Assistant Producer, Decoder Ring

Slate is looking for a versatile, capable assistant producer to help us make our critically acclaimed podcast Decoder Ring, hosted by Willa Paskin.

The person we’re looking for has an affinity for audio storytelling and is eager to find untold stories grounded in pop culture and big ideas. They have a natural interest in adding perspective and context to complicated narratives. They have an eye for historical oddities and stories hiding in plain sight, as well as an ear for good tape. They enjoy spending hours scouring archives and old media for the perfect clips. The ideal candidate can move adroitly between booking, recording, writing, editing, tracking, mixing, and creative troubleshooting. They are a strong writer and have an excellent ear. They can integrate multiple rounds of notes and turn around careful edits on tight deadlines. Applicants must be self-starters who are efficient, personable, and open to experimentation, all while finding real joy in the work.

This position can be located in Slate’s New York or D.C. office. We will consider remote work for the right candidate. The annual base pay range for this job is between $75,000 and $81,000. This is a position covered under a collective bargaining agreement between Slate and the Writers Guild of America East.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 6/12

Key responsibilities

• Work with a host and team of producers to conceive and develop episodes
  • Identify promising storylines, characters, and sound-rich tape opportunities
  • Contribute to the research, reporting, and prep for interviews
  • Edit rough cuts and implement script notes quickly and sensitively
  • Find archival tape and other old media clips
  • Arrange interviews and oversee recording sessions, often over remote connections
  • Contribute to the scoring and sound design of mixes

Requirements

• At least two years’ experience in radio or podcasting in a journalistic environment
  • Excellent writing skills and story sense
  • Demonstrated ability with professional audio editing software, preferably Pro Tools

We know that diverse perspectives make us smarter and stronger, and that all applicants, from all backgrounds, should be welcomed in our hiring process and given equal opportunities to be evaluated based on their qualifications and skills. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please let us know. We will do what we can to meet your needs.

Slate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

About the Company

Slate, founded in 1996, is a daily online magazine and podcast network that helped invent the voice of the web. Our strong editorial voice and witty take on current events & culture have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence Online. Our podcast network, established in 2005, produces more than 20 podcasts, including Slow Burn, What Next, Decoder Ring, ICYMI, and more.

Slate is an affiliate of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC). GHC is a diversified holding company whose operations include educational services; home health and hospice care; television broadcasting, online, print, and local TV news; automotive dealerships; manufacturing; hospitality; and consumer internet companies.

Slate is an affiliate of Graham Holdings. Read the Graham Holdings Company California Worker Privacy Statement here.