WaitWhat is a media company producing podcasts, video, live events, and unique partnership experiences all aimed at elevating the boldest voices in business. Our mission is to provide people with the ideas, information, and inspiration they need to reach their full potential in their lives and careers.
Our media properties—downloaded more than 130 million times—have defined new genres in business (Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman, Rapid Response with Bob Safian) and technology (Pioneers of AI with Rana el Kaliouby).
We share hard-won wisdom from today’s most iconic figures to emerging innovators, sparking curiosity and helping people reach their highest potential. WaitWhat’s approach to content is unique in the industry, with a passion for pioneering new business models and forging inventive partnerships that extend our impact.
About The Role
The Pioneers of AI Lead Producer is a creative, collaborative swiss army knife who is a key member of WaitWhat’s production team. The Lead Producer’s superpower is interview crafting – knowing how to elegantly and efficiently produce the hybrid audio and video format of the show. We are looking for a sharp editorial mind, keen ears, and a versatile, adaptable can-do attitude.
The producer will also take part in guest curation, idea-generating, script writing, and shaping the editorial voice of the show; you will be a teammate of a creative cross-disciplinary team. This role is an ideal fit for someone who is curious and passionate about investigating the way AI is transforming our world – with a sense for exceptional innovators and thought leaders who will provide valuable perspectives for our audience.
The Lead Producer will report to the Executive Producer of Pioneers of AI and will work alongside a team including a talent booker, video editor, and mix engineer.
Responsibilities
Pitch guests and episode topics
Work closely with the host on the editorial voice and format of the show
Manage the show's production workflow and schedule to ensure timely publishing
Collaborate with the video editor, mix engineer, and talent booker, and delegate tasks within the team
Direct host in interview recordings
Edit episode audio in Descript and assemble sessions in ProTools
Coordinate with mix engineer on episode sound design, mix and mastering
Outline and draft scripts for host
Maintain voice of show across platforms (with support of Editor/EP and Host)
Handle recording logistics, including booking studios and sending out recording kits
Coordinate with video editor, giving editorial direction and feedback to episode videos
Collaborate with marketing team on preparing social media and promotional assets for the show
Participate in creative ideation, brainstorming and supporting general WaitWhat franchise extensions such as live events and webinars
Work alongside video, design, technology, events, audience engagement and all WaitWhat teams on content creation, production, management, and promotion
Support the EP of Pioneers of AI in sharing timely updates with the team that include content, data and goals, and budget
Be service-oriented with internal and external partners
Bring a constructive mindset to all aspects of your job and a ‘no job too big or too small’, ‘all hands on deck’, ‘we can find a way’ mentality
Requirements
5+ years audio production experience in podcasting or radio, specifically with deadline-oriented interview formats; previous experience lead producing a show preferred
A passionate curiosity and thoughtfulness about cutting-edge technology and its role in society
Demonstrated experience in working effectively with hosts
A love for working “in tape”
A genuine interest in entrepreneurial stories and a belief in the value they bring to listeners
Excellent Pro-Tools editing experience required
Fluency with Descript (or similar) and a Descript-to-ProTools workflow
A proactive, collaborative, and constructive problem solver
A ferocious appetite to research and figure out tasks you may not be familiar with
Experience organizing media assets, directory structures, and maximizing post-production workflows
Time management skills to coordinate multiple projects
A direct communicator who has the finesse and maturity to communicate effectively with both internal and external partners
Someone who wants to both roll up sleeves and do the work while building a team capable of doing the same
You are grounded, honest, and a team player who thrives on collaboration
You have a sense of humor and delight in what you do
You have a genuine interest in Artificial Intelligence and its applications
The final compensation for this position will depend on various factors, including the candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and geographical location, as well as internal equity and market considerations. Please note that salary ranges are periodically reviewed and may be adjusted based on evolving business needs or changes in market conditions.
We are a fully distributed team working across the US, with a concentration of colleagues that gather regularly in LA and NYC. We are open to hiring anywhere in the US. We offer wellness benefits to full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, disability and life Insurance, and a flexible PTO policy among other perks. We’re an anti-racist organization, committed to equity and diversity of all kinds — on our team, among our investors, and as represented on our media properties. Kindness and honesty are hallmarks of our culture and critical filters in our hiring process.
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