Job Summary

Wisconsin Public Radio’s midday talk show team is searching for a compassionate, engaged and organized producer to bring a fresh perspective to the program.

Day-to-day, the producer will generate and pitch show topics, coordinate with prospective and upcoming guests and write clear, inventive scripts. They will also repackage interview content into online articles and social media posts. The producer will report to the midday show’s executive producer and work closely with the show’s host.

This position is Ongoing/Renewable.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position.

Hours are generally between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday. This position works at Vilas Communication Hall on the UW-Madison campus with the option of working partially remote. The final schedule can be discussed in the offer stage, but fully remote candidates will not be accepted.

Remote work requires an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA). A FWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Performs daily operational activities for live and pre-recorded content, and may direct the editorial and creative process of production activities
• May schedule and direct operational activities for content production, including live/recorded studio or field productions
• Collaborates with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, prepares materials, and handles logistics for broadcast and/or digital publications
• Produces, develops, and edits content that may include identifying topics, themes, guests, conducting pre-interviews and/or interviews, writing, and/or integrating content for multimedia platforms
• Researches and develops production strategy for one or more programs across broadcast and digital platforms
• Maintains familiarity with studio equipment and/or applicable technology for production

Department

Wisconsin Public Media, Wisconsin Public Radio, News Network — Midday Talk

Wisconsin Public Radio’s Midday Talk show draws much of its identity from “The Larry Meiller Show.” In 1978, Larry Meiller pioneered the call-in talk show with a mission to give listeners the information they need to live well in Wisconsin. Meiller’s warm, down-to-earth approach made the show one of WPR’s most popular. Meiller is retiring this June and Lee Rayburn is replacing him as host.

In this new era, our team hopes that we continue to provide the same wealth of knowledge that Meiller and his guests shared with listeners every day. Our current show topics include deeper conversations about the environment, health, science, home improvement and gardening. We’d love to add your energy and ideas to the team as we continue this legacy.

PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio are part of Wisconsin Public Media. The person in this position will be required to comply with the Wisconsin Public Media Code of Ethics: https://wpm.wisc.edu/policies/, in addition to the UW-Madison code of ethics.

#WPR

Compensation

Expected salary range for this position is from the upper $50,000s to mid-$60,000s.

Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills, ability to work within tight deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
• Proven ability to work in both independent and collaborative settings.
• Knowledge of journalism ethics and newsgathering techniques.
• Excellent writing skills for broadcast and/or web.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of Wisconsin news, culture, issues and personalities.
• Experience in reporting or producing across any of the following platforms: print or digital media, audio/podcasting, television and/or live, call-in talk programming.
• Experience hosting or interviewing guests for broadcast programs, including podcasts.
• Experience using online platforms or digital strategies to grow an audience.
• Ability to operate digital production software, control boards or audio recorders.
• Familiarity with document sharing and virtual meeting software including Google Docs, Slack, Zoom, Outlook, etc.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or related field is preferred.

How to Apply

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.

The following must be received for your application to be complete. Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position:

1. A cover letter referring to your related work experience,
2. A resume detailing your educational and professional background,
3. A one-page PDF or Microsoft Word document with hyperlinks to two samples of your work that’s been written for or presented to an audience (ex. scripts, articles).

Since this position is responsible for providing a clear script for a host and contributing to articles for an online/digital audience, close attention to detail is required. The writing sample material will be assessed for spelling and grammar.

Failure to follow these application instructions will result in applications receiving less competitive consideration.

We are eager to learn more about how your experience may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Please keep in mind your cover letter and/or resume should address your experience and how it relates to the position qualifications. The application reviews will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to the first round interviews.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (including at least one supervisory reference). Note that references will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.