Podcast Producer, WFDD

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application including your resume cover letter and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the My Experience application page.

• Locate the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the Select Files button to upload your cover letter resume and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The My Experience page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter resume and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities campus services and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

This role coordinates WFDDs new podcast incubator initiative. The Podcast Producer assists in developing piloting and launching three distinct podcast products that serve community needs advance WFDDs mission and expand audience reach across platforms. This position requires strong organizational skills sound editorial judgment and the ability to manage day-to-day tasks under the general direction of the Content Director.
They will coordinate the production pipeline: from concept development and talent engagement to recording editing publishing and audience engagement. The ideal candidate balances editorial judgment storytelling craft collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.

Job Description

Primary Deliverables (Year One)

The Podcast Producer will support the development and launch:

One Community-Based Podcasts

• Could be place-based identity-based or issue-driven
• Should reflect voices and stories from WFDDs 32-county listening area
• Flexible in format: narrative talk roundtable co-produced etc.

One WFDD News-Focused Audio Product

• Could be a daily weekly or series-based approach
• Must align with newsroom standards for accuracy ethics and editorial quality
• Should complement existing broadcast content

One Youth-oriented product

• Could be youth-driven or aimed at younger audiences
• Flexible in format: narrative talk roundtable shorts etc.

Essential Functions:

1. Coordinate the WFDD Podcast Incubator

• Assist with/administer the application and selection process
• Create and apply an evaluation rubric for submissions at different stages of development
• Recommend projects for selection and support their development
• Coordinate logistics: studio access training sessions equipment use and scheduling
• Draft participation agreements and guidelines for Content Director approval
• Provide hands-on editorial and production support to help creators reach launch or next-stage readiness
• Ensure all incubated projects reflect WFDDs mission ethics and brand integrity

2. Develop One WFDD-Branded News or Public Affairs Podcast

• Identify opportunities based on audience needs newsroom gaps or existing content
• Propose a show concept and format for approval
• Coordinate development from pitch through production and rollout
• Manage the execution without placing additional workload on newsroom staff unless collaboration is pre-approved

3. Create a Youth-Oriented Audio Product

• Research how youth audiences are engaging with on-demand audio or adjacent formats
• Propose a concept and format (youth-produced youth-focused or hybrid)
• Support production of the series from planning to launch
• Assist in building partnerships or participation models with minimal disruption to existing staff capacity

4. Manage Day-to-Day Production Tasks

• Maintain production schedules workflows and project documentation as assigned
• Communicate progress needs and timelines clearly to the Content Director
• Collaborate across departments only when necessary and with clear planning

5. Maintain Editorial Brand and Ethical Standards

• Apply established guidelines
• Uphold WFDDs standards around representation ethics tone and accuracy
• Flag quality or compliance issues to the Content Director promptly
• Escalate potential reputational or editorial risks to the Content Director

6. Audience Growth Engagement and Distribution Strategy

• Track performance metrics (downloads reach engagement listener behavior) for all podcast products
• Coordinate with Marketing News and Membership teams to promote shows grow audiences and build visibility
• Support implementation of platform-specific strategies (podcast apps YouTube social streaming newsletters partnerships)
• Adjust production promotion or format approaches based on data trends and audience needs
• Stay current on emerging platforms formats and audience habitsespecially youth and on-demand listenership
• Provide input when a product isnt reaching its audience goals
• Develop and document outreach launch and promotional plans for every new product

Other Functions:

• Participates in on-air fundraisers as needed.
• Maintains organized project documentation production calendars and agreements with participants.
• Represents WFDD professionally in community youth and partner-facing settings.
• Participates in staff meetings and strategic planning conversations as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Content Director.

Required Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism media production communications or a related field.
• Demonstrated two-year experience producing podcasts or narrative audio content from concept through publication.
• Proficiency with audio recording and editing software (e.g. Adobe Audition).
• Strong writing story development and editorial judgment.
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work with community partners youth and non-professional storytellers.
• Ability to develop and enforce guidelines standards and expectations professionally.

Preferred Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Experience in public media newsroom environments or nonprofit journalism.
• Familiarity with podcast distribution platforms and audience engagement strategies.
• Experience working with youth educators or community-based organizations.
• Knowledge of ethics and best practices in journalism and storytelling.
• Understanding of branding voice and representation standards.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability (Spanish preferred)
• Experience developing new products pilots or editorial initiatives.

Accountabilities:

• Meets production deadlines and deliverables for the three core incubator projects.
• Protects WFDDs editorial standards mission and brand in all podcast products.
• Adheres to approved budgets schedules and resource limits.
• Maintains clear communication and reporting to the Content Director.
• Ensures project documentation agreements and guidelines are followed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at a computer or audio workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to operate recording equipment including microphones headphones and mixers.
• Occasional lifting or transport of audio equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to travel locally for recording sessions trainings or meetings as needed.

Environmental Conditions:

• Occasional off-site work in community spaces schools or partner locations.
• Work may include evening or weekend hours depending on production needs or recording schedules.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation gender identity and expression genetic information disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please contact or .