Senior Manager, Communications

OVERVIEW

A thriving mission-driven multimedia organization NPR produces award-winning news information and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information creativity curiosity and social responsibility and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization were 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.

Intro to Position

NPR seeks a dynamic experienced Senior Manager Communications to develop and lead an integrated communications program that elevates our world-class journalism and journalists across news culture and an era of media fragmentation you wont just manage news cycles; you will drive strategic communications campaigns that cut through the noise and deepen public appreciation for NPRs high-quality journalism and talent.

You are an experienced strategist who views communications through the lens of organizational objectives. You design methods that leverage traditional and non-traditional press digital media and thought leadership to reach audiences wherever they are. You act as the vital bridge between the fast-paced newsroom and the long-term strategic vision of the division and NPR. Whether its a breaking news scoop a high-profile interview or a viral culture moment you ensure NPR extends the impact of our content and talent reaching audiences far beyond our owned platforms.

Application Instructions

• Application Deadline: Friday April 24 2026 at midnight ET.
• Materials to Submit: Please also submit a cover letter & submit link(s) to your prior published work releases articles campaigns etc. within the application questionnaire.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a high-level strategy for maximizing the influence of our content and talent ensuring a unified approach across news music and culture programming.
• Work across the Communications team to ensure promotion of content and talent is consistent with NPRs broader messaging strategy and organizational objectives.
• Establish and track KPIs that demonstrate how content and talent publicity drives value; provide regular impact reports to Communications and Content leadership.
• Partner with the NPR newsroom to identify and promote high-impact journalism newsmaker interviews and breakout moments that reach target audiences.
• Design and lead multi-channel promotion strategies (traditional and non-traditional press digital media events etc.) that align with NPRs high-level communications goals..
• Proactively pitch and secure NPR talent for high-visibility external media spots including late-night TV cable news morning shows and top-tier podcasts to reach audiences across diverse outlets
• Build and maintain relationships with national media thought leaders and key industry stakeholders.
• Craft clear compelling public messaging that reflects NPRs role in public service media and its leadership in American journalism.
• Oversee the Communications press queue ensuring timely and appropriate responses to incoming media inquiries.
• Provide proactive reputation management and message development for NPR leadership key initiatives and corporate communications.
• In partnership with Communications leadership serve as a primary point person for crisis and issues communications managing real-time responses with accuracy empathy and strategic foresight.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team fostering creativity accountability and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Manage the big picture of the teams output balancing long-term podcast and series launches with the daily demands of a 24/7 news cycle

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

• 7 years of progressive experience in PR corporate communications or media relations including 2 years supporting editorial teams within a news or media organization.
• 4 years of professional experience managing a team of communications professionals including setting strategy and providing direct mentorship.
• 2 years of professional experience in publicity or talent relations ideally within a news or media organization.
• Deep understanding of the changing media landscape including digital media influencer engagement and media partnerships.
• Exceptional ability to influence without authority and build consensus across competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the public media ecosystem and nonprofit communications preferred.

Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience within the Journalism Communications or related industries.

Work Location & Requirements

• On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington D.C.

Job Type

• This is a full-time exempt position.

Compensation

Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $115000 - 125000 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.

NPR 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 NPRs 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.

Does this sound like you If so we want to hear from you.

#LI-Onsite

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives all working toward the same goal to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ethnicity national origin ancestry age religion religious belief sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions lactation and reproductive health decisions) sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression transgender status gender non-conforming status intersex status sexual stereotypes nationality citizenship status personal appearance marital status family status family responsibilities military status veteran status mental and physical disability medical condition genetic information genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member political views and affiliation unemployment status protective order status status as a victim of domestic violence sexual assault or stalking or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

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Senior Manager