Audio Producer for Weekly Radio Show and Podcast

Position Title: Audio Producer – Weekly Radio Show and Podcast

Position Overview:

The Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) seeks a skilled and innovative audio producer to oversee all aspects of producing Arts Fell on Alabama, a two-minute weekly radio show and podcast that highlights the stories of Alabama’s artists, cultural traditions, and creative community. This full-time position, based in Alabama, includes health benefits, and offers a unique opportunity to elevate Alabama’s artistic and cultural voice. In addition to technical and creative audio production, the producer will play a key role in storytelling, collaboration, and content distribution. The producer will also have the opportunity to grow and shape the show's reach and vision.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Creation

• Content Development: Collaborate with ASCA leadership, the Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture, and other program managers to develop episode topics and identify compelling guests and stories to create a cohesive schedule that covers diverse topics, geographies, and voices.
• Interviewing: Research interview subjects, prepare questions, schedule interviews, and conduct thoughtful, archival quality longform interviews.
• Collaboration: Work with colleagues and external partners to gather and/or create photographs and creative assets to accompany, enhance, and promote the audio piece and subject. 

Audio Production

• Recording: Set up, operate, and troubleshoot audio recording equipment for both in-studio and on-location interviews and audio recording. Ensure audio quality meets professional broadcast standards.
• Editing and Post-Production:
  • Transcribe interviews or oversee outsourcing of transcription services for all episodes.
  • Write script for each episode, with editorial support from the Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture. 
  • Edit episodes for clarity, pacing, and narrative flow.
  • Mix and master audio tracks to create a polished final product: evergreen stories that incorporate music, ambient sound, and other elements as needed.
  • Ensure episodes are optimized for both radio and podcast formats.
• Archival Integration: Incorporate content from ASCA’s digital archive of past interviews and recordings into episodes as appropriate.
• Episode Submission and Distribution:
  • Submit completed episodes to public radio stations by weekly broadcast deadlines.
  • Upload episodes to website and podcast platforms with appropriate metadata and associated content.

Administrative and Process Management

• Collaborate with ASCA’s Communications Specialist to identify and source photos or artwork that visually complement each episode to promote online and through social media.
• Obtain and organize release forms from all interview subjects.
• Manage the digital archive of interview recordings and other production materials.
• Maintain compliance with copyright and intellectual property laws and policies.
• Continuously improve processes for story development, recording, editing, and distribution to maintain high production standards.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure reliable, high-quality output.
• Maintain and grow relationships with public broadcasting and creative partners.
• Expand audience of listeners and engage more Alabamians. 

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end audio production, including story development, interviewing, script writing, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
• Proficiency in Adobe Audition or similar professional audio software.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently and collaborating as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for conducting engaging interviews.
• Willingness to travel and ability to meet weekly production deadlines.
• Familiarity with podcast hosting platforms and metadata requirements.
• Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in audio production and podcasting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Alabama’s folk and traditional art forms and practitioners. 
• Knowledge of Alabama’s artists and creative landscape. 
• Experience conducting oral history and/or ethnographic interviews.
• Experience using archival materials in audio production.
• Familiarity with ethical standards and best practices for conducting interviews. 
• Familiarity with public radio production standards.
• Ability to enhance episodes with music, ambient sound, and creative storytelling techniques.
• Proficiency with other types of media production like photography or video.
• Experience sharing content and engaging audiences on social media. 

Working Conditions:

• This is a hybrid role, requiring some in-person work at ASCA’s offices in Montgomery, Alabama, and residency in Alabama.
• This position reports to the Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture. 
• Flexible scheduling with autonomy to manage travel.
• Travel across Alabama is required to record interviews, capture on-location sound, and gather stories. Some overnight travel required (state vehicle provided or mileage reimbursed).

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• State employee group health and dental insurance benefits are included.

Application Process:

Listen to previous episodes of Arts Fell on Alabama at https://artsfellonalabama.podbean.com/

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position, and links to 2-3 samples of produced audio work of varying lengths. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Application materials and questions should be sent to Alice Free at Alice@arts.alabama.gov. 

This search was advertised starting on January 23, 2025.