin.edu. If you are a current UW System employee use http://bit.ly/2n9AibS. This is job #15225. A complete application will include a detailed resume; a 1-2 page letter of interest detailing how your experience qualifies you for this position; include how you bring a diverse perspective to the role; two writing samples; three professional references with contact information and email addresses; including a supervisory reference.
Questions? Contact Betsy Nelson, Wisconsin Public Radio, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, 608-262-5221, betsy.nelson@wpr.org
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Employment is contingent on establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
It is the policy of University of Wisconsin to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact person listed above.
As a unit within the University of Wisconsin, WPR is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and no qualified applicant will be eliminated from consideration. WPR is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion. We want our staff and programming to reflect the rich culture and diversity of our state and actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
