Executive Producer, The Morning Show

Wisconsin Public Radio
Madison, WI

Compensation

$60,000s

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Executive Producer manages the staff, content and daily production of “The Morning Show,” The Ideas Network’s morning call-in talk show. Heard weekday mornings from 6:00 am until 9:00 am, the show covers a broad range of topics including politics, environment, education, health, personal finance and more. The team 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 position oversees the editorial flow of “The Morning Show,” serves as a liaison to the news and digital content departments, manages scheduling and fills in on production work as needed. This person is an excellent communicator and problem-solver, who works well under deadline. Coverage on “The Morning Show” can include breaking news, which occasionally requires working outside typical hours. 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.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu by 8/1/19. The job number is 99282. All of the following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume; 2) A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the job duties and minimum and desirable qualifications; 3) a journalistic writing sample.

As applicants progress to interviews, they will need to provide at least five professional references with titles, emails, 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, erin.cook@wpr.org.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

  1. Supervise the work of the host and producers on “The Morning Show.” Guide and inspire staff to grow professionally and continually improve their work, including mentoring junior staff. Fill in on production work as needed.
  2. Lead daily editorial meetings, ensuring the right mix of topics, balanced coverage, diverse guests and a variety of perspectives.
  3. Understand the fundamentals of how to produce and broadcast a live radio program and appreciate every aspect of audience engagement.
  4. Evaluate performance and provide feedback to staff in order to provide the best possible product, on air and online. Conduct regular airchecks and script review to continually improve the program.
  5. Play a role in developing long-range visions for WPR morning programs and facilitate regular retreats to discuss show development.
  6. Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work product and in organizational interactions, including communication and decision-making. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
  7. Coordinate with the news department, regional bureaus and the digital content team.
  8. Manage team schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for absences, planned and unexpected.
  9. Know, follow and contribute to WPR best practices and help your staff do the same.
  10. Make content decisions in conjunction with host. Uphold and maintain the standards of journalistic ethics and excellence described in Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines.
  11. Other duties as assigned.

DEGREE AND AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field
or
5 years of full-time experience as a talk show producer in radio (public or commercial)

MINIMUM YEARS AND TYPE OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 

  • All applicants must have at least three years' experience (full time) as a talk show producer in public or commercial radio, or equivalent journalism experience.
  • At least one year supervisory experience managing a team.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills in a team setting and on an individual basis; collaboration skills that actively support a productive, respectful work environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including online content.
  • Firm foundation in journalism ethics, newsgathering and reporting techniques. Demonstrated understanding of public radio journalism and production values.
  • Ability to assemble information of regional or statewide interest and topicality.
  • Proven record of meeting tight deadlines. Impeccable attention to detail ability to organize a busy calendar. 
  • Ability to operate a control board, audio recorders and digital production software.

NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with online news reporting or editing, including posting of audio, video, photography, and text content.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Wisconsin news, culture, issues, and personalities.
  • Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Slack, and Google office products.
  • Knowledge of web-based journalism projects, emerging technologies and applications.

SALARY
Negotiable. Expected salary range for this position is in the $60,000’s. Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications.