Head of Development
We’re looking for a high-end development producer to lead on creating and growing the debut crop of shows for our major forthcoming audio network. Huge creative scope. Big responsibility.
To apply, email jobs@novel.audio with the subject line HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT: ORIGINALS AND PARTNERSHIPS. Please include a copy of your CV and any other relevant information, as well as a cover note outlining why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
The closing date for this position is October 10th 2022.Details
Job Title: Head of Development: Originals and Partnerships
Location: Emerald Street, Holborn, London / WFH
Contract Type: Full Time
Term: Full-Time, 09:30-18:00
Start Date: Asap
Reports to: Executive Creative Director
Direct Line Reports: n/a
It is obvious the podcast industry needs to change and become more diverse. We are therefore particularly keen to hear from applicants that are underrepresented in the industry, such as those from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic backgrounds or those with disabilities.Overview
Development is the engine room of our business. As we’ve risen, great development has become a crucial differentiator for Novel. We develop at scale, and at scope. We’ve built a powerful machine for finding creative opportunities, and for finding the clients to fit them.
But the game is changing. Both externally for the market, and for us internally.
For us, because we’re building an Originals network that can compete with the biggest companies in the world.
Externally, because the podcast industry is evolving right before our eyes. What we develop today is different from that which cut through six months ago, let alone two years ago. The tussle for great IP has become fearsome. Increasingly, those who succeed on the biggest stages bring ideas that can work in multiple formats: often with podcasts as a launchpad for a bigger creative play.
That said, we’re convinced that there are still big gaps in the market. We believe that podcasting is still fundamentally a young medium with its most exciting days ahead. New audiences to reach, fresh communicates to access, new stories to tell and new audio forms to tell them. It is these gaps – both creative and commercial – that we're determined to find.
Now, as part of an internal re-organisation of our Development team, we’re separating out the purely Work For Hire arm from the Originals & Partnerships arm.
Responsibilities
You will be running the Originals & Partnerships arm of Novel. Originals & Partnerships is about our biggest shows. Shows we make with Wondery. Gimlet. iHeart. Big ideas that can sustain six or twelve episodes, for clients who want world class podcasts.
And it’s about our forthcoming Novel Originals brand. Whoever is in charge, will be directly reporting to one of the audio industry’s most prominent names, Julie Shapiro (formerly of PRX, Radiotopia, and Third Coast).
Julie is in charge of the overall mission of Novel Originals. And you are in charge of feeding her creative furnace. Julie needs world class ideas, stories, talent and treatment.
Day to day, you’ll come up with those elements, then, stress-test them to make sure all the links in the chain are working, and of course make sure that they all feel as though they’d work for Novel, and the unique tone we’re developing here.
You’ll work all angles, all the time. You’ll iterate brilliantly. You’ll draw on your bank of existing contacts to bring into the fold. You’ll write elegantly and quickly, turning around treatments in an afternoon.
You’ll work with more junior colleagues, to critique, edit, and generally fix their work to the required standard, to lead a team, and generally get things done in a high-performance environment.
Knowledge & experience
This is a senior hire: the sort of person who can take it on will bring impressive creative flair, a certain organisational genius, and very solid experience in scouting stories, handling negotiations, and cracking tricky access projects. Above all, they will know story structure intimately, and understand how to frame ideas, and use perspective to bring out the elements of a story that will have the most impact.
You’ll intuitively know what works and what doesn’t and why – both from a practical production viewpoint, and from a practical market viewpoint. Instantly, you’ll get why scam stories are so 2021, or that a great tale with an unsympathetic lead just won’t sustain. You’ll get it, because you know the podcast industry, and because you’re a fan: story is your food and drink, and you have great taste in what works.
To do all of that, at a personal level, you’ll be someone with genuine hinterland: naturally curious, someone who reads a lot, watches a lot, listens a lot, has an intense thirst for the new. A real narrative omnivore: with the capacity to cover wildly different intellectual and storytelling terrain. The kind of person who watches Euphoria for the pop culture and Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation for the culture culture, and who doesn’t miss a beat in-between. Sure, you like your Scott Carrier, but you also have a soft spot for Normal Gossip. Above all, you like to keep up.
Novel is a highly organised, highly energised workplace. We get things done. It's very rewarding. You’ll be operating at the most rewarding end of that pipeline: teaming up with the best in the business to originate the ideas that matter, turning a vague topline you scribbled down into ten episodes at the top of the global Apple charts. For the right person, this is a career-apex opportunity.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE SUITED TO WORK AT NOVEL?
- You’re extremely driven, high-energy and very ambitious
- You’re systems minded
- You’re an idea-seeker rather than a status-seeker
- You’re someone who believes in ‘improving at improving’
- You’re someone who hates wasteful bureaucracy
- You possess great taste
PACKAGE
- Bupa private medical insurance
- Life insurance
- Income protection
- Pension
- Season ticket loan
- Ride to work scheme
- 23 days of holiday per year pro rated for PT + 3 days at Christmas + Bank Holidays
Editor
We are looking for a highly creative Editor with a back catalogue of award-winning series as an audio producer, and a proven track record in heading up industry leading production teams to overseeing a slate of premium audio.
To apply for the role, please include a copy of your CV to jobs@novel.audio and any other relevant information. Use the subject line UK EDITOR. Additionally, please include a paragraph why you’d be a good candidate for the role along with the two audio documentaries/podcast episodes you’ve produced that you’re most proud of.
