Temporary Information Specialist I, Research, Archives and Data Strategy

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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’s Research, Archives & Data Strategy (RAD) department has a temporary 6-month position for a RAD Information Specialist I (RAD I). RAD information specialists work with all aspects of the storytelling cycle from conception to preservation. We are a cross-functional team of product owners, taxonomists, researchers, archivists, trainers and developers, and we work with everyone at NPR. 

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

This Information Specialist will be responsible for conducting research, producing and maintaining metadata, and delivering training. They will be an agile professional who handles tight deadlines, understands the need for accuracy at all levels, and carries out deep research, investigation and fact-checking in support of reporting and storytelling. They will contribute to multimedia preservation and access efforts, and will create metadata used in the service of the comprehensive record of NPR’s programming. They will be responsible for delivering training, and may also be detailed to work on special projects. Some scheduled weekend hours may be required.

We expect that some skills are stronger than others. We are committed to helping our future colleague expand their skills, as well as learning from the expertise they bring.

• Experience working in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in knowledge and deployment of information resources and services
• Demonstrated and ongoing awareness of current events and popular culture
• Evidence of effective writing and verbal presentation skills 
• Understanding of metadata theory, creation and curation
• Experience working with audio files
• Ability to work both independently and on group-driven projects 
• Interest in sharing current skills and talents with colleagues
• Ability to both fail and learn fast
• Ability to professionally flourish alongside and collaborate with busy colleagues in a deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to learn and deploy new skills on the job

• 1-3 years of experience in the information management or archival field
• MIS, MLS or MIM from an ALA-accredited institution
• Experience creating and delivering training, both in person and remotely

• 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 temporary (6-month) full-time position.

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