Slate is seeking a versatile, experienced producer to help create Decoder Ring, Slate’s critically acclaimed podcast, hosted by Willa Paskin. The ideal candidate understands every aspect of audio storytelling and is excited to uncover untold stories rooted in pop culture and big ideas. They naturally bring perspective and context to complex narratives, have an eye for historical oddities and a strong sense of audio craft, and enjoy digging through archives and old media to find the perfect clips. They can seamlessly move between booking, recording, writing, editing, tracking, mixing, and creative problem-solving. The right person can craft compelling stories on the page and bring them to life in the mix, incorporate multiple rounds of feedback, and complete thoughtful edits on tight deadlines. They should have a musical ear and an artistic approach to sound design, and experience collaborating closely with the host and other producers to release episodes on a consistent schedule. Applicants must be self-starters who are efficient, personable, open to experimentation, and genuinely enjoy the work. This role is based in Slate’s New York or D.C. offices, though remote work will be considered for the right candidate. The annual base pay range is $90,000 to $100,000. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between Slate and the Writers Guild of America East.

Key Responsibilities
– Partner with the host and a team of producers to develop multiple episodes
– Spot promising storylines, characters, and sound-rich tape opportunities
– Contribute to research, reporting, and interview preparation
– Occasionally direct voice-tracking sessions in person or remotely
– Edit rough cuts and quickly, thoughtfully implement script notes
– Locate archival tape and other older media clips
– Schedule interviews and oversee recording sessions, often remotely
– Score and perform sound design for final mixes in Pro Tools

Requirements
– Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
– At least four years of experience in radio or podcasting in a journalistic setting
– Strong writing skills, editing ability, and a sense of story
– Experience transforming dry research into engaging narratives
– Proficiency with professional audio editing software, preferably Pro Tools

$90,000–$100,000 per year

Slate is committed to excellence through diversity, which means attracting talented people from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions. We encourage everyone to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please let us know—we’ll do what we can to support you.

Founded in 1996, Slate is a daily online magazine and podcast network that helped shape the voice of the web. Its distinctive editorial perspective on current events and culture has earned numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence Online. The podcast network, launched in 2005, produces more than 20 podcasts, including Slow Burn, What Next, Decoder Ring, and more.

Slate is an affiliate of Graham Holdings. Read the Graham Holdings Company California Worker Privacy Statement here.