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2 Talk Producer/Directors

Wisconsin Public Radio

Intermediate or Senior Broadcasting Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will participate in the launch and on-going production of WPR’s new afternoon drive program currently in development. This multi-hour program will feature multiple segments each hour, covering a broad range of topics. Manage day-to-day production while meeting daily deadlines. Direct live broadcast and act as on-air producer for call-in segments. Collaborate enthusiastically with talk hosts and producers, communicate with guests, and develop fresh topics and segment ideas.  Also, create show-related content on WPR.org and related social media websites. Assist with production of other programs as assigned. This position reports to the Ideas Network Director.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct hosts and control the flow and on-air sound of the program during the live broadcast. This includes coordinating audience engagement, transition between segments and audio elements.
2. Generate and propose multiple, compelling, audience-focused show topics and guests at scheduled editorial meetings. Participate enthusiastically and actively in meetings.
3. In consultation with hosts and producers, locate, pre-interview and schedule guests to provide balanced coverage and a variety of perspectives.
4. Provide program hosts with well-researched background material and well-written scripts and questions for each segment.
5. As assigned, serve as on-air producer for call-in segments including screening listener phone calls, emails, and social media interactions.
6.   Create, produce and distribute persuasive on-air and on-line promos daily, inviting the audience to engage with the program.
7. Write engaging, fresh website content, updates and features for the Ideas Network on Facebook, Twitter, and WPR.org.  Creatively integrate social media into talk programming on a daily basis.
8. Create, organize, and maintain program information files, guest rolodex (using Filemaker), and resource information.
9. Support other WPR programming as assigned.
10. Know, follow and contribute to WPR best practices.
11. Uphold and maintain Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff for Wisconsin Public Radio.
12. Comply with UW and UWEX code of ethics: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/8.pdf
13. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
14. Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work product and in organizational interactions, including communication and decision-making.
15. Other duties as assigned by Ideas Network Director and/or Ideas Network Assistant Director.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work independently to complete assignments with little or no assistance on individual tasks.
• Direct hosts during live broadcast, monitor program for flow, organize audience participation, suggest questions, and follow program clock.
• Manage multi-line phone system, e-mail, and social media websites simultaneously during live broadcast.
• Gather relevant background material, audio clips, and other material for hosts on a tight deadline.
• Establish and maintain collegial, productive relationships with all show and work staff members.
• Know, practice, and maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
• Maintain composure, professionalism and problem-solving demeanor when unexpected complications arise before or during live program, such as guest cancellation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Experience in live call-in talk show production (including locating, pre-screening, and scheduling guests), or directly transferrable experience. For intermediate level a minimum of two years’ experience is required.  For Senior level a minimum of five years’ experience is required.
3. Demonstrated success as a known idea generator on a range of topics from current events to cultural affairs.
4. Demonstrated success in supporting diversity and inclusion as assets organizationally and programmatically.
5. Demonstrated ability to switch quickly and seamlessly between tasks without sacrificing quality of work. 
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently to complete required assignments, with little or no assistance, under strict deadline pressure.
7. Strong time management and organizational skills, including strict attention to detail.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
9. Ability to write conversational, lively content for radio, including show introductions, host questions, brief on-air show promotions, and program descriptions for an online audience.
10. Knowledge of and adherence to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
11. Successful content generation on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter.
12. Resilience and good judgment when faced with the unexpected.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous Public Radio experience
• Previous experience directing live broadcasts
• Previous experience call screening for live radio
• Previous on-air experience
• Prior experience editing audio of broadcast quality.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, Sound Forge, Adobe Audition, and/or other professional audio editing software
• Knowledge of Wisconsin news, politics, and culture
• Board operation experience
• Familiarity with Audio Vault
• Experience with web publications and/or multimedia content
• Experience managing people
• Experience managing editorial process

SALARY:   The minimum for this position is $40,000. Actual pay will be proportional to qualifications, experience and official title. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive fringe benefits package.   

- Before you get started with the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

- External applicants                
Click on Advanced search link. Enter Job opening ID: 8886

- Current University of Wisconsin System employees
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Applications must contain ALL of the following items:

1. A complete UW-Extension application form, with applicant survey form
2. A detailed resume.
3. Three professional references, including email contact information. (on form)
4. A one- to two-page narrative that describes your suitability for this position. Detail exactly how your experience relates to the qualifications and duties of this position.
5. Recruitment source where you learned about this position; (on form)
6. Salary History (on application form)

Send application materials to:

Email
betsy.nelson@vilas.uwex.edu

Phone
608-262-5221