WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, WIRED has been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation, covering humanity's biggest challenges—from climate change to global security, from pandemic preparedness to the future of democracy—and telling stories of the people trying to solve these challenges and the role science and technology can play, for good or ill. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, its digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events.
Location: New York, NY
Executive Producer, Audio
WIRED is looking for a talented, ambitious and experienced senior audio executive to lead and grow WIRED's flagship podcast feed, Uncanny Valley, which has two weekly offerings: the Uncanny Valley panel show and Big Interview conversation. You should be an accomplished audio journalist with deep experience in talk formats; an adaptable, fast-moving thinker who can quickly pivot when necessary; an omnivorous podcast consumer with significant interest in politics, business and tech; a leader who can work closely with global editorial teams to create compelling programming for large audiences—content that will embody the sensibility, intelligence and sophistication of the leading global tech editorial brand.
You should be deeply familiar with WIRED content, its writers, and its editorial POV. The position requires excellent interpersonal skills and editorial judgment, an extended network of talent and production contacts, superb taste, and an appetite for distinctive, adventurous conversations. To a large extent, the format, style, topic selection, guest bookings and hosting talent will be the domain of the EP; while there are small bore tasks associated with this role, it is important as WIRED's audio ambitions expand.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Features and Special Projects, you will collaborate closely with WIRED's Global Editorial Director, senior editors and contributors. You will work closely with them to drive strategic planning for the expansion of WIRED's podcast network, shoring up existing programming and eventually developing new series and specials built to serve and grow WIRED's unique global audience. WIRED's podcasts now live on YouTube and Social as much as in audio apps, and this role owns how they look as well as how they sound. An ideal candidate will have a sharp understanding of the podcast media landscape for what makes a video episode or clip compelling.
This will involve hands-on production, as the team is small. But WIRED is extremely bullish on the growth possibilities of its audio, and is looking for a leader to help realize WIRED's audio potential over time.
Responsibilities
•Overseeing both shows, and actively producing at least one. This means helping booking guests, coordination with video teams, getting in the weeds on show structure and performance and delivering edits.
•Close financial oversight of show budgets and direct management of any contract producers and staff.
•Close collaboration with CN's Commercial and Consumer teams.
•Managing production and providing editorial direction and feedback on a systematic basis to talent and staff.
•Identifying and recruiting ideas, potential guests, and contributors.
•Designing and implementing production processes to increase production quality, efficiency and nimbleness.
•Producing lively, superbly-crafted episodes that meet WIRED's exceptionally high standards.
•Close collaboration with CN's podcast audience development team, including engaging in monthly, quarterly, and annual performance data reviews.
•Directing recordings on set, including approving camera framing, talent performance, capturing intro and outro segments, and partnering with a logistics team who handle studio, crew, and equipment bookings.
•Overseeing all audio and video edits and editing hands-on when needed, primarily in Descript.
•Working with the audience team to ensure every episode ships with platform-ready assets: full episodes, titles, clips, and thumbnails.
•Knows how to have fun.
Skills and Qualifications
•7+ years of experience in audio, experience in talk formats and with the best practices of audio journalism
•5+ years of experience in a leadership role
•Excellent listening skills, curiosity and empathy
•Superior writing and communication skills
•Demonstrated record of close work with high-level talent and skilled production staff
•An ability to articulate what makes stories, conversations and podcasts great
•A drive to understand and an ability to articulate what listeners want, and realize that in superbly produced audio
•Exceptional planning ability, as well as the ability to think strategically
•Excellent facility with ProTools, Riverside, Megaphone, Descript and other professional audio and video tools
The expected base salary range for this position is from $145,000-185,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.
In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates may also be eligible to receive discretionary bonus compensation.
