Temporary Editor I, Education Desk

NPR’s award-winning Education Team covers all aspects of learning, from preschool to higher education. One of its most important missions is to report on students who, for one reason or another, face additional challenges or don’t fit into a traditional school or classroom. We’re seeking a talented editor to help lead our coverage of students with disabilities and learning differences and to bring those stories to our audiences on many platforms.

The preferred candidate will work with the senior editors on the team to help shape our coverage of legislative and policy debates around special education at the federal, state and local levels, on the research and pedagogy about teaching and learning, on the science around learning disabilities, and on the challenges these students and their families face in their efforts to get a good education. 

The right candidate will show an interest and passion for shaping, editing and delivering the signature storytelling that is a hallmark of NPR and its education journalism. That includes highlighting what’s happening in schools and communities, as well as the experiences of students, educators and families.  An ability to respond quickly to breaking news is required.

The editor will work with a correspondent covering these issues, as well as other editors and reporters on the Education Team, and reporters at member stations around the country. In addition, this editor will coordinate and collaborate with other units and teams in the NPR newsroom and with partner organizations.

**This assignment is initially set to end on 10/31/28, with potential for extension depending on business need**

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

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    

• Conceive, plan and edit stories for all editorial platforms, including digital and visual media, social networks and various audio and video platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audiences with the biggest impact.
• Ensure that stories produced on this beat uphold NPR's standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness, with special attention to, when necessary, communicating with NPR’s Legal and Standards teams on sensitive stories involving minors or people with disabilities.
• Edit the NPR correspondent assigned to covering learning differences and disabilities, along with other Education Team reporters and member station reporters.
• Assist with other education coverage and other editing assignments on the team as needed.
• Work collaboratively with editors, reporters and researchers from across the newsroom and member stations. 
• Hold regular conference calls with station reporters and editors to map special education coverage priorities.
• Set short, medium, and long-term agenda for coverage. 
• Respond quickly to breaking news across the education team, juggling assignments and assuring that all programming needs are met.
• Ensure a focus on original, compelling stories that break news and/or advance the network's coverage. Identify and assign stories that put forth provocative ideas, new ways of thinking and that challenge old thought patterns.
• Ensure clear and prompt communication on coverage with shows, other desks, member stations and newsroom leadership. 
• Report and write for broadcast and publication, including video, as needed.
• Work quickly and independently – taking initiative to see that deadlines and other requirements are met.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
•  Work in-person on-site, as well as remotely, and on various shifts as assigned
• Participate in assigning and editing the NPR Ed newsletter.
• Contribute to other work of the education team: news spots, newsletters, writing, producing and reporting as assigned.

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.

• At least four years of experience as a reporter, editor or producer, including experience working in audio and digital platforms.
• At least four years of experience in news production.
• Basic experience with editorial decision making and news judgment. 
• Familiarity with education issues as well as general knowledge of broader news issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency in news writing and copy-editing, especially on deadline.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes, with changing priorities/conditions.
• Understanding of journalistic ethics.
• Passion for connecting with diverse audiences on a range of platforms

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

• 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.

• This is a full-time term limited position, with an initial duration of 2+ years.

Hourly Rate : The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $49.28 - $51.68 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. 

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