Reporter, Breaking News Investigation Team

Job Description

As a public service news organization, NPR is committed to producing ground-breaking original journalism that serves the public interest. As part of that commitment, NPR is creating a new Investigative Team specifically responsible for uncovering significant and ground-breaking stories connected to the major news events of the day. The Breaking News I-Team will use public records, data and other reporting tools in pursuit of these stories. Successful candidates will be expected to produce consequential enterprise journalism on the tightest of deadlines, working in close collaboration with NPR’s beat reporters and Member stations. The Breaking News I-Team’s work will appear across all NPR’s broadcast and digital platforms.

NPR is looking for three dynamic, ambitious investigative reporters/correspondents to launch this team.
Our ideal candidates will have a background in investigative reporting, as well as preferably beat experience in one of the following areas; Washington agencies, Social Justice, Technology, Transportation Infrastructure, Consumer Affairs or Business with a focus on covering Arts and Entertainment.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Report and write original and consequential investigative stories that live up to NPR’s standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness.
• Cultivate sources and make use of reporting tools like FOIA, database acquisition and analysis and data mining to uncover original stories that matter.
• Report both short-term and medium-term projects, sometimes simultaneously.
• Report and produce compelling stories for both audio and print, often on tight deadlines.
• Take responsibility for the success of the team’s investigative projects on 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 team members, other NPR employees, Member station reporters and editors and external editorial partners in developing investigative projects.
• Ensure that all content complies with NPR’s editorial standards.
• Represent NPR and the Investigations Team in public forums and gatherings as needed.
• Assumes other duties as assigned by the Senior Investigations Editor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: College degree and/or equivalent work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• At least 5 years of journalism experience.
• A proven track record of breaking original, complex investigative stories of consequence.
• History of producing sophisticated, high-quality journalism, including work on complex topics and story ideas.
• Ability to cultivate sources and conduct high-level original research.
• Proven ability to reach large audiences through social media and other platforms
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, public speaking ability and demonstrated writing ability.
• Ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently, calmly and cooperatively under deadline pressure.
• Willingness to innovate, learn new skills and create new ways to serve the NPR community on all platforms.
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Beat experience in one of the following areas; Washington agencies, Social Justice, Technology, Transportation Infrastructure, Consumer Affairs or the Arts and Entertainment business.
• Substantial on-air broadcast experience and field production experience.
• Experience with video and still photography and basic web production.
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of public radio and the public radio system.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rby1yd-52-14-221-113-42 in your application.