Associate Producer, News & Politics

Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us-one that doesn't just focus on what's broken, but what we can do to fix it. We are a media network that showcases stories, voices, and opportunities for activism that inform, entertain, and inspire action, because it's up to all of us to do our part to build a better world.

Job Summary:

Crooked Media is looking a Los Angeles-based Associate Producer who would be responsible for handling logistics and production across several of our current news and politics podcasts, primarily Pod Save the World and Strict Scrutiny. The ideal candidate must have a clear idea of the Crooked brand, a strong interest in news and politics, and experience booking talent and producing podcasts from soup to nuts. The candidate must work well with small groups and be flexible and hands-on throughout the production process, as well as be ready to react to breaking news.

Crooked has adopted a hybrid work model for our entire staff. We believe that the best work is done in a hybrid capacity as it combines the flexibility of working from home with in-person collaboration. We are ideally looking for Los Angeles-based candidates, or candidates willing to relocate within the first 3 months of accepting an offer. 

How You'll Spend Your Time:

Editorial and creative support of news podcasts and hosts

• Preparing hosts and developing briefing materials for podcast episodes
• Working with hosts and producers on arranging any necessary elements to complete episodes (i.e. research, fact checking, video + visual assets)
• Providing notes and edits for final cuts to editor
• Generating ideas for episode segments and interview guests
• Working with hosts and producers to develop outlines and run of show documents for individual episodes 
• Assisting in all aspects of guest booking including prep, scripting, and occasionally conducting interviews and pre-interviews
• Participating in daily and weekly editorial meetings 

Technical execution of podcasts 

• Working with studio manager/audio engineer on the sound and technical aspects of the show 
• Working with our production team to book studio time / arrange remote sessions
• Cutting and editing clips and sound elements that run within podcasts
• Uploading and scheduling episodes and ensuring delivery across listener platforms 
• Publishing episode pages and supporting the show's presence on Crooked's website. 

Operating as show steward to the rest of the company 

• Coordinating with video producers and social media teams to maximize audience for the show across all platforms
• Working with Sales team to ensure ad copy has been delivered to hosts and ads have been recorded
• Helping to coordinate cross-departmental efforts to build and publicize the show and other shows on the Crooked network through video, social, design, business development, and marketing efforts
• Assisting in planning and execution of live events/recordings
• Contributing to other Crooked projects and properties as needed

What You'll Bring To The Table:

• 2 years of experience in news, digital media, or politics
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Exceptional research skills 
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Strong understanding of journalism and journalistic ethics
• A passion and day-to-day interest in politics, and the news
• Curiosity about international affairs 
• A self-motivated, proactive, creative, accountable, and nice attitude
• Preferred experience with audio editing or field production skills

Pay and Perks: 

At Crooked, we believe in paying employees at or above market rates that are informed by salary surveys and industry benchmarks. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer full-time employees excellent benefits including:

• Paid healthcare
• 401k match 
• Generous vacation
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• A discretionary year-end bonus
• Did we also mention our offices are closed at the end of the year? 

When we open up a position, we conduct a market analysis to ensure we have the most up-to-date data. Once we're ready to extend an offer, we look at the individual's years of relevant experience and other compensable factors to determine a competitive offer. And for this role, the starting salary range is $66,000 - 68,000.