Editor II, Morning Edition (Temporary)

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. 

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

INTRO TO POSITION

Millions of listeners depend on Morning Edition and Up First to set the news agenda that starts their day. We deliver the latest international and national news stories paired with analysis to help put those headlines into context. Morning Edition is also a platform for accountability through interviews with government officials and decision makers who make or influence policy that affect peoples’ lives. The show also features culture stories about music, movies and books that bring joy and provoke thoughtful conversations about who we are in this world.

We are in search of a temporary Editor II to work with us until May 9, 2025.

As with any editor or producer on the team, a temporary Editor II pitches daily radio story and interview ideas; chases, books and scripts interviews with reporters and guests that are done by the hosts live on the show or in a pre-recorded taping. A temporary Editor II will also be assigned to edit those radio scripts, recorded interviews or other stories that will be published on the NPR website. 

Other assignments or shifts may include executing and managing the editorial and operational direction of the live show or podcast with supervision. This could be an early morning shift, an evening shift or an overnight shift. And on occasion, a temporary Editor II may be assigned to report from the field with a host.

As with any editor at Morning Edition and Up First, a temporary Editor II  frames stories and offers structural input and line edits. They are familiar with AP style of news writing and are expected to help the staff they work with, meet NPR standards. 

The right candidate for this position is interested in daily national news and is eager to deliver the freshest, most important stories to listeners to start their day. They should understand the needs and wants of various audiences on multiple platforms or mediums.

This is a union represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pitches and executes live and pre-taped guest interviews. 
• Edits and helps produce interviews and stories on multiple platforms and mediums. 
• Upholds NPR’s editorial and ethical standards on any piece of journalism they are working on.
• Manages and executes original program content for the show, podcast or other products Morning Edition and Up First produces.
• Travels with hosts and staff on field reporting assignments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of journalism work experience as an editor, reporter or producer.
• At least two years of experience editing daily national news.
• Experience writing and editing international news.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts that can start at 11 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. ET, 5 a.m., ET, or 9 a.m. ET, for example.
• Ability and willingness to travel on assignment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience editing and working with senior-level broadcast show hosts and journalists.
• Ability to work on site at NPR’s HQ in Washington, D.C.
• At least six years experience in journalism with at least three years as an editor working in a national news organization
• Proficiency in another language than English such as Spanish, Mandarin or Arabic.
• Experience with public media journalism.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

WORK LOCATION

• Remote Permitted: This is a remote permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Expertise in writing and editing content for broadcast and digital platforms.
• Familiarity with techniques and strategies for producing, editing audio or using audio editing software.
• Proficiency in independent, problem solving. 
• Ability to adapt and accommodate differing styles of editorial workflows and communication.
• Ability to negotiate and compromise.
• Professional communication skills when representing the NPR organization.

JOB TYPE

• This is a temporary (4-month) full time position.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $50.48-$52.88 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. 

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

CLOSING COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

You may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

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