Production Assistant, Morning Edition (Temporary)

Overview

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 22nd AT 5:00PM EST

Millions of listeners depend on Morning Edition and Up First to set the news agenda that starts their day. We deliver the latest international and national news stories paired with analysis to help put those headlines into context. Morning Edition is also a platform for accountability through interviews with government officials and decision makers who make or influence policy that affect peoples’ lives. The show also features culture stories about music, movies and books that bring joy and provoke thoughtful conversations about who we are in this world.

A Production Assistant at Morning Edition works a variety of production and editorial tasks under a tight deadline and in collaboration with a bigger team of producers, editors and hosts all working together to bring a live show and podcast to air, and stories to publication online.

A Production Assistant mixes audio stories, isolates or pulls soundbites, dubs and records audio, cuts down audio interviews and assembles other various show elements. They help reporters and guests call into the show for live and taped interviews. This includes gathering all contact information, making wake-up calls and guiding guests and reporters through technical set-ups.

Sometimes a Production Assistant may be asked to research stories, chase or book interview guests. They may write show scripts and digital copy under the guidance of an editor, if assigned.

Morning Edition and Up First is a 24/6 news operation. This position will be assigned to a variety of shifts on a rotating basis to include an early morning, dayside, evening and overnight shift. Broadcast news operations take place even on holidays. Successful candidates can work holidays.

This is a union represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA.

Responsibilities

• Cuts and edits audio, including host interviews and reporter pieces, which often require mixing.
• Helps guests and journalists connect to the show for live or taped interviews.
• Helps prepare scripts and other copy material with editorial oversight including show opens, intros, returns, tape and copy elements, interview briefs for hosts, billboards, and more.
• Pitches story ideas and potential show guests.
• Works under tight deadlines to react to breaking news.
• Produces the Up First podcast with editorial assistance.
• May train on show directing responsibilities if qualified.
• May be given assignments on different platforms such as social media
• Trains peers who on are onboarding or learning new production skills
  
  

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience working in a newsroom setting, which may include a college newspaper newsroom or at an internship.
• Ability to work at NPR’s Washington D.C. studio
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience writing copy or stories for a news platform such as a news radio or TV station, a news website, newsletter, etc.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with audio production and mixing techniques.
• Experience writing broadcast news copy and stories.
• Experience using NPR specific content production tools and software.
• Digital news production experience
  
  

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

Required Skills

• AP Style news writing skills
• Professional, workplace communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational and prioritization skills
  
  

WORK LOCATION

• On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC.
  
  

JOB TYPE

• This is a temporary (3-month) full time position.
  
  

Compensation

Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $32.45 per hour. The rate displayed reflects the maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Pay Range

$32.45—$32.45 USD

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