NPR’s award-winning Washington Desk produces sophisticated yet accessible coverage of the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, National Security, and the Department of Justice as well as electoral politics. Our focus is on the nexus of policy, politics and culture. We draw connections between the places political leaders come from, the people they represent and the policies they embrace. We consider the role of cultural and demographic change as we aim to illuminate governance and politics. Fact-checking and explanatory journalism are vital to our mission as well as breaking news and ideas with clarity and context. Known for our work ethic, the Washington Desk aspires to great storytelling both on air and online. Our coverage is featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, NPR.org, the NPR Politics Podcast and UpFirst.
The elections researcher will conduct a variety of tasks to support editorial staff on the Washington Desk and colleagues throughout the newsroom working collaboratively to cover the 2024 campaign. The successful candidate is someone who is rigorous, adaptable, interested in politics, can find facts and figures fast, is exceptionally organized and enjoys successfully juggling varied tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conducts research on candidates, policy, demographics and political trends using internal and external reference services.
- Produces briefing books for the newsroom on major political events throughout the 2024 campaign, including primaries, conventions and election night.
- Compiles information in databases to assist with reporting projects.
- Assists reporters in finding/vetting sources and subjects for stories, including booking and recording interviews.
- Researches and books guests for special coverage of political events.
- Logs and organizes audio files.
- Stays current with major political stories and suggests story ideas.
- Maintains files of useful experts and other resources for editors, producers, program hosts and other staff.
- Fact checks podcasts, radio reports and digital stories.
- Contributes to live blogs and files Newscast spots
- Assists in administrative work for the elections team.
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:
- Minimum two years’ journalism-related research with ability to collect, organize and disseminate information.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
- Ability to both work independently and collaborate with others.
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure.
- Ability to work varied shifts including weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Radio experience.
- Experience with a CMS and broadcast digital audio workstations.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in work experience.
WORK LOCATION: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC .
JOB TYPE: This is a temporary (14-month) full time position.
NPR Pay Range: $31.25—$31.25 USD
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