Producer I, Network Booking and Specials

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.

This Producer I will be a key player on NPR’s network booking and special coverage team. They are interested in politics, culture, and daily news and are eager to deliver fresh, influential interviews for our audience. They can identify potential guests who will make news and drive listenership. They book and plan material for multiple platforms including video. They are comfortable working across divisions and with various teams. And they can direct (or be trained to direct) live coverage. 

The Producer I supports interviews by writing scripts and arranging logistics as required. They are able to balance short- and long-term deadlines and will build a rolodex of contacts. 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 is defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    

• →Initiates, plans and produces program material with minimal editorial supervision. 
• →Consistently generates timely and well thought-out interview ideas. 
• →Supports cross-platform strategy around network priority interviews, cultivating sources, and working closely and collaboratively with stakeholders from inception to completion of booking process.
• →Produces the Newsmakers audio podcast. 
• →Writes news and program copy, including drafts of hosts’ leads and other production copy. 
• →Works in the field with reporters and hosts as assigned (including projects requiring self-directed research, planning and solid editorial judgment). 
• →Maintains an orderly work environment in control rooms and studios during broadcasts. 
• →Maintains internal relationships with program staff across all NPR platforms, including broadcast, visuals, online, social media; with reporters and editors contributing to daily programs; and with departments providing support services. 
• →Works various shifts, as assigned.

• At least four years of radio production or booking experience. 
• At least two years of experience in editorial decision-making with demonstrated ability to exercise solid, independent news judgment. 
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts as assigned. 
• Demonstrated ability to assimilate and organize large amounts of information. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes, with changing priorities/conditions. 
• Knowledge of and interest in politics, and a familiarity with other topics areas, such as world news, business, science and arts. 
• Demonstrated excellence in news writing and copy-editing, especially on deadline. 
• Understanding of journalistic ethics. 
• Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 
• 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. 
• Ability and willingness to travel.

• Demonstrated ability to help coordinate news coverage quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure. 
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of public radio and the public radio system. 
• Experience with digital and multimedia production. 
• Demonstrated understanding of, and familiarity with, social media platforms

• On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC.

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

• This is a full-time, exempt position.

You may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

Want more NPR? Explore the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog. Get social with NPR Extra on Facebook and Instagram. Find more career opportunities at NPR.org/careers.