Producer, MS NOW Podcasts

VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf, and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Versant's sports division USA Sports, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass.

We are looking for a Producer to join the Podcast Unit at MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). This role will serve as one of the key editorial players for the team; pitching and booking guests, collaborating with hosts, scripting, and being hands-in-tape to shape each episode.

The exact assignment may change over time as unit needs evolve. But at the outset, we plan for this person to take the reigns on “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast.” WITHpod is MS NOW’s longest-running podcast, covering everything from politics to technology to environmental justice. The right person for this role will be able to reliably execute week-to-week, while also bringing enthusiasm for new projects and new forms of connecting with an audience. We anticipate that the Producer in this role will also work on “Main Justice with Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord.” To succeed in this role, you should be equally excited to dive into the minute details of court documents as you are to think philosophically about the urgency of large-scale problems like housing or climate change.

The Producer will report to one of the unit’s Coordinating Producers and is expected to be a utility player, pivoting to tasks across the unit as needed. The right person for this position will have a mastery of audio and video editing, and have an interest in news, law, society, and politics. Adherence to journalistic best practices is a must.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the end-to-end production of podcast episodes, including but not limited to pitching, scripting, recording, editing, and publishing
• Book studios and crews. When needed, work with TV crews on best audio practices. And distribute mic kits to remote guests
• Research show topics, structure episodes, and pitch and book compelling show guests
• Assemble episode prep for hosts. Script episodes in hosts’ voice and work with them to hone the sound of each episode
• Collaborate with linear TV teams to support the needs and preferences of high-profile hosts
• Lead recordings, ensuring that tapings are to-time, contain the editorial material necessary for a high-quality episode, and meet our recording standards
• Track scripts, pickups, and promos with hosts
• Edit audio & video cuts, and pass to engineers & video editor for final mixes
• Oversee sound design and provide mix notes to ensure final mix is of high production quality
• Write episode metadata that is optimized for digital audiences
• Ensure all content meets editorial standards, legal guidelines, and brand voice
• Partner with digital, social, and marketing teams on episode distribution
• Publish audio & video podcast episodes
• Occasionally post TV coverage as podcast offerings
• Maintain weekly show calendars and plan future-looking projects
• Produce bonus content (such as for our Premium or Direct-to-Consumer products)
• Track performance metrics and stay on top of trends in podcasting
• Additional duties as assigned. Subject to change as role is expected to evolve over time as needed

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Minimum 5 years of audio production experience, preferably in podcasting
• Minimum 1 years of video editing experience, preferably for YouTube podcasting
• Technical expertise in ProTools, Descript, and Premiere
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects under deadline
• Follows current video and podcasting trends
• Strong understanding of news & politics
• Understanding of journalism ethics

Desired Qualifications:

• Collaborative attitude and strong communication skills
• Fast learner
• Self-motivated to continually grow their skillset
• Adaptable to the needs of an evolving team
• Able to take accountability
• Enjoys solving problems, and does so pro-actively
• Highly organized
• Works well within a large organization
• Comfortable working on shared projects

Additional Requirements:

• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must be willing to work varied shifts as news changes

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. 

Salary Range: $93,000 - $110,000 

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com.

VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.