Host, US video and audio podcast at Guardian US

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more. 

The Guardian is looking for a creative, energetic host with broadcast, podcasting, or video experience covering both US and international news who is interested in helping us develop and be the voice of a new video and audio podcast aimed at the US market. 

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Executive Producer, US audio and video podcast

Location: New York, New York

Terms and conditions: Full-time, Permanent, News Media Guild

Annual Salary: $160,000 - $190,000

About the role

The Guardian has a robust collection of award-winning podcasts in the UK, but this will be our first show for an American audience. Working closely with the show’s executive producer and deputy EP, the host will be the audience’s main connection with our global roster of reporters, editors, and columnists, as well as any outside guests we feature. You’ll be a key voice in the development of this show as we figure out how to bring the Guardian’s unique voice and global perspective to life. 

The ideal host will bring a nimbleness with the news and a deep sense of curiosity about the world, as well as passions you’d like to explore in longform interviews. The show will be run out of our newsroom, but we welcome candidates with strong personalities and points of view they will bring to interviews. Episodes will come out three times a week and be informative and meaningful as well as loose and conversational. We want someone who is comfortable in front of the camera, both in the studio and on social media, who understands that talking about the news requires both urgency and care and a sense of humanity and playfulness. You should be able to write quickly and artfully using that same conversational tone.

Key Responsibilities

• Host episodes of a video and audio news podcast
• Carry out long-form daily interviews with Guardian journalists and external contributors
• Participate in story meetings and pitch ideas for episodes
• Work alongside the EP, deputy EP, and producers to structure episodes including: pre-interview discussions, extensive research, writing questions, script writing
• Take part in episode editing sessions and provide feedback on interim edits
• Ensure episodes meet the highest editorial and legal standards
• Attend and contribute to editorial and planning meetings 
• Work with executive producer and the global head of audio to continue to grow the ambition of the show 
• Establish and maintain relationships with reporters and writers across the Guardian
• Work with social media producer to make social elements to promote the show
• Represent the podcast and the Guardian on panels and at live events as required

Key contacts and relationships (internal and external)

• Executive Producer, US audio and video podcast Jonathan Menjivar
• Guardian US editor Betsy Reed 
• Guardian global head of audio Nicole Jackson
• Guardian US deputy editor Jane Spencer (strategy)
• Guardian Us deputy editor Paul Harris (news) 

Knowledge and experience

• Experience/demonstrable understanding of audio, broadcast, or other multimedia – preferably previous experience as a host
• Proven journalistic track record with extensive reporting experience – experience reporting international stories a plus
• Portfolio including wide-ranging interview styles 
• Wide range of interests and enthusiasm for news, global politics, culture, technology, and sports
• Ability to work within a fast-paced, near daily production schedule
• Strong editorial judgment
• Experience working with a fast-moving newsroom
• Demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role
• An understanding that producing a near daily show that’s reactive to the news will require occasional early morning or late night interviews and prep work
• Understanding of the tone, purpose and audience of the Guardian and Guardian audio and its distinctive approach to covering US news with a progressive, global lens
• Passion for the podcast medium in both interview and narrative forms

Skills and behaviors

• Excellent interviewing skills
• Strong knowledge of global news and politics 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfortable producing work on tight deadline
• Commitment to high journalistic standards for factual accuracy
• Able to manage multiple projects at a time
• Ability to meet high standards, but work with kindness and respect while doing so

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.  

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Commuter benefits 
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule 

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day. 

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program. 

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.