Job Description

TED is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

Job Description

TED is looking for a Podcast Producer to play a key role in creating an innovative new podcast series for the TED Audio Collective. This show explores life's biggest questions through the lens of contemporary digital culture. The Podcast Producer will have an excellent track record in audio storytelling and will be instrumental in developing a unique blend of philosophical inquiry, scientific discovery, and personal narrative.

While broadly known for its global conferences and signature TED Talk videos, TED is one of the top podcast publishers in the world, garnering over 420 million downloads annually. Our programs are listened to in over 190 countries and our shows have been consistently ranked by Apple Podcasts as "most downloaded" of the year. TED's award-winning portfolio of leading audio series include the TED Radio Hour (with NPR), TED Talks Daily, The TED Interview, WorkLife with Adam Grant, and many more.

The Podcast Producer's primary responsibility will be executing the creative vision and production of a new show that tackles existential questions through personal storytelling, expert interviews, and multidisciplinary exploration. This role involves collaborating closely with the podcast hosts and TED team to develop episodes and seasons, create compelling audio content that transforms complex philosophical and scientific concepts into accessible, engaging episodes for young adult audiences navigating life's big questions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce podcast episodes, which include:

• Collaborate with hosts to develop episode concepts that explore philosophical questions through contemporary life

• Research and book diverse expert guests ranging from philosophers to scientists, spiritual leaders cultural commentators and other great thinkers

• Conduct pre-interviews and write comprehensive interview prep that helps hosts connect complex ideas to relatable experiences

• Lead or support interview sessions, ensuring high-quality audio capture for both hosts and remote guests

• Coordinate technical setup for guests, including sending professional microphones and lighting equipment

• Write and edit scripts that seamlessly blend host narratives, expert interviews, and audience voice notes

• Cut tape and assemble episodes to support creative scoring and sound design that enhances a contemplative, wonder-filled tone through collaboration with sound designer and mixer

• Work closely with story editors and advisors to ensure episodes center align with project objectives

• Manage fact-checking process to verify guest sources and maintain TED's editorial standards

• Support development of companion video podcast adaptations 

• Collaborate on integration of audience voice notes and community engagement elements

• Participate in marketing and promotional activities, including creating episode descriptions and social media content

• Assist with production logistics for annual TED conference recording, as needed

• Maintain and manage detailed production calendars and coordinate with multiple stakeholders across all teams, ensuring deadlines are met

• Other responsibilities and projects assigned as needed

Qualifications

• At least three to five years of experience in producing audio for radio or podcasts, with preference for educational or long-form narrative content

• A background in journalism, audio storytelling, and/or educational media production

• Experience working with young adult content creators and understanding of digital native culture

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to work with philosophical and scientific subject matter

• Strong ability to craft compelling narratives that weave together storytelling, interview, reporting and other kinds of experimental and genre-bending tape

• Experience in gathering tape, conducting in-depth interviews, and assembling multi-layered stories with editing software (ProTools, Adobe Audition, or similar DAWs)

• Deep knowledge and interest in philosophy, science, technology, and culture, with an eye for what makes for a captivating piece of audio

• Experience with remote recording setups and coordinating technical equipment for guests

• An eye for detail, self-direction, and proven track record as a collaborative team player

• Strong organizational and project management skills, particularly for serialized content

• Interest in or familiarity with podcast video creation, YouTube and educational content creation

Additional Information

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 - $100,000

BENEFITS

• Full health benefits (dental and vision are 100% paid by TED) for employees

• Work-life balance encouraged (TED closes for a 1-week winter break plus unlimited PTO)

• Free OneMedical and SpringHealth membership for you and your dependents to address physical and mental well-being 

• Paid family leave

• 401(k) with match

TED Conferences LLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We invite all qualified candidates to apply online with their resume and cover letter.

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