Job Description

Position Summary:

MPR News is seeking a seasoned leader to drive our afternoon news coverage.

The ideal candidate has a passion for live radio, local news, building audiences, and leading teams. You can balance big, long-term projects with the day-to-day news coverage.

You will direct the daily work of a team of producers, pitch and produce interviews and debriefs, direct All Things Considered, collaborate with editors and reporters, and help craft the digital transformation of our broadcast programming.

MPR News remains committed to local broadcasts and to providing a space for Minnesotans to gather and share their stories. 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.

Minnesota is approaching 20 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color and the Twin Cities metro area is approaching 30 percent BIPOC. Attracting and being relevant to new audiences is vital for our future.

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

Besides directing daily workloads for your team, you will oversee implementation of their professional development plans crafted by the assistant program director.

This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between MPR and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”).

Expected Compensation Range: $83,640 - 100,368 per year. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Location: Hybrid, St. Paul, MN

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plan long-term goals for programs, alongside the hosts.
• Direct and oversee the work of other producers.
• 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.
• Oversee social media plan for the programs.
• 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 story ideas for the programs and produce segments.
• Direct live broadcasts of the programs.
• Develop and produce special programs and remote broadcasts.
• Collaborate with Membership department during fund drives.
• Oversee archiving of the programs.
• Oversee production of promos.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in fast-paced, idea-driven broadcast journalism environments
• Experience working with on air talent
• At least 3 years’ experience as a producer of a multiplatform program, episodic podcast, documentary, and/or investigative series (per SAG-AFTRA CBA, Senior Producer classification)

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
• 3-5 years experience managing people
• Broadcast control room experience

Reporting to this Position: No

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:
• Working Conditions:

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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

MPR News and its staff adhere to journalism ethics and integrity as outlined in the MPR News Ethics Guidelines.