Audio Producer

The Star Tribune is the Upper Midwest's largest news organization, with audience numbers consistently in the top five in the country among regional and national peers. Building on an extraordinary legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. It is also a company that is transforming - realigning to better serve its digital audience through innovative partnerships, technology strategies, and a refreshed strategic direction. Our company has a vision to create the leading model for local news in America - driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan's life better. We are looking for dynamic leaders to help create that model. We are excited to work with people who care about journalism and democracy and are eager to re-invent one of our state's most trusted companies for an era of growth that embraces advanced technologies and strategies for excellence.

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 Star Tribune:

At the Star Tribune, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We go above and beyond to ensure their happiness, growth and overall well-being. Here is a glimpse into the exceptional benefits we offer:

Modern downtown office with a free fitness center and rooftop patio. Commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness program with financial incentives. Paid time off that includes flexible holidays to honor the preferences of employees, plus one volunteer day and two wellness days. 401(k) with company match, parental and caregiving leaves, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance program, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending, and health savings accounts.

Selected in 2023 to Diversity MBA's inaugural list of Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards.