China Correspondent

OVERVIEW

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NPR is seeking a dynamic reporter for our Beijing Bureau. In this role as the primary correspondent for China, you will develop ideas/proposals for coverage of China, Hong Kong, and Asia. You’ll gather information and reporting for news programs, digital platforms – the website, podcasts and short-form videos – and prepare, present and transmit reports and program segments from abroad. You’ll work collaboratively across the NPR newsroom and network to respond to breaking news as well as broader projects that help NPR’s audience better understand this culturally rich, politically key and globally powerful region. Working with your editor(s), you will have the ability to take ownership of regional coverage from China, report breaking news and develop stories illustrating trends and significant political, economic, social, and cultural issues from China.

The job requires attention to detail, big picture thinking and concern about craft across all platforms. You also will engage with desk editors and NPR’s Field Security director to support field safety and security for yourself as well as others with whom you work. 

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.   

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceives, proposes, plans, and researches ideas for stories and program segments for all NPR news platforms: news programs, digital, short-form video and podcasts.
• Contributes original reporting and writing online, with a sophisticated understanding of how to tailor reporting and news to online audiences.
• Develops news sources and keeps associated files.
• Participates in departmental planning coverage
• Communicates regularly with international desk editors about news developments and story ideas.
• Covers stories as assigned by international desk editors.
• Will involve frequent travel in China and the broader region, at times, under challenging conditions.
• Gathers material on tape and otherwise, through interviews, press conferences, direct coverage of events.  Advises editors of technical support required when and where necessary.
• Fulfills administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments.
• Prepares and presents special reports, series, documentaries, and program segments examining important subjects in depth.
• Does original, investigative reporting, including the generation of ideas, and concepts and the development of plans for such reporting.
• Develops and makes use of extensive, proven broadcast production skills in the preparation of program materials and segments. 

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

• Minimum of 6 years broadcast experience, including international reporting and radio and digital production. Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of broadcast and digital journalism – writing, reporting, voicing, editing, producing full radio and digital pieces, use of microphones, recorders, computers and telecommunication transmissions. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in Mandarin is strongly preferred.
• Experience working overseas, especially in China, strongly preferred. Experience in living and/or working in difficult international situations is highly valuable.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

WORK LOCATION

• Remote Required: This is a remote required role. This role includes duties that are better performed or are required to be performed in a designated location OUTSIDE of an NPR facility. The employee is required to work at a designated remote work location. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Must have experience in execution of sophisticated broadcast and online journalism, such as long-form features and documentaries.  
• Proven understanding of complex foreign policy issues, especially those involving China and Asia. In-depth knowledge of regional history, politics, and economics.

JOB TYPE

• This is a full time, exempt position.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $122,500-$145,000 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.

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.

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