Comedy Podcast Host, Wait...Wait Dont Tell Me! Franchise

This is a Full Time Job

OVERVIEW

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success.

NPR is expanding the Wait Wait comedic universe and we need a host to help us explore this new frontier! Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! is one of NPR’s most popular shows and one of the most successful comedy podcasts in the country. We want to build on this enthusiasm and attract new listeners. To help us with this we are looking for a host of a new midweek podcast; someone curious, good-natured and generous that listeners want to spend time with, and our panelists love to hang out with.

Wait Wait is known for its panel of comedians, discussing everything from clear-kneed mom jeans to what is blocking the suez canal. In your role as host you will be leading similar conversations. You should have your own unique point of view on the stories of today, and be excited to explore new angles with other funny people.

The host will work closely with Wait Wait staff and a production team to create a mid week podcast which will debut in Wait Wait’s podcast feed. The host will also have a regular presence in Wait Wait’s production process as the midweek podcast will be informed by the material covered in the writer’s room.

Hosts should have an existing social media presence, experience with live performance, comedy writing and be familiar with the voice of Wait Wait…. Don’t Tell Me and is ideally based in New York or Chicago.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and help host a midweek comedy podcast.
• Participates in multiple creative projects that establish and extend NPR’s comedic voice.
• Meet weekly production deadlines for each podcast episode and project
• Participate in script writing, research and editorial meetings.
• Work with social media team to promote comedy extension initiatives
• Keep up with current events and the news
• Pitch ideas, guests and narratives and contribute to a writing-room environment
• Prepares and presents content in original and entertaining ways.
• Combines vocal techniques and the ability to write for a podcast audience
• Is able to connect with and hold the attention of listeners
• Writes, edits, revises and delivers scripts related to the program
• Ensures audio and stories are absolutely accurate and assists with performing story editing and fact-checking as needed.
• Maintains highest-quality audio standards.
• Works effectively with a minimum of supervision
• Fulfills marketing, promotion and administrative obligations arising from position and assignments.
• Serves as public representative of National Public Radio, Inc. and maintains standards of professional performance and journalistic ethical standards.
• Records promotional material for NPR.
• Cultivate and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
• Carries out other duties as designated.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• At least 3-4 years professional performance experience in podcasting, broadcasting, and or audio production
• Experience working in comedy or with comedian
• An established social media presence
• Demonstrated ability to work well on a small team
• Strong sense of the Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! comedic voice and style
• Flexible, dependable and have the ability to work with minimal direction and oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to support the production process in research, editing, recording interviews, field production, script writing and other production needs.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system
• Well-developed curiosity in a wide range of subjects and a broad range of general knowledge.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• A good listener who enjoys working collaboratively
• Proactive and a problem solver: you like a puzzle and figuring out how to piece it together
• Ambitious and collaborative: you have a creative spirit that thrives in hearing new ideas and how to make it happen / make it better
• You can manage time effectively across multiple tasks and can keep others on task
• Excellent sense of humor, generous spirit and willingness to collaborate and ability to work independently
• Curiosity
• Familiarity with the public radio system
• Familiarity with WWDTM and the mission of WW
• Active in the world of comedy

All applications must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.
• We love personality so please include a cover letter with a little bit about your interests, your shoes, whatever makes you. How would you bring your unique perspective to the team?
• Submit up to 3 samples of your audio work no longer than a minute each. Please focus on audio that best showcases your natural voice and personality.

Answer these 3 questions in two or three sentences.
• Something you’ve done outside of work you’re proud of.
• Something you saw or heard that was so funny, you had to tell someone else?
• What is your news diet? What/ who do you follow for current events?

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA.


NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.