Senior Publicist, Media Relations

NPR is a mission-driven, multimedia news organization and radio program producer. It is a network with a strong base of Member Stations and supporters nationwide. The NPR employees are innovators and developers - exploring new ways to serve the public via digital platforms and improved technologies. NPR is also the leading membership and representation organization for public radio.

This is a hands-on media relations staff position with the primary responsibility to raise awareness and tell the story of NPR – with a focus on NPR News, NPR Music, programming and journalists – through creative and comprehensive media outreach and effective placement in national and regional outlets. The successful candidate will handle a portfolio of NPR news programs, desks and beats, staying in constant communication with these editorial units, editors, producers and journalists to effectively identify opportunities for publicity. S/he will create and execute effective strategies to publicize show and desk-generated reports, series, breaking news and investigations, and work to grow the external profile for related journalists, hosts editors and producers. S/he will work extensively throughout NPR, NPR member stations and the public broadcasting system to help generate awareness of NPR in national, regional and local media. The position reports to the Director, Media Relations. A portfolio of successful past media placements is required, specifically demonstrating results-driven interaction with top-tier national and regional consumer media, and broadcast outlets. The ideal candidate will have established contacts; strong familiarity with diverse media; outstanding news judgment, writing, speaking, organizational and interpersonal skills; familiarity with NPR and public media; and the ability to comprehend and articulate complex issues and situations. The ideal candidate is also a self-starter who can independently initiate and follow through with opportunities; has strong problem-solving skills; proven excellence in juggling multiple, often high-pressure deadlines; and is passionate about news and media.

* Serve as a media relations department liaison with key news and programming units, and with NPR journalists, hosts and staff, to identify, coordinate and complete publicity opportunities and incoming media requests. She/he will help support and grow these areas’ external presence, activities and priorities through the constant and proactive generation and placement of ideas, stories and opportunities. Tasks to include story generation, internal follow-up, media contacting, research and fact-gathering, management of approval process and internal/external distribution. * Areas of direct responsibility will include multiple NPR program/project/desk beats as assigned as well as specific types of media. Position is also the lead publicity contact for NPR Music and all of its related programs, digital products, events and staff. S/he will also work across the media relations department in partnership with staff. * Aggressive and proactive media outreach to both familiar and new contacts in print, broadcast and online. Build personal network of media contacts relevant to NPR’s activities. Constantly seek out projects, push ideas forward and introduce creative solutions and options. * Handle breaking news and exclusives, often on very short deadlines, as needed and as assigned. * Stakeholder in the department’s use of social media. Co-owner of @nprExtra Twitter account. Contributor/editor of the “NPR Extra” blog. Incorporate social media into every publicity push. * Maintain and expand department’s media contact databases. * Maintain and grow a cross-section of NPR media relations collateral materials, working with editorial supervisor as necessary. Post releases on NPR.org. * Serve as an NPR liaison with other PR departments, agencies and publicists on behalf of NPR talent to support their outside activities, enrich NPR station opportunities and protect NPR brand. * Develop, research and producer a variety of publicity materials related to areas of responsibility –including but not limited to press releases, backgrounders, pitch letters, bios, website content and talking points – that are journalistically sound, creative in both approach and tone and help generate media coverage. * Handle media relations support activities related to his/her efforts – including but not limited to tracking media results; distributing releases, coordinating interviews and visits; providing CD and other audio elements; special mailings, etc. – as well as work with NPR Marketing and Branding department on generating and fulfilling graphics and art requests and opportunities. * Perform other duties as required.

* BS. Degree is required * 5+ years experience in increasingly-responsible staff positions, handling multiple media relations duties on a full-time basis.Experience working within a communications department for a broadcast/cable network, news organization or media trade association is preferred. * Established contacts and proven placement success with regional and national consumer and trade media, including newspapers, magazines, blogs and digital, and experience pitching broadcast media. * Experience with social media tools. * Outstanding news judgment, writing, speaking, organizational and interpersonal skills; extraordinary attention to detail. Journalism experience preferred. * Must be able to work independently and with a results-oriented approach; must be able to juggle multiple tasks with differing deadlines. * Enthusiasm for collaborative team workplace; willingness to perform all functions of his/her job with minimal or no administrative support. * Comprehension of NPR policies – including but not limited to NPR News ethics code – and utilization of them for decision-making in media relations activities. * Self-starter with ability to independently initiate and follow through with opportunities; strong problem-solver * Familiarity with, and interest in, NPR and public broadcasting strongly preferred