Audio Engineering Supervisor

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.
Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.
Intro to Position

NPR seeks an Audio Engineering Supervisor to oversee day-to-day operations at our broadcast facilities in Washington, D.C. This includes managing a team of audio engineers and allocating resources to support NPR’s content creation. The position is responsible for a wide range of technical and logistical duties, including responding to 24x7x365 production and scheduling requests and rotating on-call duties during nights, weekends, and holidays. While the primary responsibility is associated with supervision of NPR’s Washington, D.C. based Audio Engineering team, the role will be part of a geographically distributed management group that collaborates to oversee Audio Engineering across NPR Headquarters and our bureaus in New York and Los Angeles, sharing on-call and backfill duties with both DC-based and bureau colleagues.
The successful candidate will be a proactive, collaborative individual with a background in audio engineering, broadcasting, and audio/video podcasting, and a desire to learn new skills and technologies. A history of empathetic leadership, interdisciplinary cooperation, and staff development is essential.
Responsibilities

Provide 24x7 immediate response to technology outages and/or staffing emergencies
Oversee technical aspects of content creation and broadcast operations at NPR Headquarters
Collaborate on development, training, and enforcement of production workflows within the Audio Engineering team, and between multiple departments and locations
Maintain current service levels and high-quality standards for audio production
Build and maintain collaborative relationships across the organization, engaging with content creators, support groups, and management to identify and anticipate needs and allocate resources accordingly
Manage, support, train, and develop a team of audio engineers whose work encompasses broadcast and digital content creation, including radio, audio and video podcasts, and video streaming
Advise teams on the use of NPR technologies, especially those related to audio processing, mixing, and recording
Ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement between NPR and the NABET union
Contribute to writing and maintenance of documentation for critical broadcast and production systems and workflows
See to regular testing and maintenance of disaster recovery systems and recommend updates and modifications as required
Provide backup operational supervision and support to NPR’s Los Angeles and New York Audio Engineering teams
Lead hiring searches for Audio Engineering positions at NPR, and participate in hiring processes for positions in other NPR locations and departments as required
Supervise at least 12 direct reports, preparing their performance reviews, and making recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, and discipline for these positions
Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of professional production, audio, and/or broadcast experience
3+ years of supervisory experience or team leadership
Effective on-site and remote team leadership, development, and delegation
Ability to cultivate an inclusive workplace environment where people from diverse backgrounds feel valued and able to do their best work
Effectively manage staff during intense organizational change and industry transformation
Work independently, multitask, prioritize, and thrive under remote supervision
Excellent communication skills (written, oral, documentation creation, etc.)
Customer service‑focused mentality
Familiarity with emerging broadcast and audio technologies
Translate technical topics, workflows, and team needs to editorial staff and management
Identify and learn new systems, tools, and technologies
Knowledge of broadcast systems and automation, audio/video routers, and production workflows
Thorough understanding of audio engineering concepts, principles, tools and workflows
Work independently, multitask, prioritize, and thrive in a 24x7 deadline‑driven environment
Adept at solving complex technical and operational problems with poise and expertise
Willingness to work off‑hours and weekends as needed to support NPR’s programs and departmental staff
Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with professional AOIP transmission protocols, software and hardware (e.g., Ravenna, AES67, Tieline, Comrex)
Familiarity with IT networking topics
Familiarity with audio/video recording and editing platforms and associated workflows, especially AVID Pro Tools, Riverside/Descript, or Broadcast Bionics
Hands‑on experience with no‑code databases
Hands‑on experience working in a broadcast studio and/or master control facilities
Hands‑on experience with digital audio routing, analog and digital consoles, and matrix routing
Management experience within a union environment
Familiarity with NPR’s content and the overall public media ecosystem
Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in broadcast engineering, content production, communications, or management
Work Location & Requirements

Hybrid permitted: The employee will be required to be in the office at the Washington, D.C. location at least 2 days a week and must reside in an NPR-supported location based on the number of on‑site days they choose.
Job Type

Full‑time, exempt position.
Compensation

Salary Range: U.S. based anticipated salary range $124,200–$136,000 plus benefits.
NPR Benefits: NPR offers comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents, including health, dental, vision, life/accidental death and dismemberment, long‑term disability, short‑term disability, and voluntary retirement savings for eligible employees.
Equal Opportunity Statement

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

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