The Senior Editor for Interviews is a new role at NPR, reporting to the VP for News Programming. The Senior Editor will collaborate closely with news leaders, desks, shows and digital colleagues to set priorities for strands of coverage that will distinguish NPR, working toward conversations that will complement and augment our original reporting and cross-platform journalism. The Senior Editor will deliver interviews in three key areas: bringing in high-value newsmakers (for live, taped interviews or potential profiles), directing and coordinating efforts to secure key voices in breaking news scenarios and better coordination and training across the network. The successful candidate will be an experienced journalist with a proven track record in setting and executing editorial priorities in a timely and collaborative manner.
- Initiates and leads cross-platform strategy around network priority interviews, cultivating sources, and working closely and collaboratively with stakeholders from inception to completion of process.
- Works with news leaders to define key areas of breaking and continuing coverage in a timely manner, laying out plans for interviews that augment our original journalism through successive news cycles.
- Builds best practices and across the network, coordinating with news leaders to share experience and basic training materials.
- Works with stakeholders inside and beyond NPR to create a production and rollout plan that will showcase our best original content across all platforms, thereby reaching and growing new audiences.
- Builds and nourishes strong relationships and workflows at all levels inside NPR.
- Represents NPR externally to the network’s credit.
- At least 8 years’ experience as a reporter, editor or producer.
- Demonstrable news judgement – specifically, the ability to identify significant stories quickly, gather stakeholders, define strands of coverage across successive news cycles, and help lead an evolving process.
- Demonstrated ability to build networks of contacts from a key area of news coverage (e.g., politics, foreign affairs, business, culture).
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully, taking into account multiple perspectives, while plotting a clear course forward.
- Demonstrated ability to generate and execute complex creative ideas, to assimilate and organize large amounts of information, to deliver multi-pronged projects.
- Proven track record in working well inside large teams in pressurized environments.
- Proven track record in setting editorial priorities, and delivering newsmaker interviews.
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, even in complex situations.
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
- Experience in working in cross-platform media.
- Managing Complexity
- Balancing Stakeholder Relationships
- Resilience
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Problem Solving Skills
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.