Middle East Senior Editor

NPR is looking for a strong, proactive leader who can take ownership of NPR’s coverage of the Middle East – helping to conceive, execute, elevate and promote our work across all platforms.

The Middle East editor’s primary responsibility is to work with our correspondents to shape NPR’s coverage from and about this rich, complex and ever-evolving region. The editor also is expected to engage with others across the desk and the newsroom to help guide and develop global coverage. This includes preparation of on-air material as well as content for digital and social platforms and providing editorial guidance to the newsroom and production staff.

A big part of the job will be leading NPR’s coverage of the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is a sprawling story that is intensely local, with thousands killed, tens of thousands displaced, lives disrupted and regional relations strained. It also is international in scope, with the United States joining other nations in trying to mediate an end to the fighting.

The job requires attention to detail, big picture thinking and concern about craft. The editor must be well-versed in the history and culture of the region and will be expected to read widely. The editor must have excellent news judgment and the ability to work collaboratively -- but also have the confidence to work independently.

You’ll join a team of editors overseeing coverage from 16 bureaus and 20 correspondents. You will report to the Chief International Editor and will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues on the desk and elsewhere in the organization. You also will engage with NPR’s Field Security director to support field safety and security for staff based outside the US or sent on medium- and high-risk assignments overseas.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works directly with correspondents across the Middle East to plan and develop story ideas, spot news coverage, series, digital and social content and other editorial products as needed.
• Has regular discussions with correspondents about story ideas, helps shape the content and scope of story proposals, suggests stories and specific areas of inquiry, while making final assignments.
• Places correspondents’ work across platforms ranging from digital text, newscast, magazine shows, podcasts and video.
• Seeks and promotes diverse voices in our coverage
• Works with and develops regional freelancers, as needed
• Manages coverage from other regions, as needed
• Maintains contacts with news sources to keep current with topics of interest to the desk and maintains files of future events and issues.
• Supervises preparation of air and online material and is responsible for editorial integrity and quality of that material
• Ensures that all material aired and published meets NPR’s standards and practices, including standards of fairness, objectivity and balance
• Listens to prepared stories, suggests changes that make pieces concise, coherent, comprehensive and interesting; copy edits stories and writes material as needed
• Determines when a story is ready for air and/or publication
• Monitors programming and provides critiques
• Monitors pieces and host interviews, especially those to which they are assigned, in a consistent manner
• Provides support to the Chief International Editor as needed
• Acts as liaison across the news organization as assigned
• Assumes additional workload of other editors when they are away

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least eight years’ experience as a news reporter or editor, including work on: breaking news, analysis and feature reports, including the development of topics and the organization and presentation of lengthy articles or programs
• At least four years of experience editing or reporting on international news
• Demonstrable knowledge of international affairs and international news coverage and news planning
• Considerable skill in both news and feature editing
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate daily news coverage
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public media system

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Daily news experience
• Experience living and working abroad, especially in the Middle East
• Ability to work with people facing stressful conditions in supportive ways, displaying patience and concern
• Thorough knowledge of broadcast writing and audio production
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of public radio and the public radio system
• Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or the equivalent, required.

WORK LOCATION

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

JOB TYPE

• This is a full time, exempt position.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $122,500 – $147,000 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR’s benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. 

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