Associate Editorial Director, Podcasts

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are

Reporting to the VP, Content Strategy, the Associate Editorial Director, Podcasts, oversees the editorial development and quality of all podcasts within the growing Understood Podcast Network. They’re relentlessly focused on deepening audience engagement through a thoughtful mix of data-driven strategy and creative experimentation – all while ensuring that our podcast content stays on-theme, follows brand guidelines, and, most importantly, is impactful. 

The Associate Editorial Director, Podcasts, brings deep industry knowledge to all of their work. That includes podcast formats, genres, platforms, and measurement. This role also leads a small team to think big and constantly seek out ways to improve and evolve our network of podcasts.

What you’ll do

• Lead the editorial and creative development of all podcasts (current and future) in the Understood Podcast Network and related assets (show notes, graphics, supporting explainer content, audio/video snippets, etc.) 
• Develop strategy and set clear goals around audience engagement that hold the team accountable for progress
• Ensure that all podcasts are accurate, on-theme, and follow brand safety and voice guidelines
• Partner daily with the podcast production lead to assess the health of the network and individual shows, innovate our portfolio of podcasts, and push for cross-functional efficiencies
• Evaluate show strengths and opportunities in partnership with the Analytics team, and present these insights to stakeholders and leadership 
• Identify data-driven opportunities for current podcasts to improve – whether that means being more consistent or trying something new altogether – and work with producers, editors, talent, and other stakeholders to deliver on those opportunities
• Review and approve all podcast episodes and related content (marketing materials, repackaged podcast content in multiple formats, etc.) 
• Stay on top of industry trends and platform technology, continuously seeking new ways to drive audience engagement and creative excellence
• Pitch new shows, formats, topics, talent, guests, and special episodes, and lead the execution of these approaches
• Set editorial deadlines (show notes, scripts, etc.), organize workflows and schedules, and delegate work 
• Suggest improvements for show hosts to refine on-air skills to deepen listener engagement
• Work with production, partnerships, and marketing teams to identify opportunities to expand podcast distribution and impact
• Work closely with production and project managers to guide podcast resource management and deliver stellar work on time and on budget
• Manage and develop a small team that handles day-to-day work on shows

Must-haves

• 5+ years experience in the podcasting space; additional editing and/or content development experience preferred
• 2+ years experience managing editors or other content creators
• Experience as the showrunner or editorial lead for a successful podcast or multimedia storytelling platform
• Professional experience in disability, mental health, education, and/or parenting fields
• Deep understanding of the podcast industry, including podcast success metrics, platform nuances, and different formats, styles, and genres
• A commitment to protecting and evolving the Understood Podcast Network’s unique voice and creating impactful content for people who learn and think differently
• Demonstrated ability to understand nuanced subject matter and translate it into accurate, engaging, and easy-to-understand content
• Deep SEO knowledge and demonstrable success developing keyword-targeted content
• Excited about content innovation and realistic about what it takes to get there
• A track record of being creative while working within brand and voice guidelines
• Strong writing, editing, and story development skills, specifically for