Belief and Religion Correspondent

Job Description

OVERVIEW

NPR's National Desk is seeking an enterprising journalist to cover Religion and Belief for the network. The job requires a keen understanding of the world's religions and trends in Americans' religious views and belief systems. The ideal candidate will be a skilled storyteller, well-versed in the intersection of religion, race, politics and identity in America. We want to examine the evolution of religious institutions, personal spirituality and non-religion in the United States, continuing NPR's tradition of producing outstanding coverage of this topic. We also want to gauge how social media is changing spiritual practice. The Religion and Belief correspondent must be expert at interviewing and engaging subjects, show sensitivity and a sharp eye for detail, and above all, have exc ellent news judgment. All National Desk reporters, in addition to beat responsibilities, cover breaking news, traveling when necessary to do so. That would be required of this position, as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Report and write original stories that uphold NPR's standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness.
• Record, gather and identify sound elements to turn each piece into a rich and memorable audio experience.
• Produce stories for all editorial platforms, including digital and visual media, social networks and various audio platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audiences with the biggest impact.
• Work collaboratively with editors, reporters and researchers from across the newsroom and member stations.
• Produce original, compelling stories that break news and advance the network's coverage. At times, the stories should break through with provocative ideas, new ways of thinking and stories that challenge old thought patterns.
• Identify investigative projects and original enterprise.
• Work on short-, medium- and long-term projects, often simultaneously. Prioritize and manage time well; meet deadlines; remain responsive and flexible in the face of the demands of programming and the news cycle.
• Remain current on issues of religion and identity, collaborating across the network to identify trends.
• Take the necessary steps to gain and sharpen the skills and knowledge required to cover a fast-evolving and multifaceted beat on evolving storytelling platforms.
• Fulfill administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense reports; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about the progress of assignments.
• Be able and available to cover breaking news as needed.
• Represent NPR in public forums and gatherings as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in journalism or equivalent years of experience

WORK LOCATION:

This is a remote permitted role. This role is based out of our DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• At least 5 years' experience as a reporter at a daily or weekly news organization.
• Deep knowledge of religion and secular belief systems, and an ability to step outside their own belief framework and report on those of others with an eye toward scrutiny and respect for their faith backgrounds.
• Experience covering breaking news events as a general assignment reporter, and covering a beat in a competitive news environment.
• Demonstrated track record in writing for the web and use of social media.
• Proven ability to work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and in the public radio system.
• Ability to relocate, though this position could be based in many places. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement may apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

Cultivate and support an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Familiarity with NPR member stations and public media system.
• Audio storytelling or willingness to learn.
• Experience producing on digital audio workstations.

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. The minimum annualized salary for this position is $120,000.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-ro6jm4-216-73-217-10-42 in your application.