- Communication skills
- Time management
- Journalism
The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a newsroom that’s 1,700 strong and sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
Note for US based roles: Any offer of employment is contingent on providing proof of Covid-19 vaccination prior to your start date, subject to approved medical and/or religious exemptions, in accordance with applicable law.
The New York Times Opinion Audio team is looking for an experienced Audio engineer to work closely with the Ezra Klein Show team starting immediately and continuing through the end of September 2022.
The audio engineer will play a crucial role in maintaining and troubleshooting our new state-of-the-art AoIP studios as well as remote recordings. You’ll play a role in the ongoing development of audio best-practices by working closely with the technical manager, host and show producers.
This person will work with the Opinion Audio technical manager to establish and maintain the “sound” of the new show. This includes everything from working directly with producers and hosts on microphone placement and recording best-practices, to sourcing or composing original music, to creating and updating templates for both producers and our stable of freelance mix engineers.
In some cases, that will mean being in the studio to oversee discussions, VOIP connections, and to troubleshoot for difficult set-ups and bad connections. As we endure this particular global moment, this will also include navigating the unique challenges of collaborating with a razor sharp creative team in a remote setting.
Responsibilities
Troubleshoot studio and Pro Tools workflow issues
Handle technical and creative aspects of producing a podcast, from initial recording, to editing and mixing, to scoring and sound design, to final QC, upload and publish
Help train and assist staff in studio procedures, Pro Tools operation, and field recording best practices
Maintain studios and help manage team audio software and plugin updates
Provide expert audio technical support for team of producers and editors
Work with technical manager to create new, and maintain existing standard operating procedure documents for audio team and reporting staff
Manage remote equipment check out for producers and reporters
Help source and/or compose original music for podcasts
Work directly with producers to assess and clean up “bad” audio using iZotope RX
Contribute to conversations about workflow improvements and standardization across our portfolio of shows
Collaborate with technical manager on sound design and mixing
Help coordinate the sourcing, shipping, and return of recording equipment for remote interview guests to ensure highest possible quality audio capture
Collaborate with host and team on editorial direction of the show, including potentially limited-run series
Edit episodes with a keen ear for clarity and content
Skills
5+ years of experience as an audio engineer (or equivalent position) required – podcast or broadcast environment preferred
Strong knowledge of Pro Tools, iZotope RX, as well as creative plug-ins like Soundtoys
Comfortable with the concept of Loudness and mixing to different specs
Ability to quickly, calmly and creatively troubleshoot complex issues under pressure
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on projects to completion
Excellent attention to detail, with good organization and time management skills
Collaborative attitude and strong communication skills; with the ability to communicate complex technical information to people with technical and nontechnical backgrounds
High level of proficiency with Apple computers
A musical ear and ability to adjust the pacing and flow of conversation in an edit to help enhance the listening experience and reinforce the storytelling in a piece
Please include a cover letter in your application.
This is a temporary position.
The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.
The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local "Fair Chance" laws.