Reporter II, Democracy and Disinformation

Application Deadline: Please submit your application by 8:00 pm EST, January 15th, 2024
OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR 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 – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

NPR is committed to covering the ongoing challenges and threats posed to society by viral lies and conspiracy theories. NPR’s coverage of misinformation and disinformation includes election denial, climate denial, the overlap with extremism, the anti-vaccine movement, the business models underlying the spread of falsehoods and the role of social media. It is a topic that dovetails with other important areas of coverage including extremism, cybersecurity, voting and science and health reporting.

This reporter will focus on quick-turnaround stories tied to the news cycle and longer-form, evergreen explainer stories about topics related to disinformation, conspiracy theories and news literacy. The ideal candidate will have excellent Spanish language skills and who can keep tabs on disinformation targeting immigrant and diaspora communities. This reporter will file for all of NPR’s platforms, including our broadcast programs, podcasts, NPR.org and social video.

This is a full-time position lasting for two years from the date of hire.

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

Investigate misinformation, hoaxes and untruths of all kinds with the goal of debunking myths, explaining why they spread and giving the audience more tools to recognize conspiratorial content
Report stories for all of NPR’s platforms as assigned by the editor in collaboration with beat specialists
Work on impactful enterprise stories as well as quick turnarounds for breaking news on the beat
Think creatively about what should be part of this beat and how it should be covered
Report on a tight deadline across NPR platforms
Join shows in live interviews as a subject matter expert
Work with the editor to establish priorities and goals in line with the mission of the beat
Engage with diverse sources
Use social media to inform and enhance reporting
Collaborate with other desks and Member station reporters
May travel at times
Perform other duties as assigned by the editor

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 five years’ reporting experience
At least full working proficiency in Spanish
Demonstrated complex and nuanced knowledge of disinformation, influence operations and extremist messaging
Existing sources or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop sources on this beat
Strong writing and reporting skills
Ability to explain complex subjects for a general audience and bring characters alive in stories across all platforms
Ability to meet deadlines and to adapt to change in a daily, unpredictable news production environment
Ability to cover news via live two-way conversations
Commitment to detailed research and fact-checking
Ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a national audience
Ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
Experience with and a commitment to working collaboratively with other journalists and reporting teams

PREFERRED SKILLS

Familiarity with broadcast journalism
Knowledge of AP style guidelines
Ability to be a compelling storyteller
Ability to bring and maintain audience focus to the beat
Radio reporting, digital news and production skills
Experience with data-driven reporting
Experience in or familiarity with public radio news
Ability to deliver analytical reporting

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience
WORK LOCATION

Remote Permitted: This is a remote permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.
JOB TYPE

This is a full time, exempt position, with a two-year duration.
COMPENSATION

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $105,000-$105,000 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

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.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
NPR Pay Range
$105,000—$105,000 USD