Communications Senior Manager
NPR
Washington, DCThis is a Full Time Job
OVERVIEW
Intro to Position
You are an experienced strategist who views communications through the lens of organizational objectives. You design methods that leverage traditional and non-traditional press, digital media, and thought leadership to reach audiences wherever they are. You act as the vital bridge between the fast-paced newsroom and the long-term strategic vision of the division and NPR. Whether it’s a breaking news scoop, a high-profile interview, or a viral culture moment, you ensure NPR extends the impact of our content and talent, reaching audiences far beyond our owned platforms.
Application Instructions
- Application Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5pm ET.
- Materials to Submit: Please also submit a cover letter & submit link(s) to your prior published work [releases, articles, campaigns etc.] within the application questionnaire.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a high-level strategy for maximizing the influence of our content and talent, ensuring a unified approach across news, music and culture programming.
- Work across the Communications team to ensure promotion of content and talent is consistent with NPR’s broader messaging strategy and organizational objectives.
- Establish and track KPIs that demonstrate how content and talent publicity drives value; provide regular impact reports to Communications and Content leadership.
- Partner with the NPR newsroom to identify and promote high-impact journalism, newsmaker interviews, and “breakout moments” that reach target audiences.
- Design and lead multi-channel promotion strategies (traditional and non-traditional press, digital media, events, etc.) that align with NPR’s high-level communications goals.
- Proactively pitch and secure NPR talent for high-visibility external media spots, including late-night TV, cable news, morning shows, and top-tier podcasts to reach audiences across diverse outlets.
- Build and maintain relationships with national media, thought leaders, and key industry stakeholders.
- Craft clear, compelling public messaging that reflects NPR’s role in public service media and its leadership in American journalism.
- Oversee the Communications press queue, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to incoming media inquiries.
- Provide proactive reputation management and message development for NPR leadership, key initiatives, and corporate communications.
- In partnership with Communications leadership, serve as a primary point person for crisis and issues communications, managing real-time responses with accuracy, empathy, and strategic foresight.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering creativity, accountability, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Manage the “big picture” of the team’s output, balancing long-term podcast and series launches with the daily demands of a 24/7 news cycle.
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
- 7 years of progressive experience in PR, corporate communications, or media relations, including 2 years supporting editorial teams within a news or media organization.
- 4 years of professional experience managing a team of communications professionals, including setting strategy and providing direct mentorship.
- 2 years of professional experience in publicity or talent relations, ideally within a news or media organization.
- Deep understanding of the changing media landscape, including digital media, influencer engagement, and media partnerships.
- Exceptional ability to influence without authority and build consensus across competing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding of the public media ecosystem and nonprofit communications preferred.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience within the Journalism, Communications or related industries.
Work Location & Requirements
- On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C.
Job Type
- This is a full-time, exempt position.
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Salary/Benefits
$115,000 - $125,000 /year USD
The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k)
Perks
• Access to health and wellness
• Financial well-being
Additional Information
NPR is a thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization that 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, which are also core principles for our employees. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, including journalism, digital media, IT, and development, and our work touches the lives of millions worldwide. We are committed to building a collaborative workplace where diverse voices are heard and inclusion is key to our success, upholding integrity and ethical standards in our journalism and every role at NPR.
