Associate Producer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Associate Producer works on the set of a film, television, theater or other production to assist the Producer in completing tasks like writing, editing or basic assisting tasks to keep the production running smoothly. Their duties include pitching story ideas, organizing scripts and collaborating with the Editor to make shot selections.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Associate Producer duties and responsibilities

An Associate Producer’s responsibilities vary from project to project. However, duties may include the following:

  • Working along with the producer to develop program concepts and ideas
  • Project research, gathering information and knowledge from available resources
  • Hiring, arranging and organizing crew members and supervising production personnel
  • Coordinating set construction, supervise lighting and sound plans
  • Making sure that the video or audio segments are in the correct broadcast order
  • Additional operational duties such as managing the budget, generating financial reports and status updates
  • Active involvement in the creative side of the job by pitching ideas, helping to develop stories and scripts and suggesting improvements

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Associate Producer Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

About WHYY
WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

*
About the Role*
WHYY is seeking an associate producer for the newly formed Digital Studios department at WHYY. This position is responsible for supporting producers across video and podcast for WHYY’s digital properties; position may specialize in editing, shooting, writing or talent activities or a combination thereof. The ideal candidate has hands-on production experience, proficiency with DSLR cameras and audio equipment, proficiency editing in Premiere and basic graphics and animation skills. You will collaborate with editorial and social teams to produce video and ensure brand consistency. You're able to assist on video shoots and recording sessions and have a basic understanding of the production process for digital content. You bring flexibility and an open mind to shared projects. You welcome feedback and build efficiencies within your environment. You don't shy away from tackling big ideas and challenges. You know how to create structure within the autonomous nature of your role. Experience with news, content, TV, web publishers or agency work preferred. Basic understanding of social platforms and analytics a must.

*
MAJOR Duties AND Responsibilities*

  • Responsible for assisting with the production of original video content in field and studio.
  • Booking and organizing video shoots and crews with attention to budget.
  • Shape editorial pitches into video concepts and coordinate shoot logistics
  • Research, develop and produce editorially rich story telling designed for a social and online audience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated writing skills with careful attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational, project planning, presentation, interpersonal and time management skills.
  • Demonstrated facility with editing on Premiere.
  • Basic camera, lighting and audio knowledge a must.
  • Support Audience Engagement Team in content ideation and execution
  • Prepares outline, formats and rough cuts for approval
  • Maintains a regular and predictable attendance at WHYY offices in Philadelphia.
  • Support third party production partners when necessary
  • Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.
  • Report to VP, Programming and Production
  • Must have sample scripts and a portfolio of work to demonstrate skills and abilities

    Education: A Bachelor’s degree in production or related field or the equivalent professional experience is required. Familiarity with research, web content, development and Premiere editing experience is essential.

    Experience:A minimum of two years’ experience in digital video production, including editing of video and audio material, experience working on short form pieces and previous experience preparing content for multimedia platform distribution is required.

    Technical Skills:Must be able to create online video content; familiarity with social media is needed. Strong understanding of DSLR cameras or better. Proficiency in Premiere and working familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite. Basic audio and lighting skills required.

  • This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.

  • All WHYY employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Proof will be required upon hiring.

    Location: 150 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA Type: Full-time
    • Show less 
    Show more 

    Example 2

    Associate Producer, The Takeaway
    New York Public Radio is looking for a curious, creative and focused journalist to join The Takeaway.
    Here’s your chance to work on one of the most riveting national daily shows in the industry. Millions of Americans turn to us each week for essential takes on news, politics and the culture happening around them.
    The Associate Producer will join a talented team in producing a daily news program with a unique take on the world. They will understand what makes a great Takeaway story and will pitch stories with regularity. They must have exceptional editorial judgment and understand how to use social media responsibly. They will be eager to introduce new voices and contributors to the show and to think about ways to cover stories that go deeper and present interesting new angles. They will think outside the box and push the norms of what traditional public radio can and should sound like.
    Responsibilities

  • Pitches*, writes and produces program material for daily show/podcast and for future shows/podcasts, under supervision from senior staff
  • Edits tape and related continuity
  • Consistently generates timely and well thought-out story/interview ideas, writes tight, compelling copy, and screens and books guests
  • Occasionally contributes to digital and social media content
  • Supports the host on and off the air, providing research assistance and prepping them for interviews

    Qualifications

  • At least 2 years of radio, TV or digital production experience
  • Non-linear editing experience strongly preferred; Cool Edit/Audacity, Easy Track and/or DAVID experience, ProTools, Audition, Ableton, Avid, Premiere, or experience working in other similar programs
  • Demonstrated excellence in news writing and copy-editing, especially on deadline
  • Strong understanding of journalistic ethics
  • Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness
  • Demonstrated ability to assimilate and organize large amounts of information
  • Proven ability to consistently work well with others, including hosts
  • Ability to manage complexity and close the loop on communication with collaborators
  • Experience with digital, and multimedia production.
  • Experience booking and writing briefs on newsmakers

    Additional Information
    This is a full-time role which includes benefits. New York Public Radio offers competitive compensation with excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, sick time and parental leave.
    This role is currently operating remotely, with the ability to optionally work from the office/studio sometimes, which is encouraged. However, this position is not a permanent remote position and is part of the New York City staff and will be expected to work from the New York office/studio in a hybrid capacity within the next few months.
    Given this role will be in the office/studios, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required unless NYPR has approved a specific religious or medical exemption in advance of the first day of work. At this time, NYPR defines being fully vaccinated as having received two Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations or one Johnson and Johnson vaccination.
    This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between New York Public Radio and Type: Full-time
    • Show less 
    Show more 

    What does an Associate Producer do?

