Documentary Producer

KUOW Public Radio; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is seeking a Documentary Producer to lead long-form narrative series, overseeing research, scripting, production, and occasionally hosting. The role emphasizes collaboration with editors, hosts, and newsroom leadership to shape multi-episode projects.

The position requires strong writing, editing, and production skills for investigative storytelling, with the ability to manage multi-stakeholder timelines and deliver work from pre- to post-production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or similar field and four years of professional journalism experience.
• Requires knowledge of professional broadcast and journalistic standards.
• Strong writing, editing, and production for investigative, narrative, long form podcast series.
• Ability to execute complex podcast projects with multiple roles.

Responsibilities

• I. Investigative Reporting: Conduct, original reporting, research, investigation and fact-checking.
• II. Narrative Podcast Producing: Write and edit scripts, develop multi-episode storylines; adapt stories for broadcast and podcast.
• III. Plan Documentary Projects: Strategize with newsroom leadership; create production plans for multi-stakeholder projects.
• IV. Lead Pilot Projects: Serve as primary project lead and show runner; edit and shape audio storytelling; pitch ideas.
• V. Other duties as assigned: Assist or step in for producers and support team production.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Production

Investigative reporting

Broadcast storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism

Job description

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of New Content and Innovation, the Documentary Producer is responsible for producing a minimum of one longform narrative series per year, including all pitching, researching, reporting, scripting, and post-production, plus occasionally hosting.

A successful documentary producer will thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. They will have outstanding communication and project management skills and the ability to balance overlapping deadlines. A successful producer in this role will lead the overall direction and execution of complex, multistakeholder editorial projects, from pre-production through post-production. They will also have a keen eye for stories that can translate into distinctive documentary series that align with our overall content vision. This position is team oriented: maintaining positive relationships internally, and supporting fellow producers, editors, and hosts with production needs is essential.

Key Responsibilities

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Investigative Reporting (25%)

• Conduct, original reporting, research, investigation and fact-checking.
• Identify, research and develop story ideas using in-depth investigation to support long-form, documentary-style storytelling.
• Cultivate and maintain a wide variety of sources.
• Identify unique and distinct voices and perspectives to add context and depth to reporting

II. Narrative Podcast Producing (50%)

• Write and edit scripts, develop multi-episode storylines.
• Adapt stories, scripts, and mixes to conform to the needs of both broadcast and podcast shows.
• May serve as host or lead reporter, as needed, conducting interviews with experts, officials, and other relevant individuals, and narrating scripts.
• Execute sound-rich, multi-track mixes, requiring knowledge of software and production equipment.

III. Plan Documentary Projects (10%)

• Partner with newsroom leadership to strategically plan podcast series.
• Create and execute production plans for complex, multi-stakeholder projects including coordination with the Senior Editor, Director of New Content, News Director, and Chief Content Officer to address release schedules, staffing needs, and backfill.
• Proactively communicate and manage interlocking deadlines, ensuring successful completion of projects.

IV. Lead Pilot Projects (10%)

• Serve as primary project lead and show runner for developing new narrative documentary projects for podcast and broadcast.
• Create scratch audio pilots for potential projects.
• Edit and rewrite scripts and help shape the audio storytelling of contributing investigative journalists.
• Monitor diverse news and information sources to identify strong topics and story ideas and pitch them through established greenlight processes.
• Assess submissions from KUOW news personnel and from external sources.

V. Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Assist or step in for producers; or contribute to team production efforts or other podcasts, when necessary.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or similar field, and four years of professional journalism experience of increasing responsibility, with a background in writing for talk programming and radio production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires knowledge of professional broadcast and journalistic standards and practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, and production for investigative, narrative, long form podcast series.
• Ability to execute complex podcast projects, including serving in multiple roles and capacities

Working Conditions

• Duties may occasionally require evening and weekend work when necessary to meet critical deadlines.
• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Position is suitable/eligible for Hybrid/Occasional Telework.

About KUOW

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public with a vision to broaden conversations and deepen understanding.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$87,168.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$104,604.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists - KUOW

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.