Co-Host, Science Friday

Science Friday, the Award-winning public radio program that brings science news to millions of listeners each week, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Each week, nearly 2 million people listen to the show's forward-thinking conversations about science with experts from around the globe. We are broadcast on 499 public radio stations across the country and have been entertaining science enthusiasts, educators, students, and curious-minded individuals of any age for more than 30 years. We have a growing podcast with 2 million monthly downloads, a growing and engaged digital audience, and curate some of the most popular social channels in public media. Science Friday is searching for a co-host to become a regular presence on the weekly program and join esteemed journalist, host, and founder Ira Flatow in bringing Science Friday to more listeners and audiences worldwide. 

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and 2 – 3 examples of your work that demonstrate your interview style and experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered

**All inquiries will be handled discreetly.**  

Ideally, this position will be filled by someone already based in the New York Tri-State area or by someone willing to relocate to a commutable distance. Science Friday is produced in New York and distributed by New York Public Radio. This role operates in a hybrid capacity, with the ability to frequently work from home, but this position, like all of our positions, will be expected to work from the NYC office on specified days and with regularity.  

REPORTING TO: Executive Director

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

EDITORIAL:

• Attend weekly editorial meetings.
• Contribute long-form and short-form interviews weekly to air on Science Friday broadcast and podcast, amounting to a minimum of one hour of programming per week.
• Host the full two-hour program as needed.  
• Prepare in-depth for each interview, writing interview questions, and conducting story research as needed. 
• Pitch interview ideas at editorial meetings and collaborate with Science Friday producers to choose interesting guests and stories with a focus on news and current events in science. 
• Write, edit, and read lively, informative show copy.
• Record podcast advertising inserts, as well as weekly billboards, show and station promos and other materials as needed on a timely basis.
• In coordination with the Host and Executive Director, contribute to the editorial vision of the show - suggesting adjustments and improvements that could occur on a weekly basis and  long term evolutions.

AUDIENCE:

• Attend weekly Audience meetings.
• Ensure that audience engagement opportunities are apparent within each weekly program; curating public voice and participation as much as possible with attention to accessibility and inclusion.
• Evaluate audio for success and in collaboration with the Audience team, incorporate audience evaluations to make program improvements and grow the listening audience.
• Actively solicit and cultivate audience feedback, incorporating aspects of that feedback into the editorial vision and driving better audience interactions with our audio offerings. 

• Interact with the Science Friday audience by serving as occasional host of live, on-stage events, and live call-in programs.

ORGANIZATIONAL:

• Contribute to the strategic vision of the organization.
• Attend weekly all-staff meetings, as well as other staff meetings, Board meetings, and community meetings, as needed.
• Attend fundraising events and funder meetings as needed.
• Represent Science Friday at conferences, public events, and speaking engagements as needed.
• Support Science Friday’s efforts to raise revenue to sustain and grow the operation including reading copy and supporting sponsorship programs.
• Hosts are responsible for demonstrating, sharing and reinforcing Science Friday’s strategic vision, values, and mission.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, leading a workplace characterized by mutual respect and open discussion in which we all strive for excellence, innovation, and kindness.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE and QUALITIES: 

• At least five years hosting a national show or podcast, and/or reporting nationally on news and/or science
• Long-form and short-form interview experience. 
• Experience conducting strong, compelling interviews, including those with high-profile guests and newsmakers. 
• Experience working in an environment which required you to work quickly and efficiently under deadline.
• A deep interest in, and knowledge of, science, research, and current events in STEM.
• Enjoys being part of a team, but can work independently.   
• Experience translating complex subjects into digestible dialogue and conversation. 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong writing, public speaking, and communication skills.
• Ability to quickly read and digest books, articles, and research papers on complex subjects. 
• Leadership experience with a proven track record of cultivating a positive team culture
• Collaborative and engaging with highly developed relationship skills and emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency with audio editing systems and software.
• Strong communication skills in a remote hybrid work environment.
• Experience establishing and encouraging feedback for improving editorial outputs
• Demonstrated commitment to quality audio. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders like donors, foundations, corporations, and Board members, as well as staff and freelancers.
• An unquestioned reputation for integrity and ethics; a strong character that will quickly gain the trust of others.  

EDUCATION: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Journalism/Broadcast  or equivalent in work experience. 

APPLY HERE
We use a single application form. Applications received via LinkedIn, Indeed, or other third-party platforms will not be considered

SALARY: $140,000-$200,000

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Science Friday is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  SciFri operates with the knowledge that journalism, science, and learning benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds. Diversity is essential to honest, trustworthy, accurate storytelling and promotes a healthier, happier, and more creative atmosphere. Science Friday strives for creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE and BENEFITS:

• Our building has a secure lobby with a fully handicap accessible entrance and key card elevator service. We have a flexible open office with adjustable standing desks, adjustable chairs, and large external monitors; our office also includes a small recording studio, lounge area, and a handful of flexible separate offices and conference rooms. 
• We use headphones a lot during the work day. We are really into office plants. 

• We offer health, vision, and dental coverage with generous employer contributions to premiums.  HSA/FSA plans and mental health support are also available.  After six  months of service, employees can enroll in Science Friday’s 401(k) retirement plan. 

• We often get great science and sci-fi books to read for free.  
• Science Friday takes pride in the work ethic of employees and in fostering a culture of trust in which employees are given the flexibility to take time off as personal needs dictate. The organization would like to reward that dedication with a flexible, self-managed annual leave policy. Science Friday recognizes the need to rest and enjoy time outside of work and encourages the use of this time to refresh and recharge.
• We close our offices twice a year for a week for whole-staff recharge time (Mid-year in July and in December for a Winter break). We do not work on Thanksgiving or the Friday after.