Executive Producer, Video & Audio

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

About the Role

Semafor is seeking an Executive Producer to lead and scale our fast-growing portfolio of video and audio shows, including flagship video podcasts. This is a senior, high-impact role responsible for end-to-end ownership of the portfolio — from development to production, distribution and commercial success.

This person will sit across the entire portfolio, driving both creative excellence and operational rigor, and will play a critical role in shaping the future of Semafor’s multimedia strategy. 

What You’ll Do

• Portfolio Leadership & Strategy
  • Own the overall vision, strategy, and performance of Semafor’s show portfolio, serving as the central point of accountability across editorial, production, partnerships, and audience teams.
  • Build a scalable slate of programming aligned with Semafor’s brand and audience prioritiesBuild a scalable, low-cost production model deeply engaged with new editing and distribution tools 
• Show Development & Talent
  • In partnership with editorial leadership and commercial teams identify and develop new show concepts.
  • Lead the development and launch of new series from concept through pilot and full production
  • Partner closely with editorial leadership to ensure editorial integrity and impact
  • Coach and develop on-air talent (journalists, hosts, contributors) into high-performing, distinctive voices
  • Shape formats, storytelling approaches, and creative direction across all shows
• Production Leadership
  • Oversee end-to-end production across all series (pre-production, production, post-production, delivery)
• Use AI tools to scale production  
  • Manage and scale a team of producers, editors, and freelance/contract talent
  • Establish efficient production workflows and standards to support growth
  • Ensure consistent quality, pacing, and production value across all outputs
• Commercial & Partnerships
  • Collaborate with commercial leadership to develop sponsor-ready show concepts and packages
  • Define success metrics across editorial quality, audience growth, and commercial performance
  • Ensure all sponsored content is executed to a high standard and meets agreed KPIs
  • Balance editorial integrity with commercial objectives in a premium media environment
• Audience & Distribution
  • Partner with audience development team to maximize audience reach and engagement
  • Help define distribution strategies across platforms (YouTube, social, audio platforms, owned channels)
  • Use data and insights to refine formats, improve performance, and scale successful series
• Operations & Scaling
  • Build systems and processes to support a rapidly expanding portfolio
  • Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent productions
    
    

What We’re Looking For

• 8–12 years of experience in video, audio, or television production, with leadership responsibility
• Proven track record of launching and scaling successful video and/or podcast series
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts, ideally within news, business, or current affairs
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex productions
• Commercial acumen and experience working with sponsored content or branded media
• Deep understanding of digital distribution platforms and audience growth strategies
• Experience with, or at least interest in, new AI production tools 
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Salary and Location information

This position is based in New York, NY at Semafor Headquarters.

Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically and internationally on an as-needed basis. This position is in office Monday - Thursday and work from home on Fridays.

Comprehensive employee benefits include unlimited PTO, medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, 401(k), and pre-tax commuter benefits. 

Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000 per year, is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.