An Investigations Correspondent at NPR is responsible for finding and telling some of the most important stories in America. With the help and resources of the network’s Investigations Team, the Investigations Correspondent is expected to create nothing short of ground-breaking, original journalism of distinction. This work must be sophisticated not only in its depth and complexity but also in the quality of its storytelling on all platforms. One of the most vital elements of NPR’s public service mission is its commitment to holding powerful institutions to account, and the Investigations Correspondent is held accountable for fulfilling that goal.
- Report and write original and consequential investigative stories that live up to NPR’s standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness.
- Record, gather or identify sounds elements to turn each investigative piece into a rich and memorable audio experience.
- Write text-focused stories, often in long-form, with the same ambition, creativity and high editorial standards as NPR’s audio projects.
- Take responsibility for the success of the team’s investigative projects on all editorial platforms, including digital and visual media, social networks and various audio platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audiences with the biggest impact.
- Cultivate sources and make use of reporting tools like FOIA, database acquisition and analysis and data mining to uncover original stories that matter.
- Work on major, long-term projects, as well as short deadline pieces, sometimes simultaneously.
- Work collaboratively with team members, other NPR employees, member station reporters and editors and external editorial partners in developing investigative projects.
- Ensure that all content complies with NPR’s editorial standards.
- Represent NPR and the Investigations Team in public forums and gatherings as needed.
- Assumes other duties as assigned by the Senior Investigations Editor.
- At least 10 years of journalism experience.
- A proven track record of breaking original, complex investigative stories of consequence.
- History of producing sophisticated, high-quality journalism, including work on complex topics and story ideas.
- Ability to cultivate sources and conduct high-level original research.
- Demonstrated excellence in long-form storytelling and narrative writing, to include work on enterprise stories under long and short deadlines.
- Proven ability to reach large audiences through social media and other platforms
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, public speaking ability and demonstrated writing ability.
- Ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
- Ability to work efficiently, calmly and cooperatively under deadline pressure.
- Willingness to innovate, learn new skills and create new ways to serve the NPR community on all platforms.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
- Ability 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.
Preferred Skills:
- Substantial on-air broadcast experience and field production experience.
- Experience with video and still photography and basic web production.
- Experience working in and/or knowledge of public radio and the public radio system.
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.