Podcast Producer and Studio Operations Manager
WQED Multimedia | Pittsburgh, PA | Full-time | Exempt
Location: Pittsburgh
Salary Range: $65,000-$78,000
Reports to: Executive Producer
About The Role
WQED seeks a Podcast Producer and Studio Operations Manager to develop and produce original audio and video podcasts from concept through distribution. This role combines editorial judgment, hands-on production, host and guest preparation, and day-to-day coordination of WQED’s new podcast studio.
The Producer and Manager will build a focused slate of programs that connects WQED’s arts, culture, education, local storytelling, and community work across podcast platforms, WQED+, broadcast, YouTube, social media, and live events.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial and Production
- Develop, pitch, and manage a focused slate of original podcast series and episodes.
- Research topics, identify guests and community voices, and shape formats that serve clear audiences and editorial goals.
- Write and edit scripts, show outlines, interview questions, episode descriptions, and related copy.
- Prepare and coach hosts and guests; direct studio and remote recording sessions.
- Record, edit, mix, and master professional-quality audio and video for podcast, broadcast, and digital distribution.
- Exercise editorial judgment and ensure accuracy, fairness, clarity, accessibility, and alignment with WQED’s standards and mission.
Distribution and Audience Development
- Publish and optimize episodes for podcast platforms, WQED+, YouTube, websites, and other distribution channels.
- Create or coordinate trailers, clips, audiograms, companion videos, captions, transcripts, and promotional materials.
- Use available performance data and audience feedback to improve formats, packaging, release plans, and promotion.
- Maintain consistent publishing schedules, metadata, credits, rights documentation, and archived production files.
Studio Operations
- Coordinate the day-to-day use and scheduling of WQED’s podcast studio for internal teams and approved collaborators.
- Operate recording, camera, lighting, microphone, and production systems; identifying technical issues and coordinating maintenance or repairs as warranted.
- Establish efficient workflows for recording, editing, review, asset management, publishing, and archiving.
- Recommend equipment, software, and workflow improvements in coordination with Engineering and Technology staff.
- Collaborate with WQED producers, hosts, editors, marketers, digital staff, and community partners.
- Record interviews and programs at performances, festivals, community events, and other field locations as assigned.
Qualifications
- Three or more years of experience producing podcasts, digital media, broadcast content, journalism, or multimedia storytelling.
- Demonstrated experience producing and publishing original audio and video content from concept through distribution.
- Strong interviewing, writing, editing, and story-structure skills, with sound editorial judgment.
- Hands-on proficiency with audio and video recording, studio workflows, and professional editing software such as Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro, Pro Tools, Sequoia, or comparable tools.
- Experience directing hosts, guests, and recording sessions in studio and field settings.
- Strong project-management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple episodes, collaborators, and deadlines.
- Understanding of podcast hosting, feeds, metadata, distribution platforms, analytics, captioning, and transcription workflows.
- Ability to collaborate across editorial, production, marketing, digital, engineering, and community-engagement teams.
- Strong interest in the arts, culture, people, and communities of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Preferred
- Experience producing narrative, interview, documentary, or live-event podcasts.
- Experience in public media, journalism, nonprofit media, or an arts organization.
- Knowledge of broadcast audio standards and rights or release practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media production, broadcasting, film, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Compensation & Benefits
The compensation band for this full-time position is $65,000-$78,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a PPO health insurance plan; employer-paid dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and—after 12 months—a 5% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.
About WQED
WQED Multimedia is an iconic public media institution and one of America’s original educational broadcasters. Today, WQED serves hundreds of thousands of neighbors across southwestern Pennsylvania through five television channels, Voice of the Arts, streaming platforms, educational initiatives, digital storytelling, and community engagement.
This is a moment of real transformation. With major shifts in media consumption, the launch of new digital products like WQED+, the elimination of our federal funding, and growing demand for trusted, hopeful, local storytelling, WQED is evolving from a traditional broadcaster into a multi-platform community resource.
Joining WQED now means helping shape how Pittsburgh connects through story, culture, and shared experiences—on air, online, and in person.
Equal Employment Opportunity
WQED Multimedia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace for all. Applicants with disabilities or those needing reasonable accommodation may contact careers@WQED.org.