Podcast Audio Editor, Rapid Prototyping and Format Testing (Part-Time, Ongoing)

We are a B2B finance media company developing the audio edition of our flagship newsletter. We are in the format-finding phase: testing structures, running variations, and deciding what our audio products should sound like before we scale to regular production. That means we are not looking for broadcast-ready polish right now. We are looking for someone who can take raw recordings and turn them into fast, rough cuts that let us hear whether a format works. Think 80% of the result in 20% of the time. At this stage, speed and structure matter more than perfect audio. You will produce a high volume of quick variations so we can compare formats side by side and choose what we like. Once a format is locked and audience-tested, higher-volume production may move elsewhere, so this role is focused on the iteration and testing phase, not long-term production. Important: you still need real editing skill, because the task will occasionally flip. When we settle on a format we like, we will record higher quality raw audio and ask you to produce cleaner, production grade prototypes from it so we can test properly. The core skill we are screening for is judgment: knowing when we are asking for speed and when we are asking for polish, and not spending six hours perfecting a cut that only needed one. What you will do: Default mode, rough cuts (most of the work): -Take raw single-narrator recordings and assemble a fast rough cut: pick the usable takes, drop obvious flubs and dead air, get the structure in place. -Build multiple format variations quickly, for example different running orders, a separate voice reading the questions versus not, different intro and outro treatments, different pacing or energy. -Comfortable working flexibly and informally, with a loose, evolving process rather than a fixed brief. -Assemble the full episode structure from supplied assets: intro, outro, music bed and transitions. -Turn these around fast. Do not spend hours perfecting audio that is only for internal review. If it is better than we could do ourselves and the structure is clear, it is good enough for this stage. -When we find a format we like, we will record higher quality audio and ask you to turn it into production-grade prototypes. On request, clean cuts (occasional): -When we flag it, take a chosen format and produce a cleaner prototype: noise reduction, EQ, compression, de-essing, remove filler words, tighten pacing. Mix and master this cleaner version to a delivery spec we provide. Working spec -Default deliverable is an MP3 for internal review, clearly labeled per variation so we can tell versions apart. -For clean cuts on request, we will provide the target delivery spec (loudness target, file formats, tagging, archival WAV where needed). -Length varies by piece, from short rough cuts to longer playbook episodes. We give you the spec and target length for each one. Requirements: -Proven podcast or spoken-word post-production experience, with a portfolio. -Experience helping launch a new podcast from the very start, at the early format and workflow stage, is important. -Understands the difference between fast prototyping to test structure and format versus broadcast-ready production, and knows which one each task calls for. -Comfortable working flexibly and informally, with a loose, evolving process rather than a fixed brief. -This is async work. You do not need to match our hours, but you must be responsive and turn work around fast. -Fluent working English and comfort with US finance and business terminology. -Your own DAW and plugin setup (for example Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Reaper, iZotope RX). -Experience with Riverside is a plus. -Fast, dependable turnaround: 24 hours maximum per rough cut, ideally much faster, with clear communication. We would rather have a reliable editor who hits our spec and turnaround every time than a perfectionist who is slow. -All editing must be done manually in a professional DAW. We do not use AI-generated voice or AI content tools in our production. How this starts All applications are reviewed. You will answer the application questions. If your skills match, our team will contact you here on Upwork to request your CV (no personal contact information included) and next steps. Please keep all communication on Upwork and do not share contact details or external links in your proposal. Please read carefully: to confirm you have read this posting in full, begin your proposal with the single word WAVEFORM in all caps on the first line.