Digital Breaking News Reporter, Washington Desk

Full Time Job
The Digital Breaking News Reporter will drive our online coverage of political news that breaks late in the day. The position requires being able to respond quickly and sharply to news on all of the beats our desk covers in the afternoon and evening, working collaboratively with the beat specialists ranging from DOJ and the Supreme Court, to Capitol Hill, the White House and the campaign trail. The position requires deep knowledge of Washington and politics; demonstrated news judgement and instincts; clean, accurate and vibrant copy; enthusiasm for breaking news; thriving under immediate deadlines and a strong collaborative spirit. The ideal candidate can frame stories well with little direction and present breaking news in a way that leads the pack in speed and style.

The vast majority of the position involves filing quick-turn digital stories, along with filing occasionally for NPR’s top of the hour radio newscasts and other platforms.

The position is based in Washington, D.C., with an afternoon/evening schedule, subject to news demands.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Writes stories as assigned by Washington Desk editors, in collaboration with beat specialists.
• Drafts headlines, teasers and social language for stories.
• Selects photos and writes captions.
• Pitches news stories for NPR’s website.
• Fulfills administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, History, Journalism or another writing-intensive discipline and/or equivalent work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• At least five years’ reporting experience, with a substantial interest or preferred experience in covering national politics.
• Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to file accurate, clean copy in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of AP style guidelines.
• Ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a national audience.
• Willingness to work varied shifts.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Familiarity with analytics and strategies for competitively covering breaking news online.
• Experience with audience strategies including SEO and social media.
• Experience managing a digital news budget and/or editing digital stories.

All applications must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.

NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive place to work 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, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.