Senior Manager, Government Affairs and Policy

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

Under NPR’s Employee Code of Conduct, the Senior Manager, Policy and Representation will be considered “Outward-Facing Employee”, and as such should (i) avoid public participation in political and partisan activities in order to protect NPR’s reputation and its ability to pursue its mission; and (ii) refrain from public statements or actions that might call into question NPR’s commitment to accuracy and fairness.

Application Deadline

The application window will be open until Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Responsibilities

• Track, analyze, and brief internal leadership on legislative, regulatory, and industry developments impacting NPR, including copyright, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and privacy policy.
• Build and maintain a sophisticated political network across Capitol Hill and federal agencies, serving as a registered lobbyist; manage LDA compliance activities pertaining to NPR.
• Meet with Hill staff, including Committees relevant to NPR, to educate them on NPR and its role and impact in the public radio system.
• Conduct in-depth research on Members of Congress and executive branch officials to develop effective political and advocacy strategies.
• Lead NPR’s representation with federal regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission, including monitoring regulatory developments and collaborating with internal offices to evaluate and respond to the impacts of FCC proceedings on public radio. 
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with associations, media industry organizations, and other national-level stakeholders that engage on matters of importance to NPR; represent NPR policy perspectives at the national level.
• Research and track upcoming congressional events, industry convenings and administrative policy announcements and keep NPR leadership informed on policy developments relevant to NPR.
• Partner with the NPR Sr. Manager for Communications & Engagement on communications to a wide variety of policy stakeholders.

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 

• Excellent skills in tracking legislative and policy developments and demonstrated policy experience in copyright, artificial intelligence, telecommunications or privacy issues.
• Existing professional networks on the Hill, particularly in telecommunications or AI policy.
• Experience navigating the legislative process and working on nonpartisan advocacy initiatives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in supporting external policy-related communications across a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google suite products
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative working style, experience working in small teams, and the ability to complete high-quality independent work.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating new programs, policies or coalitions to advance company outcomes
• Experience representing media organizations within their industry and in other industries that affect media
• Affinity for public radio’s mission and service
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders and external partners on complex policy issues 

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, government affairs, journalism or related field

Work Location & Requirements

• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role require duties better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be in the Washington, D.C. office 3 days per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The employee must also reside in an NPR-supported location.

Job Type

• This is a full-time, exempt position.

Compensation

Salary Range: The anticipated U.S.-based salary range for this opportunity is $147,000-$165,000, plus benefits. The displayed range reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to offer new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Benefits: NPR provides 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.

#LI-HYBRID

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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