NPR’s Science Desk is looking for an experienced, versatile health editor to take a leading role in our multiplatform coverage of consumer health trends, medicine, public health, biotech and health policy.
This person will be part of a talented team of journalists reporting and editing for radio, online, social and emerging platforms. The health editor will track health news and trends, and brainstorm compelling, enterprising story ideas for reporters.
The Editor will shape and execute health coverage across all platforms, with particular emphasis on digital. On a daily basis the editor will work in partnership with the senior editor of our successful blog Shots, with other staff editors and reporters, as well as with freelancers, partners and members of the desk’s visual, digital and social teams. This editor will report to the Deputy Sr. Science Editor for health.
As Health Editor and Co-host of NPR’s Shots, this individual anticipates and responds swiftly to health news and trends.
- Makes good, quick editorial and production decisions so that Shots and npr.org can publish significant news quickly.
- Conceives, proposes, plans and researches ideas for original stories and program segments.
- Develops news sources and keeps associated files.
- Works with a minimum of supervision, even in complicated situations.
The Editor identifies, evaluates and assigns stories involving consumer health news, medicine, politics, health trends and health policy.
- Maintains highest-quality broadcast, text and multimedia content standards.
- Maintains broad and deep expertise in all aspects of health coverage.
- The co-host edits and writes punchy, accurate copy and headlines that appeal to both search engines and humans -- as well as conform to NPR, and AP styles.
- Ensures web stories produced by staff, freelance correspondents and partners are accurate and grammatically correct, performing copy editing, fact-checking and research, as needed.
- Recruits and cultivates top-notch freelance contributors
Uses social media, web-based journalism, an email newsletter and a broad range of multimedia to engage the audience and help build a community around NPR’s health coverage.
- Works with the multimedia teams at NPR in commissioning photos, videos and graphics. Edits photos occasionally.
- Engages with audiences and helps to develop new audience engagement strategies.
The Editor hosts Shots and leads online health coverage as needed. This co-host also files broadcast news spots and occasionally is interviewed on air, as assigned.
- Uses appropriate and exceptional writing skills in the digital medium, together with a flexible and creative approach to presenting information using a variety of tools.
- Fulfills administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Broad and deep experience reporting and editing stories on health, medicine and science.
- Track record as a creative storyteller and editor across journalistic forms, and across a variety of media.
- At least five years of relevant experience in social storytelling and digital media.
- Familiarity with a variety of computer systems and software applications, including web content management systems. Ability to adapt to changes in equipment, software and workflow.
- Excellence in written and oral communication skills.
- A teamwork mentality and flexibility.
- Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
- Strong grasp of journalistic ethics. Experience maintaining high journalistic standards including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness.
- Ability to handle multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Ability to relocate. This position is based in Washington DC. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the SAG/AFTRA collective bargaining agreement may apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.