Job Description

The Planning Producer in the Washington, D.C. Bureau works with the Bureau Chief and Director of Planning to coordinate all editorial and logistical elements of high-profile, long-lead political and governmental event coverage. This includes major live coverage such as presidential addresses, congressional hearings, political conventions, state funerals, and breaking special reports tied to government actions or decisions. The role requires deep knowledge of political processes, superior planning and production skills, and the ability to work across departments in a high-stakes, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with Bureau Chief and Director to execute planning and advance work for major D.C.-based news events, including primaries, conventions, debates, elections, inaugurations, summits, hearings, speeches, and special coverage of national significance.
• Collaborate with Director, show teams, and digital leads to shape editorial strategy and visual execution across platforms.
• Work with D.C. Assignment Desk to secure credentials, manage access, and coordinate logistics with government entities, press offices, and agencies such as the White House, Capitol Police, and State Department.
• Partner with Production Manager, field teams, operations, and satellite logistics to map out coverage infrastructure, including live locations, signal paths, and backup plans.
• Maintain comprehensive planning grids, calendars, and briefings for senior editorial leadership and talent.
• Participate in editorial meetings and coordinate with internal partners in legal, technical, security, and bookings to ensure flawless event execution.
• Monitor political developments and institutional schedules to anticipate special coverage needs.
• Support breaking news coverage that evolves into special event programming, adapting plans in real-time.

Qualifications

• At leas 5 years of planning or producing experience in political journalism or network-level special events.
• Expertise in U.S. government operations, political processes, and Washington institutions.
• Experience coordinating complex, live television productions under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple projects and anticipate challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Deep contact list within D.C. agencies, press offices, and credentialing bodies is a plus.
• Proficiency with newsroom tools (iNews, ENPS, etc.) and logistics platforms.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as news dictates.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in journalism, communications, media production, or related field.
• Experience covering presidential elections, conventions, or other national-scale news events.
• Familiarity with advance logistics for White House, Capitol Hill, or military events.
• Background in field production, remote broadcasts, or large-scale live event control rooms.
• Ability to operate in both editorial and technical production environments.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.