Newscaster

OVERVIEW

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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 is looking for the next host of its evening newscasts. Newscasts are NPR's most listened-to broadcast and podcast product, with 21 million weekly radio listeners and millions more who listen under the NPR News Now name. The PM top-of-the-hour newscasts running within NPR’s “All Things Considered” has a large national audience, and Newscast anchors are some of the organization’s most well-known journalists.

Does this sound like you? You are an accomplished journalist who is creative, curious, knowledgeable, a masterful storyteller, and a clear and concise writer. You have proven ability to capture the essence of stories about national politics, international news, business, science, technology, education, culture, and more. You enjoy distilling NPR's compelling news and storytelling down to its core and can pivot quickly when the news changes. You are highly skilled at conducting in-depth interviews with experts and analysts about the big stories of the day. You are a natural leader who is collegial, collaborative, and unflappable under pressure.

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

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.    

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Writes and delivers stories for newscasts, as well as selecting actualities.
• Co-leads with the senior producer in the production of the top of the hour newscasts during evening shift (2:00-10:00 pm EST), including planning meetings, suggesting story ideas and interviewing experts for actualities to use in newscasts.
• Anchors newscasts while also operating the audio board and managing the clock.
• Carries out other assignments as designated, including possible field assignments.
• Writes digital content as assigned and is adept at delivering news in a video format.
• Serves as a public representative of NPR and records promotional materials.
• Makes personal appearances for NPR and member stations as assigned.
• Other assignments as directed by the Executive Producer and Vice President for News, or his/her designee.

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 ten years of journalism experience, including at least five years of on-air broadcast experience as an anchor or reporter.
• Proven ability to write for a broadcast audience and make editorial decisions on the use of actualities and voice reports.
• Demonstrated ability to discuss national, legal, political, and international issues on air in a clear, balanced, and knowledgeable manner.
• Well-developed curiosity in a wide range of subjects and a broad range of general news knowledge.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure.
• Must be able to recognize and be ready to pivot during breaking news.
• Strong radio production skills, including digital audio editing experience.
• Well-developed on-air personality and a strong ability to conduct thoughtful interviews with people who have diverse and opposing opinions, analysis, and views.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts, mostly during breaking news, big events, or field assignments.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the public radio system
• Significant reporting experience on a Washington Desk, a Business Desk, a National Desk, or an International Desk
• Experience working at a national, daily news outlet
• Experience producing on digital audio workstations

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

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

WORK LOCATION

• On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC.

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-$175,000 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.

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

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