Editorial Producer, POLITICO

Job Description:

POLITICO Live is seeking an Editorial Producer to help shape the editorial programming for our summits, policy briefings and other events across North America. The Live Events Producer will help identify the issues, debates and developments that deserve to be on stage, determine the news makers and experts who can bring those conversations to life, and work with a team of journalists, producers and bookers to develop compelling programs for POLITICO audiences.

The ideal candidate is an experienced reporter or producer with strong editorial judgment, a deep interest in politics and policy, and an instinct for what makes a story timely, consequential and engaging. This person should be equally comfortable digging into a complicated policy issue, identifying the right person to interview about it, developing sharp questions and writing compelling copy that makes an audience want to pay attention.

You have strong news judgment and know what stories, issues and people deserve attention. You thrive in a fast-moving news environment and make smart editorial decisions under pressure. You can turn complex policy and political issues into compelling, timely and accessible live conversations. You are a sharp researcher and interviewer who knows how to develop questions that get beyond talking points.

You are a strong writer who can make news engaging and urgent across formats. You are curious, resourceful and quick to get up to speed on unfamiliar topics. You are organized, driven and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Help shape the editorial vision for POLITICO Live events, identifying the most important and timely issues, debates and stories that should be explored on stage
• Develop compelling programming ideas from breaking news, POLITICO reporting, emerging policy debates and broader trends in politics, business and global affairs
• Identify and research news makers, policymakers, industry executives, experts and other influential voices who can provide meaningful perspectives and insights
• Conduct research and reporting to ensure programming is accurate, balanced, well-informed and grounded in the latest news and developments
• Develop interview concepts, questions and conversation arcs that encourage substantive, newsworthy and engaging discussions on stage
• Monitor breaking news and rapidly developing stories, recognizing when new information should change an event’s focus, speakers or editorial framing
• Write compelling editorial and promotional copy that makes complex issues accessible, engaging and urgent for audiences, including program descriptions, event copy, social media content, news stories, interview questions and other editorial materials
• Work across teams to ensure editorial goals are aligned with the practical realities of event production, including timing, format, speaker availability and audience needs
• Support live events from development through execution, including preparation of moderators and speakers and making adjustments as news and circumstances evolve
• Contribute to digital, video and social storytelling around events, with an emphasis on creating content that extends the reach and impact of live programming

• Several years of experience as a reporter, editor, producer or journalist, with a strong understanding of how to tell compelling and balanced news stories
• Experience with research and reporting, interviewing and/or producing interviews for live events, podcasts, television or other editorial platforms
• Exceptional editorial judgment, with the ability to identify the stories, issues and personalities that matter most to an audience
• A strong understanding of politics and policy, with demonstrated interest in U.S. politics, global affairs and business
• Strong writing skills and a talent for making news engaging, accessible and urgent
• The ability to turn a broad or complicated topic into a focused, compelling editorial conversation with a clear purpose and point of view
• Strong interviewing skills, with an ability to identify the central tensions in a story and develop questions that produce substantive and revealing answers
• Strong research skills, including the ability to quickly become knowledgeable about unfamiliar subjects and identify credible sources and relevant perspectives
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound editorial decisions under pressure
• Strong guest identification instincts and an ability to recognize which news makers, experts and voices can add the most value to a conversation
• A collaborative approach to work and a willingness to contribute across a team of producers, editors and bookers who build events together
• A self-starter mentality, with the ability to recognize problems early, take initiative and develop solutions
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to pitch ideas, explain editorial decisions and work effectively with colleagues and potential…