
Culture News Fellow
NPR
Washington, DCThis is a Full Time Job
OVERVIEW
Intro To Position
The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship was established in memory of beloved NPR Books Editor Petra Mayer, by her parents, to support fellowships with NPR’s Culture News Team.
The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellow will play a vital role in every aspect of our work, while also learning the core tenets of public service journalism, media ethics and multi-platform reporting and producing. Working alongside top professionals in the field, fellows are given real-world, hands-on responsibilities.
The fellow will focus their term on Books We Love and the Book of the Day podcast, signature NPR products founded by Mayer. They will also assist reporters with research on critical stories, both long-term projects and breaking news. They will also learn the basics of production by researching and pulling tape, securing rights and excellent audio quality, and by learning to mix pieces featuring varied soundscapes. We will also look to our fellows for assistance in digital production, basic headline writing, creative selection of art and social media promotion.
Applications close on Monday, August 31st at 11:59 pm ET.
Responsibilities
• Production, diversity tracking and research for Books We Love, NPR's annual interactive reading guide
• Researching and pulling tape for reporters as well as laying up audio stories and pieces
• Producing digital pages for our stories and reviews
• Conducting research for critical projects
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
• Basic research
• Basic reporting and writing
• Voracious appetite for books and pop culture
Preferred Skills
• Basic radio production (ability to edit would be a bonus)
• Intermediate level of social media proficiency
• Strong time management
Education Requirements
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience
Work Location & Requirements
• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. The employee will be required to be in the office at the Washington, D.C. location at few days a week. The employee must also reside in Washington, D.C. / Maryland / Virginia.
Application Requirements
• Resume
• Cover Letter - we encourage you to showcase your appetite for books and pop culture!
Job Type
• This is a temporary (20-week) full time position.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
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Salary/Benefits
$30.05 /hour USD
The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Voluntary retirement savings
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. NPR's Society & Culture Desk offers news, discovery, and analysis of arts and culture across digital, radio, podcasts, social platforms, and video, covering elements such as television, film, music, books, and the internet. We uplift voices and perspectives that enrich our understanding of cultural conversations, providing original reporting, insight, context, and signature curation initiatives that distinguish NPR as a relevant journalism and cultural institution. Our commitment to collaboration, diversity, and inclusion is essential to our success, and we uphold integrity and ethical standards in all aspects of our journalism and operations.