Temporary Information Specialist I, Research, Archives and Data Strategy

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

NPR’s Research, Archives & Data Strategy (RAD) department has a temporary 6-month position for a RAD Information Specialist I (RAD I). RAD information specialists work with all aspects of the storytelling cycle from conception to preservation. We are a cross-functional team of product owners, taxonomists, researchers, archivists, trainers and developers, and we work with everyone at NPR. 

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

Responsibilities

This Information Specialist will be responsible for conducting research, producing and maintaining metadata, and delivering training. They will be an agile professional who handles tight deadlines, understands the need for accuracy at all levels, and carries out deep research, investigation and fact-checking in support of reporting and storytelling. They will contribute to multimedia preservation and access efforts, and will create metadata used in the service of the comprehensive record of NPR’s programming. They will be responsible for delivering training, and may also be detailed to work on special projects. Some scheduled weekend hours may be required.

We expect that some skills are stronger than others. We are committed to helping our future colleague expand their skills, as well as learning from the expertise they bring.

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

• Experience working in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in knowledge and deployment of information resources and services
• Demonstrated and ongoing awareness of current events and popular culture
• Evidence of effective writing and verbal presentation skills 
• Understanding of metadata theory, creation and curation
• Experience working with audio files
• Ability to work both independently and on group-driven projects 
• Interest in sharing current skills and talents with colleagues
• Ability to both fail and learn fast
• Ability to professionally flourish alongside and collaborate with busy colleagues in a deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to learn and deploy new skills on the job

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in the information management or archival field
• MIS, MLS or MIM from an ALA-accredited institution
• Experience creating and delivering training, both in person and remotely

Work Location & Requirements

• NPR Remote-Permitted: This is a remote-permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, D.C. office, but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves. You will have the option of working (a) remotely from a location of your choosing within the United States that is supported by NPR; (b) on-site at an NPR facility, based on the availability of desks and approval from NPR; or (c) a combination of both. Regardless of where you choose to work from, you may be expected to travel to other locations from time to time to perform the duties of your position.

Job Type

• This is a temporary (6-month) full-time position.

Compensation

Hourly Rate:  The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $39.66 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.

NPR 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.

#LI-REMOTE

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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