Senior Audio Producer (Contract)

Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) – the leading destination for innovative management thinking. We reach lifelong learners to improve the practice of management in a changing world. This mission inspires each of us to unlock the leader in everyone – including you!

The opportunity

Temporary Maternity Leave Coverage — 4–5 Months

Harvard Business Review is seeking an experienced Senior Audio Producer to lead production of the HBR IdeaCast during a temporary maternity leave assignment. The HBR IdeaCast is Harvard Business Review’s flagship podcast, bringing leading management ideas to life through conversations with influential thinkers, executives, authors, academics, and practitioners.

In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end production of IdeaCast episodes while maintaining the show’s established editorial voice, technical quality, production schedule, and connection with HBR audiences. You will work independently within an established editorial operation and collaborate across editorial, marketing, events, video, advertising, product, technology, and production teams.

This opportunity is well suited for an experienced producer who can quickly take ownership of a high-profile podcast, develop compelling conversations for senior leaders and aspiring executives, and help extend IdeaCast content across audio, video, live events, social media, newsletters, and other audience experiences.

What you’ll do

• Lead the end-to-end production of HBR IdeaCast episodes, including identifying and booking guests, researching topics, preparing hosts, developing introductions and interview questions, recording, editing, mixing, securing approvals, and coordinating publication.
• Partner with HBR editors and on-air talent to develop compelling, research-backed conversations that help senior leaders better understand and address complex organizational and business challenges.
• Manage the show’s editorial calendar and production workflow, ensuring episodes are delivered on schedule and meet HBR’s editorial and technical standards. Support related programming, including bonus episodes, advertisements, video podcasts, and podcast content developed from live conversations and events.
• Collaborate with editorial, audience development, marketing, video, events, advertising, product, technology, and production teams to promote IdeaCast, expand audience engagement, repurpose successful content across channels, and maintain continuity throughout the temporary assignment.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years of experience producing consumer-facing podcasts, including hands-on experience with research, recording, editing, mixing, publishing, and managing an end-to-end production workflow.
• Strong editorial judgment and demonstrated ability to identify timely topics and compelling guests, shape interviews, and develop programming that resonates with senior executives.
• Experience working closely with hosts, on-air talent, editors, and editorial leaders to produce high-quality, editorially driven programming.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with video, marketing, advertising, events, technology, and production teams.
• Strong understanding of current podcasting trends, including audience growth, video podcasts, AI-enabled audio, social distribution, and emerging multimedia formats.

You’ll stand out if you have

• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Audition, Descript, and SquadCast.
• Proven ability to quickly step into an established podcast operation and independently manage a production schedule with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

HBP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is a temporary maternity leave coverage opportunity lasting approximately 4–5 months. The expected start date is mid-October 2026 to allow for training and handoff, followed by approximately four months of coverage and one week to transition out of the role. The expected time commitment is approximately 20 hours per week. The hourly pay range for this position is $55–$60 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.