Talent Booker

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Job Description

New York Times Cooking is looking for an experienced booker and video producer to join our team, producing videos with high-profile celebrity guests for Cooking, YouTube and other emerging platforms. 

You have experience securing high-profile, influential guests and a network of contacts in the world of entertainment and relationships with multiple publicists, publishers and studios. You should also have experience producing videos start to finish in a studio and in the field. You will understand booking and video timelines and be both future-oriented—always looking and planning ahead to keep the team on top of events and releases—and able to flex quick-turn booking muscles and book outside of promotional cycles. You should, strategic, and persistent—you know that booking can be a long process and you don’t give up easily. You have great ideas for guests and how to connect them to cooking and food, and what will be compelling to watch. 

You are excited about being part of a small and collaborative team of producers and editors who care deeply about inspiring people to cook. You are comfortable networking and developing new relationships as landscapes shift and be motivated to book a diverse mix of household names and guests. 

This role is based in New York.

What you’ll do:

• Book a diverse slate of high-profile guests in both short- and long-term windows, based on your own pitches and pitches from other members of the team. 

• Oversee a team producing videos in the studio, in the field (eg, restaurant kitchens and celebrity homes) and remotely by coordinating, planning and managing all aspects of pre- and post-production with a focus on featuring high-profile guest talent and influential food/cooking personalities. May cast, building crews and coordinating logistics between in-house production and freelancers. 

• Pitch and develop ideas for videos that engage viewers on- and off-platform and build brand awareness and loyalty. Regularly identify untapped creative opportunities and video formats for the team. Make and inform decisions about who we should work with as video talent, when and for what kind of videos. 

• Negotiate all aspects of a booking and manage communication with the guest’s team, including obtaining any necessary media and overseeing contracts and releases, partnering with our legal team.

• Establish, build and maintain relationships to lead to future bookings.

• Consistently meet deadlines and be able to juggle several tasks.

• Have editorial and news judgment.

• Create and maintain an editorial calendar for future events, releases, launches, etc. 

• Collaborate with writers, editors, food stylists, prop stylists, chefs, and others to create videos at a level consistent with the Times standards. 

• Provide helpful notes on videos created by other producers during the editing process.

• Publish videos in NYT Cooking’s content management systems.

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• You will report to NYT Cooking’s Director of Video.

Basic Qualifications: 

• 5+ years of relevant experience: booking talent and producing videos for an online audience.

• Proven instinct for creating entertaining, engaging video content.

• Excellent news and editorial judgment.

• Expertise in booking high-profile names, including celebrities. 

• Experience creating scripts and outlines for video editors. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Deep knowledge of the world of celebrity, social and digital food media, with a keen eye on what competitors are doing and what new tools are being used.

• A strategic mind with a bend towards testing and iterating to find what resonates with various audiences

• Willingness to pitch in when needed to accomplish goals of a small team and learn new skills

• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for trends and pop culture. 

• A passion for cooking and the mission of The New York Times

The annual base pay salary for this role is between $120,000.00 and $140,000.00.

The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected].  Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws.

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