Executive Producer

Jobtailor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City Cast Chicago is seeking an Editorial Leader to drive local content strategy across podcasts, newsletters, website, video, and social channels.

You will hire, onboard, and coach the local team, set priorities, approve content, and partner with the national marketing team to grow engagement.

This on-site role requires deep Chicago knowledge, a strong on-mic presence, and a track record of leading creative teams in journalism or media.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in journalism/media production with editorial leadership.
• Proven success leading creative teams.
• Deep familiarity with Chicago—its people, politics, culture.
• Confident on-mic presence.
• Experience in podcasting or broadcasting a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of City Cast Chicago local content strategy across podcast, newsletter, website, video, and social platforms.
• Assign and oversee daily editorial responsibilities.
• Serve as final editorial gatekeeper and approve content before publication.
• Set editorial priorities, evaluate story pitches, and guide local conversations.
• Appear regularly on the daily podcast.
• Hire, onboard, and manage the local team.
• Provide coaching and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Oversee city operating budget and resource allocation.
• Lead membership events and other in-person activities.
• Work with City Cast HQ on business strategy, audience growth, and performance goals.
• Ensure local activities align with City Cast’s mission, voice, and editorial integrity.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Team management

Content strategy

On-mic presence

Podcasting experience

Job description

• Drive execution of City Cast’s local content strategy across podcast, newsletter, website, video, and social platforms
• Assign and oversee daily editorial responsibilities
• Serve as final editorial gatekeeper and approve content before publication
• Set editorial priorities, evaluate story pitches, and guide compelling local conversations
• Appear regularly on the daily podcast
• Hire, onboard, and manage the local team
• Provide coaching and professional development
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Execute the city membership strategy
• Act as a public ambassador for City Cast in Chicago
• Develop and lead the local marketing strategy with the national marketing team
• Identify community partnerships and represent City Cast in local networks, events, and convenings
• Oversee the city operating budget and resource allocation
• Lead membership events and other in-person activities
• Work with City Cast HQ on business strategy, audience growth, and performance goals
• Ensure local activities align with City Cast’s mission, voice, and editorial integrity

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in journalism, media production, or digital content, with editorial leadership experience
• Proven success managing and inspiring creative teams
• Deep familiarity with Chicago—its people, politics, culture, and character
• Confident on-mic presence
• Experience in podcasting or broadcasting is a strong plus
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity
• Ability to balance creativity with execution
• Strong relationships in local media, civic, and cultural ecosystems are a major bonus

Core Competencies

Demonstrates strong editorial leadership and team management skills, with a focus on executing local content strategies across various platforms. Possesses deep familiarity with Chicago's cultural landscape and the ability to foster community partnerships and engagement.

Hard Skills

• Content Strategy
• Editorial Oversight
• Budget Management
• Story Evaluation
• On-Mic Presence

Soft Skills

• Coaching
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Relationship Building

Industry Keywords

• Journalism
• Media Production
• Digital Content
• Local Marketing
• Civic Ecosystems