NPR’s Washington Desk produces sophisticated yet accessible coverage of the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, the Justice Department and electoral politics. Vital to our mission are the following: original reporting, insightful analysis and a commitment to explanatory journalism. Known for our work ethic, the Washington Desk aspires to great storytelling both on air and online. Our coverage is featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, NPR.org, The NPR Politics Podcast and Up First.
The Deputy Stations Editor will work closely with the Stations Editor to design and direct 2020 campaign coverage conducted by NPR member stations across the country. This editor will be responsible for generating and editing material that combines the resources of NPR and its member stations, as well as helping the network communicate and coordinate election coverage plans with member stations.
This is a full-time short-term position that will last through January 2021. It is based in Washington, DC but may require occasional travel. It will also require regular weekend work and a flexible schedule.
- Develop and manage collaborative election projects with NPR member stations, in collaboration with the Washington Desk Stations Editor;
- Keep NPR and member stations apprised of each other’s political coverage and look for ways to collaborate;
- Serve as an editorial resource for member station reporters working on local and national coverage;
- In collaboration with NPR bureau chiefs, field political pitches from member station reporters for NPR;
- Accept, assign, develop and edit original stories from other member station partner reporters;
- Generate story ideas and review story pitches, help develop storytelling approaches and sources, and determine the best platform for news coverage, including making suggestions for interviews and establishing contacts;
- Work with reporters with a wide range of experience and skill sets with an eye towards helping to develop the next generation of political reporting talent in the public radio system;
- Protect the editorial integrity and quality of news online and on the air, ensuring that all stories meet NPR program standards and practices, including standards of fairness, objectivity, and balance;
- Contribute to the editorial conversation and assignments on the Washington Desk and NPR Politics.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as an editor or reporter in public radio;
- Proven editing ability and outstanding news judgment;
- Experience with audio, digital and emerging platforms;
- Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of accuracy and objectivity;
- Demonstrated ability to generate and execute complex creative ideas and to assimilate and organize large amounts of information;
- 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.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Interpersonal style that empowers and builds collaborations, supports participation, accountability and dedication to mission;
- Demonstrated ability to focus collaborative efforts on the achievement of agreed outcomes within finite time frames and budgets;
- Positive approach to embracing change;
- An understanding of the public radio system, including the relationship between NPR and member stations.
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.