Lead Producer (Pioneers of AI)

Job Description

WaitWhat is a media company producing podcasts, video, live events, and unique partnership experiences all aimed at elevating the boldest voices in business. Our mission is to provide people with the ideas, information, and inspiration they need to reach their full potential in their lives and careers.

Our media properties—downloaded more than 130 million times—have defined new genres in business (Masters of Scale with Jeff Berman, Rapid Response with Bob Safian) and technology (Pioneers of AI with Rana el Kaliouby).

We share hard-won wisdom from today’s most iconic figures to emerging innovators, sparking curiosity and helping people reach their highest potential. WaitWhat’s approach to content is unique in the industry, with a passion for pioneering new business models and forging inventive partnerships that extend our impact.

About The Role

The Pioneers of AI Lead Producer is a creative, collaborative swiss army knife who is a key member of WaitWhat’s production team. We are looking for a versatile producer with strong editorial instincts and a passion for learning and experimentation in tech. The Lead Producer will be a thought partner for the host of the show, as we seek to highlight the most interesting innovators in AI, while unpacking the urgent questions that AI raises when it comes to business, society, culture, and humanity.

The Lead Producer should also be well-versed in interview crafting, knowing how to elegantly and efficiently produce the hybrid audio and video format of the show. We are looking for a sharp editorial mind, keen ears, and a versatile, adaptable can-do attitude.

The producer will also take part in guest curation, idea-generating, script writing, and shaping the editorial voice of the show; you will be a teammate of a creative cross-disciplinary team. This role is an ideal fit for someone who is curious and passionate about investigating the way AI is transforming our world, and invested in experimenting with AI tools as part of that discovery.

The Lead Producer will report to the Executive Producer of Pioneers of AI and will work alongside a team including a talent booker, video editor, and mix engineer.

Responsibilities

• Pitch guests and episode topics
• Partner with the host on the editorial voice and format of the show
• Manage the show's production workflow and schedule to ensure timely publishing
• Collaborate with the video editor, mix engineer, and talent booker, and delegate tasks within the team
• Direct host in interview recordings
• Edit episode audio and/or video in Descript
• Ability to assemble and edit episodes in ProTools or Premiere Pro a plus
• Coordinate with mix engineer on episode sound design, mix and mastering
• Outline and draft scripts for host
• Maintain voice of show across platforms (with support of Editor/EP and Host)
• Handle recording logistics, including booking studios and sending out recording kits
• Coordinate with video editor, giving editorial direction and feedback to episode videos
• Collaborate with marketing team on preparing social media and promotional assets for the show
• Take part in WaitWhat’s AI tool experimentation, engaging in and/or leading pilot projects around workflow, research, and creative execution
• Participate in creative ideation, brainstorming and supporting general WaitWhat franchise extensions such as live events and webinars
• Work alongside video, design, technology, events, audience engagement and all WaitWhat teams on content creation, production, management, and promotion
• Support the EP of Pioneers of AI in sharing timely updates with the team that include content, data and goals, and budget
• Be service-oriented with internal and external partners
• Bring a constructive mindset to all aspects of your job and a ‘no job too big or too small’, ‘all hands on deck’, ‘we can find a way’ mentality

Requirements

The final compensation for this position will depend on various factors, including the candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and geographical location, as well as internal equity and market considerations. Please note that salary ranges are periodically reviewed and may be adjusted based on evolving business needs or changes in market conditions.

We are a fully distributed team working across the US, with a concentration of colleagues that gather regularly in LA and NYC. We are open to hiring anywhere in the US. We’re an anti-racist organization, committed to equity and diversity of all kinds — on our team, among our investors, and as represented on our media properties. Kindness and honesty are hallmarks of our culture and critical filters in our hiring process.

• 5+ years audio production experience in podcasting or radio, specifically with deadline-oriented interview formats; previous experience lead producing a show preferred
• A passion for experimentation with AI tools (e.g. vibe coding, agent building)
• A passionate curiosity and thoughtfulness about cutting-edge technology and its role in society
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with hosts
• A love for working “in tape”
• A genuine interest in covering technology and business, and a belief in the value it brings to our audience
• Excellent Pro-Tools editing experience
• Fluency with Descript (or similar) and a Descript-to-ProTools workflow
• A proactive, collaborative, and constructive problem solver
• A ferocious appetite to research and figure out tasks you may not be familiar with
• Experience organizing media assets, directory structures, and maximizing post-production workflows
• Time management skills to coordinate multiple projects
• A direct communicator who has the finesse and maturity to communicate effectively with both internal and external partners
• Someone who wants to both roll up their sleeves and do the work
• You are grounded, honest, and a team player who thrives on collaboration
• You have a sense of humor and delight in what you do
• You have a genuine interest in Artificial Intelligence and its applications