NPR’s Business Desk is looking for an economics correspondent. The global economy has entered an era of dramatic and profound change, much of it driven by policies emanating from America at an unforeseen pace. Long existing global trade deals are being upended, new tariffs are being imposed, and taxes and regulations are either being removed or added. As all of this courses through the global economy, it stands to upend the lives of workers, change the destinies of companies and also the direction of economies across the world.
It will be the economics correspondent’s imperative to Identify important stories and convey them via powerful storytelling. The ideal candidate will have command over the subject and be able to do real time analysis as news emerges. It is vital that this person deliver stories with authority on air and become a must-read journalist who shapes how the country understands these issues and their consequences.
NPR’s Business Desk produces sophisticated yet accessible coverage of the economy, financial markets, technology and business. We aspire to great storytelling and smart, aggressive coverage of breaking news. Our work is featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, NPR.org, Up First, Here & Now, podcasts such as Planet Money, Indicator and It’s Been A Minute.
The position can be based in New York or Washington and involves occasional travel.
- Develops, plans and reports news, feature and major enterprise stories for audio and web.
- Develops news sources.
- Participates in departmental planning for coverage.
- Works with editors to develop material for all programs and platforms.
- Breaks news, covers news as it happens, and works on other stories assigned by Business Desk editors.
- Gathers materials on tape and otherwise, through interviews, press conferences, and direct coverage of events.
- In consultation with editors and producers, organizes, edits and produces pieces and news spots.
- Collaborates with editors and show producers to shape two-ways and speaks fluently and conversationally live on the air.
- 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.
- At least 10 years’ reporting experience covering economic issues or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a national audience.
- Experience producing pieces and two-ways for radio, digital and social audiences.
- Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure. Must be able to report breaking stories for both newscasts, major programs and digital.
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
- 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.
- Experience covering breaking news with authority and accuracy.
- At least five years writing and voicing pieces and two-ways for radio.
- Experience with content management systems and collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Basecamp, etc.
- Familiarity with NPR member stations and public media system.
- Expertise in writing, with excellence in news writing, copy-editing and headline writing.
- Ability and willingness to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will 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.