Sr Producer, MPR News with Angela Davis

MPR News is seeking a leader for our local talk show, MPR News with Angela Davis. The ideal candidate has a passion for live radio, local news, building an audience, and leading a team. This is a hands-on position that leads the team by example.

You are a leader who has big goals and a big vision. You will find new ways to appeal to and reach new audiences on the radio and in the digital world. Listening habits are changing rapidly and you will be in charge of connecting with our audience where they are and leading the team toward adapting workflow to grow the show’s digital audience.

MPR News remains committed to local broadcasts and to providing a space for Minnesotans to gather and share their lives. We’re looking for a producer who is devoted to elevating local voices and local stories. You understand the urgent need to practice more equitable journalism and are committed to collaborating with the entire newsroom to do so.

You should be experienced in and committed to our strategic goal of recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our changing state. Minnesota is approaching 20 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color and the Twin Cities metro area is approaching 30 percent BIPOC.

While some public radio stations move away from daily talk programs, MPR News is leaning into them. MPR News with Angela Davis has a growing audience and we’re committed to connecting with even more new listeners in 2024 by bringing Minnesotans together and engaging them in lively and meaningful conversations. We’re tackling topics like Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities in areas such as education and health, and we’re giving listeners tools to live happier, healthier lives with conversations about family, relationships and work.

You are curious, collaborative, and creative. You have a willingness to try new things and the ability to give constructive consistent feedback.

Expected Compensation Range: $77,063 - $92,475/yr. Exact salary determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Responsibilities:

Plan daily and long-term coverage goals for MPR News with Angela Davis, alongside the host
Oversee the work of 2 producers and interns.
Maintain highest journalistic standards across all platforms.
Track diversity of sources and hold staff accountable to sourcing goals.
Communicate the vision of the program to the staff and collaborate with other newsroom colleagues to elevate MPR News editorial goals.
Ensure the program’s overall tone and balance.
Consistently assess the program’s content and priorities.
Supervise editing and post production.
Grow on-demand audience and boost downloads of podcasts of all our daytime programming.
Grow the program’s social media presence.
Lead staff by:
Creating a culture of constructive performance coaching and regular, on-going feedback.
Encouraging creativity, invention and productivity.
Embracing diversity in staff make-up.
Creating and encouraging individualized development opportunities and plans for staff.
Originate ideas for the program, book guests and produce segments.
Line produce live broadcast of the program and screen calls.
Develop and produce special programs and remote broadcasts.
Collaborate with Membership during fund drives. Oversee archiving of the program.
Oversee production of promos.
Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
Minimum of seven years’ experience in journalism
Experience working with on air talent
5 years experience managing teamwork and projects

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Ability to produce programs that meet MPR News standards
Proven ability to contribute to a positive, diverse, creative, high-performance culture
Ability to advocate for program/resources/staff
Supervisory skills and ability to recruit, coach and develop talent
Leadership and personnel skills and ability to inspire and lead the staff
Ability to manage change
Ability to evaluate content/quality/sound and act decisively with sound management
Knowledge of new media applications for digital distribution, audience engagement and community networking

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Fluency in Spanish, Somali, Hmong or other languages commonly used in Minnesota

Reporting to this Position: None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to manage some work outside of standard office hours as needed.
Physical Demands:
Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
Required to move about in the community
Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping
Working Conditions:
Moderate noise level

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks/per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.