National Correspondent- Reporter, Race & Identity

This is a Full Time Job

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success.

NPR’s National Desk is seeking an enterprising journalist for the Race and Identity beat. First, this job requires understanding that issues of race and identity touch every element of our lives. This reporter must be prepared to devise innovative and creative ideas to produce stories across all NPR platforms, including our award-winning news magazines and npr.org. We live in times that require our reporting keep pace with a national demand for answers on health care, policing, housing, the environment and more. The ideal candidate will tell stories of varied communities, draw common parallels, and at times execute stories that seem to divide communities. The reporter need not have all the answers, but know the questions to ask, both of everyday people and of government officials, educators and others. We’re seeking a reporter who is skilled in the finest elements of reporting, and is able to expertly report news and features. The reporter must know how to interview and engage subjects; show sensitivity and a keen eye for detail; and above all, have excellent news judgment. National Desk reporters, in addition to covering their beats, participate in coverage of breaking news. This reporter would cover breaking news outside of the beat when needed, as others do, traveling when necessary. This is a two-year position, which we hope will become permanent, funded by the McArthur Foundation.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Report and write original stories that live up to NPR’s standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness.
• Record, gather and identify sound elements to turn each piece into a rich and memorable audio experience.
• Produce stories for all editorial platforms, including digital and visual media, social networks and various audio platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audiences with the biggest impact.
• Work collaboratively with editors, reporters and researchers from across the newsroom and member stations.
• Produce original, compelling stories that break news and advance the network’s coverage. At times, the stories should break through with provocative ideas, new ways of thinking and stories that challenge old thought patterns.
• Identify investigative projects and original enterprise by cultivating sources, using FOIA requests and building databases.
• Work on short-, medium- and long-term projects, often simultaneously. Prioritize and manage time well; meet deadlines; remain responsive and flexible in the face of the demands of programming and the news cycle.
• Remain current on issues of race and identity. We are committed to telling as many stories as possible, including times when there are stories that the reporter can’t do but can offer up for others to do.
• Take the necessary steps to gain and sharpen the skills and knowledge required to cover a fast-evolving and multifaceted beat on evolving storytelling platforms.
• Fulfill 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.
• Represent NPR in public forums and gatherings as needed.

Qualifications • At least 5 years’ experience as a reporter at a daily or weekly news organization.
• Experience covering breaking news events as a general assignment reporter, and covering a beat in a competitive news environment.
• Audio journalism experience preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated track record in writing for the web and use of social media.
• Proven ability to work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and in the public radio system.
• Ability to relocate, though this position could be based in many places. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement may apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or equivalent years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• Reporting at a high level
• Collaborating with other journalists
• Being a proven storyteller

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.