    An Associate Producer is responsible for ensuring the production of a video project runs smoothly. Their job responsibilities can vary each day and may vary depending on the industry they work in. They must learn the wants and needs of a Producer, and work to meet these needs and make their work-life simpler. They may supervise lighting and sound plans, operate the teleprompter, coordinate the set constructions or edit scripts. Their responsibilities often vary based on the size of their crew and set.

    Associate Producer skills and qualifications

    An Associate Producer must have some of the following skills:

    • Ability to multitask and work under pressure: Production jobs have deadlines, an Associate Producer needs to be able to meet the deadline even under pressure.
    • Decision making: An Associate Producer will need to make staffing and other important decisions.
    • Conflict management: During production work, some conflict will arise, the Associate Producer needs to be able to manage the conflict and provide effective solutions to the issues.
    • Leadership skills: An Associate Producer must be a good leader in order to get the production team to produce.
    • Excellent creative skills: Creativity and innovation is a vital skill for an Associate Producer role as the job involves developing concepts and ideas.
    • Good technical knowledge: An Associate Producer needs to understand all aspects involved in the production and should be able to use the production equipment and tools. 
    • Excellent communication skills: Good communication skills are crucial for an Associate Producer since the job requires a lot of interaction with unit members and clients.
    • Flexibility: The working schedule of an Associate Producer is not standard. In fact, the working hours are quite irregular and may often involve weekends or evenings depending on the production. As this job is time-sensitive it may also require extra hours, so flexibility is necessary for this position. 

    Associate Producer salary expectations

    The salary for an Associate Producer may vary according to the size and type of production unit. It also depends on the Associate Producer’s education, experience and skills. On average in the U.S. the salary for an Associate Producer is about $47,011 per year. This salary estimate information is from 16,717 data points collected from employees, users and Indeed job posts over the past 36 months. 

    Associate Producer education and training requirements

    An Associate Producer needs a bachelor’s degree in journalism, business management, marketing or liberal arts to qualify for this position. Additional courses in advertising, editing or production are always advantageous. 

    An internship with a broadcasting station or working on student films will also give an Associate Producer valuable experience. 

    Associate Producer experience requirements

    Experience for an Associate Producer varies, some professionals move into this role with experience as writers, actors or editors or from internships with trade organizations. Depending on the specific job requirements, experience could be from one year to five years or more.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    This is a great Associate Producer job description sample, but you might be looking for something like this:

    Ready to Hire an Associate Producer? Build an Associate Producer Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Associate Producers

    What qualities does a good Associate Producer need?

    An Associate Producer needs several qualities and skills to perform effectively in their role. Common skills of a strong Associate Producer include: 

    • Listening skills to carefully following directions a Producer may briefly provide on- or off-set
    • Time management and multi-tasking abilities to handle and prioritize several tasks in one day to meet tight deadlines under pressure 
    • Problem-solving skills to quickly solve unexpected problems that may arise on set and make important decisions when the Producer is unavailable 
    • Leadership skills to communicate directions and guidelines for members of the crew on the set 

    Who does the Associate Producer report to?

    The Associate Producer usually reports to the Producer for their daily tasks and responsibilities. The Producer often handles big picture tasks to ensure the production process is running smoothly and the Associate Producer must take on extra tasks the Producer is unable to work on themselves. Associate Producers work to ensure daily tasks and problems are resolved on set and report their progress to the Producer. If they’re unable to handle challenging tasks, they’ll ask the Producer for guidance and assistance to complete it. 

    Do Associate Producers have different job responsibilities in different industries?

    The Associate Producer’s responsibilities often vary according to the industry they’re working in. If they’re working on a television or film set, they may be responsible for organizing and distributing scripts, pitching story ideas and setting up table reads. Associate Producers working on theater productions oversee the production of the set, distribute jobs to crew members, and provide the lighting and sound directions. Associate Producers for news broadcasts are responsible for running the teleprompter, writing news items or ensuring video and audio segments are correctly placed. 

    What's the difference between an Associate Producer and a Producer?

    A Producer coordinates, supervises and controls all aspects of a television show’s, movie’s or broadcast’s production process. They run the creative, technological, administrative and financial aspects of the production to make sure it’s implemented smoothly. Producers are often involved in all the phases of a production from the beginning to the end. They often coordinate and delegate production tasks to members of the production team to ensure enough people are working on important projects and performing effectively. Associate Producers often assist the Producers in these tasks and work to make sure everything is running smoothly when the Producer is preoccupied with big picture items.

    Job Description Examples

    Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

    A-C D-H I-L M-P Q-S T-Z
    No search results found

      *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.