Understood.org has an immediate need for a freelance audio journalist with extensive experience covering K-12 and/or special education. The right candidate will develop and report a multi-episode narrative podcast that investigates the existing and changing state of public education, specifically as it affects neurodivergent children.

This role is contract and starts immediately.Qualified candidates should send a resume and portfolio, including clips and a cover letter, to podcast@understood.org.

As a producer, you will be responsible for owning all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production of this narrative podcast with the full support of the Understood.org editorial and production teams.

Responsibilities

Develop show’s narrative structure and story points, develop sources and characters and conduct independent research leveraging Understood.org experts and resources
Autonomously coordinate production logistics including but not limited to: conducting pre-interviews, recording all interviews, and developing production timelines
Own post-production process including cutting tape, writing scripts and overseeing episode completion from final assembly though revisions, approval and mix
Facilitate fact-checking and contracting as needed across all episodes
Serve as central point of contact for show development from start to finish
Hosting duties are possible for the right candidate

Qualifications

Strong background in narrative, audio-driven storytelling
Education reporting experience
Extensive interviewing experience
Proficiency in audio editing software (e.g., Audacity, Adobe Audition, ProTools)
Proficiency in audio recording tools (e.g. Riverside)

Understood.org is a nonprofit dedicated to shaping the world for difference. We provide resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive — in school, at work, and throughout life. Seventy million people in the United States have learning and thinking differences, like dyslexia and ADHD. But the world isn’t set up for them to thrive. We’re working to change that by raising awareness and providing resources to help people with differences reach their potential. Understood.org is also the producer of several award-winning podcasts, including Climbing the Walls—a gripping limited series that explores the recent surge of ADHD diagnoses in women. The series charted at #2 in Apple Podcasts Top Series and earned a Signal Award nomination in 2025.

Understood.org

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