Reporter II, Technology

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.

NPR seeks a Technology Reporter who will focus on how the tech industry shapes our lives and society. Technology is one of the most dynamic and influential industries of our times. It has created massive fortunes and the big egos that go with them. This reporter will shine a spotlight on them and the lives of others in the tech world: From users to gig workers to rank-and-file employees.

A love of storytelling is essential: We are looking for someone who can bring us compelling scenes and narratives. So is a high metabolism for news: Covering both breaking news and those second- or third-day stories that illustrate why that news is significant is the bread and butter of this beat. This journalist will critically examine an industry that is opaque and often secretive, and help us understand the economic, environmental or ethical consequences of novel technologies and tech companies’ practices.

This reporter will be a key member of a small but mighty team, so they must be willing to collaborate and take direction. This is a fast-paced job, but one that offers the resources and space to do original reporting that makes a difference.

Their work and analysis will be featured on npr.org and NPR’s broadcast shows and podcasts, including All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Planet Money Indicator and Up First.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report audio and text stories for all NPR platforms. 

• Cover breaking news on tight deadlines, including providing live information and analysis on NPR shows and npr.org.

• Develop news sources to get scoops and recognize big developments on the beat to pursue enterprise stories.

• Report and write with authority, accuracy and fairness.

• Engage with diverse sources.

• Participate in daily check-ins with the immediate editor, pitching story ideas and receiving assignments.

• Collaborate with other reporters across NPR’s newsroom.

• Travel for reporting assignments. 

• Fulfill administrative obligations (like time sheets/prompt and accurate expense reports).

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years’ reporting experience covering technology or an adjacent industry. 

• Strong knowledge or awareness of tech and how it relates to culture and politics.

• Demonstrated ability to pivot from breaking news to analysis to longer-form projects.

• Ability to explain tech jargon and dry business topics so people outside the tech world can understand their significance and absorb the story.

• Ability to meet deadlines and to thrive in a daily, unpredictable news environment.

• Commitment to detailed research and fact checking.

• Proven ability and commitment to work well with others, at all times demonstrating respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.

• Commitment to learn and enact the best journalism practices.

• Ability and willingness to relocate. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience reporting and producing audio journalism.

• Experience with data-driven journalism.

• Knowledge of public radio and the public radio system.

• Knowledge of AP style guidelines.

• Ability to do interviews in a language other than English.

Required application materials:

All applications must include a coverage memo describing how you will cover the beat and some of the key lines of reporting you would pursue, no longer than one and a half pages; links to no more than 5 of your strongest clips; and a resume

While applications will be considered until the position is filled, priority will be given to those received by NPR before December 16.

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

WORK LOCATION

• Remote Permitted: This is a remote permitted role but the reporter will be based in San Francisco.

JOB TYPE

• This is a full time, exempt position.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $105,000 to $133,250 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries 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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