About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is home to WBEZ , Chicago’s NPR news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, as well as urban alternative music station, Vocalo . The organization serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial.

Chicago Public Media has recently acquired the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the Chicago’s two major daily newspapers and among the most storied dailies in the nation.  With the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Chicago Public Media is now home to one of the largest teams of journalists of any local news organization in the nation. Under the banner of Chicago Public Media, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times will reach more than 2 million people a week in the Chicago area across broadcast, print, and digital channels. Backed by a significant philanthropic commitment, Chicago Public Media plans to substantially increase its investment in local journalism by hiring additional reporters, producers and newsroom personnel in the months and years ahead. 

The Opportunity

The Digital Engagement Producer is a new position on Reset, a two-hour news-driven talk show that airs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each weekday. The show is in the process of growing its presence on digital, social media and emerging platforms. The Digital Engagement Producer will take a lead role in that work to help the show reach new and existing listeners and readers on a variety of platforms.

General Responsibilities

These include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the duties and responsibilities at any time.

• Write a daily newsletter for Reset
• Present Reset radio segments in compelling ways on WBEZ.org 
• Run Reset’s existing social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook 
• Help Reset break new ground on other platforms including but not limited to Twitter Spaces, Instagram Live and TikTok
• Collaborate with Reset staff and WBEZ’s digital and social media team to promote and package the radio show to reach new audiences and deepen loyalty of existing audiences
• Create digital-first and social media-first content for Reset
• Work to support the live show, special broadcasts and Reset events 
• Take part in Reset show planning, meetings and special projects
• Deliver work by deadline, in a variety of formats, according to our production schedule 
• Incorporate listener comments and audience feedback into future programming  
• Work occasional evenings and weekends during breaking news as needed

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in broadcast, digital and/or social media
• Strong writing skills for broadcast, digital, social media and promotional material
• Proven editorial judgment 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, news-driven environment 
• Team-oriented, collaborative approach  
• Audio or video editing skills with ProTools, Adobe Audition, Sony Vegas or similar programs
• Experience working with content management systems
• Demonstrated creativity in digital and social media
• Photo and video skills and experience  
• Experience writing newsletters preferred
• Knowledge of Chicago-area news and communities preferred
• Knowledge of public radio, podcasts and talk shows a plus

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.  Our culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouraged.  We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

Chicago Public Media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM, in our staff and in our work.  We are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for you at hire and in the years to come.

Our benefits include:

•  6 weeks fully paid family leave
•  High quality Medical, Dental, and Vision plans at an affordable cost
•  A 403(b)retirement plan with a company match
• Generous paid time off, including starting with 3 weeks’ vacation and 4 personal days

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

This position is a member of SAG-AFTRA.