Editor II, Morning Edition

Collective Bargaining Agreement Statement: This is a union represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA.

Millions of listeners depend on Morning Edition and Up First to set the news agenda that starts their day. We deliver the latest international and national news stories paired with analysis to help put those headlines in context. Morning Edition is also a platform for accountability through interviews with government officials and decision makers who make or influence policy that affect peoples’ lives. The show also sets the agenda on culture with features on music, art and books that bring joy and provoke thoughtful conversations about who we are in this world.

An Editor II develops and pitches timely, story ideas and original content for NPR’s morning flagship news program. This person uses established connections to book timely, impactful interviews. They write and edit scripts for stories, guest interviews, and digital stories including breaking news coverage. An Editor II may also plan and manage story projects such as a series or a host reporting trip. They provide editorial support to the host in preparing for interviews and rewriting scripts. This person also offers editorial guidance while upholding NPR’s standards and practices. An Editor II must be available to work a variety of shifts, including overnight, swing and dayside on a rotational basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow the news cycles and stories to recommend coverage, story ideas, and guests.
Books timely, informative interviews for show and podcast.
Conceptualizes, writes and edits stories for broadcast and digital.
Responsible for editorial integrity and quality of content ensuring all materials on air and online meet NPR standards and practices.
Maintains external relationships with sources, potential show/podcast guests, freelancers and experts, member station news staff and journalists from other media.
Plans and edits large projects including domestic and international host trips.
Maintains internal relationships with program staff, contributors and other NPR program and desk staff.
Works various shifts, as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned, including the possibility of newsroom rotations to support other teams as required.
Makes an effort to bring variety and diversity to NPR’s coverage including tracking sources and participating in conversations and initiatives around diversity, inclusion and equity.
Lead edits the show, which entails planning, assigning, and tracking daily work, where applicable, to a consistently strong standard
Instructs, mentors, and helps manage workflow of junior staff

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

At least six years of experience as a reporter, editor, or producer.
At least two years experience in editorial decision-making.
Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in public radio or a public media organization.
Proficiency in another language than English such as Spanish, Mandarin or Arabic.
Experience with audio production programs and platforms.
Resilience under pressure.
Leadership skills.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, or writing-intensive discipline and/or equivalent work experience

WORK LOCATION

Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role include duties that are better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be onsite at the Washington, DC office at least 10 days a year. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose.