Senior Producer, The Headlines

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

The Headlines is looking for a Senior Producer who will be based in Los Angeles or San Francisco and collaborate with the London-based team to create a sound-rich show that highlights the big news stories of the day and the ideas that are driving them. The show's team uses the journalistic rigor and power of The Times' unique reporting to deliver listeners U.S. and global news, as well as enterprise and exclusive New York Times stories.

As Senior Producer, you must have an understanding of the news and have deep experience in writing for audio with an ear for clarity and logical sequencing of ideas. You will know how to find tape that enriches and advances a story, and you should have considerable experience working within a newsroom setting. You'll be identifying opportunities for reporter voices and will cut and build show segments. You must be an autonomous self-starter, comfortable working independently, be able to elicit strong tape in coaching hosts/reporters on mic, and have exceptional audio production skills and strong editorial judgment. You'll help the team identify and pursue editorial missions, structure story beats, and also have an entrepreneurial spirit and an interest in experimenting with the conventions of audio news.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor the news cycle in order to create a proposed line-up for The Headlines show; be responsive to breaking news

• Focus on finding the best angle on the big news stories of the day in sophisticated, distinctive ways

• Identify key external sources of tape. Gather and organize that tape, and pull the best selections.

• In addition to following external news events, review and assess the Times' enterprise work for potential inclusion in the program and support futures programming

• Record with Times reporters on breaking news and enterprise stories, gathering concise and compelling tape. Pull selections.

• Draft scripts that move in and out of tape with active voice, and in a way that eliminates repetition and propels the story forward

• Work within the larger newsroom to make sure The Headlines is up-to-date on the latest stories. Reach out to relevant editors, reporters, photographers, video producers and other staff to gather assets and track publication dates.

• Welcome and solicit feedback, incorporating editorial notes quickly, working collaboratively and coming up with creative solutions when disagreements arise

• Maintain our news planning calendar and our team Airtable

• May be asked to backfill host

• Use editorial judgment that's reflective of Times mission and principles

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• This is an in-office position, based in LA or SF and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.  

• The schedule for this position runs Sunday to Thursday, and the shifts runs as late as 7 p.m. Pacific / 10 p.m. Eastern.

• You will report to the Host/Editor, The Headlines.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 7 years of experience working in daily news at a major news organization

• Proficiency with audio editing software, like ProTools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge across and interest in multiple disciplines such as politics, business, science, etc.

• Experience coaching people who are new to audio

• Manage relationships at various levels

• Work a flexible schedule as news demands

• Meet deadlines and adapt to change

• Navigate a large company and work collaboratively with various departments

• Believe in The New York Times' mission

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

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