The closing date for this position is October 13th 2022.Details
Job Title: Editor
Location: Emerald Street, Holborn, London / WFH
Contract Type: Permanent
Term: Full-Time, 09:30-18:00
Start Date: Asap
Reports to: Chief Content Officer
Direct Line Reports: Managing EditorIt is obvious the podcast industry needs to change and become more diverse. We are therefore particularly keen to hear from applicants that are underrepresented in the industry, such as those from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic backgrounds or those with disabilities.
Overview
Exceptional editorial judgment, rock solid journalism, detailed understanding of compliance and strong leadership skills are vital for this role - as is creative flair when it comes to audio production.
Our Editor should have relationships with the commissioning teams at our major partners including the BBC, Audible and Spotify. Experience in the US market is a bonus as a significant percentage of your time will be spent working on our projects in the States.
You will be responsible for overseeing a slate of premium audio content including major longform narrative series for iHeartRadio and Wondery as well as high quality features, series and formats for the BBC and Audible.
A background in factual content is essential, experience in longform narrative audio and quality journalism strongly preferred. Confidence in overseeing chat formats, comedy and fiction a welcome bonus.
If you have a genuine desire to guide and nurture talented producers, developing their skills and honing their stories into something truly special then we want to hear from you.
Please note - whilst we are currently advertising for several producer roles, this job is a senior editorial position. A minimum of 5 years senior editorial experience is a must and experience working on high quality audio production on major series and strands is preferred.Responsibilities
- Overseeing the smooth running and delivery of a portfolio of production projects
- Editorial leadership on numerous audio series and features
- Delivery of high quality audio content at scale on time and on budget
- Establishing and maintaining the highest journalistic standards
- Ensuring all content is compliant within editorial and legal guidelines
- Supporting, encouraging and guiding producers, assistant producers and researchers
- Creative feedback and problem solving
- Resolution of production challenges
- Editorial and creative feedback on scripts, rough cuts, sound design and final mixes
- Script editing
- Overseeing interview prep
- Liaising with clients and commissioners
- Talent relations
- Defining production schedules
- Input and oversight on production budgets
- Recruiting and managing freelance producers
- Maintaining a detailed knowledge of the latest production trends and releases
- Championing diversity on and off-air and nurturing new production talent
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & PERSON SPECIFICATION
- A skilled multitasker
- A natural team leader and charismatic mentor
- Exceptional organisational skills
- Great communicator with production staff, senior management, clients, interviewees and talent alike
- Confident audio editor with an ear for detail
- Creative thinker, capable of developing progressive approaches to familiar topics
- Keen problem solver – must be able to think on your feet and react quickly and calmly under pressure
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise
- Attention to detail – everything we deliver is at a premium level
- Proficient user of G-Suite and Slack (Novel do not use Excel)
- Confidence using project management software such as Asana a significant bonus
- Passionate about documentaries, podcasting and creative audio production
Package
- Salary range £50-60k (depending on experience)
- 23 days of holiday per year + Christmas
- Health insurance
- Pension
- Season ticket loan
Producer
We’re looking for a Producer with immediate availability to work on a weekly podcast about parenting for one of the world’s leading podcast platforms.
To apply, email jobs@novel.audio with the subject line, PARENTING PODCAST. Please include a copy of your CV and any other relevant information, as well as a cover note outlining why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
The closing date for this position is 4th October 2022.Details
Job Title: Producer
Location: London
Contract Type: Freelance
Term: Sept-Dec 2022
Start Date: ASAP
Reports to: Executive Producer
Rate - £250 per day
The podcast industry needs more diversity.We are therefore particularly keen to hear from applicants that are underrepresented in the industry, such as those from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic backgrounds or those with disabilities.Overview
Candidates will have a great ear for audio storytelling and at least four years experience as a producer, ideally with experience of working on conversational shows with some scripted/documentary elements. Experience in the world of parenting is a bonus but not essential.
A highly creative approach to audio production is a must. Experience editing on Reaper and Descript is a significant plus.
If you fit the bill and are interested in a role in which you will be an integral part of Novel’s production team then please do get in touch.
Please note - this is a quick turnaround hire, only apply if you are available to start within the next week.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Podcast production
- Research
- Sourcing and booking contributors
- Recording contributors, both remotely, in studio and on location
- Interviewing
- Script writing, editing and scoring complex material
- Audio editing to a high standard
- Music sourcing
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & PERSON SPECIFICATION
- At least 4 years experience as audio producer
- Team player
- A track record of producing long running chat/interview formats
- Excellent writer
- Excellent audio editor
- A skilled multitasker
- Experience creating and maintaining production calendars
- Confidence with audio file organization
- Great communicator with junior staff, senior management, clients, interviewees and talent alike
- Creative thinker, capable of developing progressive approaches to familiar topics
- Keen problem solver – must be able to think on your feet and react quickly and calmly under pressure
- A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail – everything we deliver is at a premium level
- Proficient user of G-Suite and Slack
CV Drop
Here at Novel, we’re always looking for people who love what we do, and want to help us take it to the next level.
We’re already Europe’s largest independent podcast production company.
We have fifty staff across two continents, producing premium original podcasts for the likes of iHeart, Wondery, BBC, Apple, Audible, Apple, Gimlet and others.
As we continue to grow, we’re going to need the very best creatives, producers, execs, sales types, technicians, organisers, sound designers, researchers, hosts, writers, stars, and on.
If that’s you, just drop your CV into our inbox, and we’ll be in touch.IDEAL CANDIDATES
- Communicator
- Collaborator
- Multi tasker
- Organiser
- Dynamic creator
- Resourceful team player
- Diligent self starter
To apply, please send your CV to jobs@novel.audio