NPR

Music & Visuals Internship - Fall 2026

Posted 3 Days Ago

Be an Early Applicant

Washington, DC, USA

In-Office

20-20 Annually

Internship

Digital Media

The Role

Support production and filming of Tiny Desk concerts, produce high-quality photography, create multi-platform social content (especially TikTok), and track music and digital culture trends to maintain audience engagement.

Summary Generated by Built In

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, we’re 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.

Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027

Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm ET.

Intro to Position

NPR’s Visuals and Music teams are looking for a vibrant, imaginative intern to join our two pioneering departments. Tailored for a visual storyteller with a deep appreciation for digital culture and new music, this position provides the opportunity to create compelling multi-platform content, refine technical and editorial expertise, and engage with prominent editorial voices and industry tastemakers.

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff is defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.

Responsibilities

Support the production and filming of Tiny Desk concerts as required.
Produce high-caliber photography of Tiny Desk artists.
Collaborate on the creation of multi-platform content for TikTok and various social media channels.
Track and analyze current music trends to maintain content relevance and audience engagement.

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.

Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in photography and video production.
Comprehensive knowledge of digital culture, pop trends, and the current music landscape.
A keen awareness of emerging social media trends, particularly on TikTok.
Possess vibrant creativity and a meticulous attention to detail.
Proficient writing and editing capabilities.

Application Requirements

Resume
Cover Letter
Portfolio Link

Education Requirements

Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.

Work Location & Requirements

On-site (Non-union or SAG AFTRA): This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C.

Job Type

This is a full-time, non-exempt internship.

Schedule

This is a full-time internship with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. We expect the intern to follow the same schedule as the NPR Music team, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week.

Compensation

Hourly Rate The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Benefits: NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well-being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre tax funds for eligible commuting expenses. You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on-site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period. NPR also supports career growth and work-life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.

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

The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Pay Range

$20—$20 USD

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.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to [email protected].

You may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

Want more NPR? Explore the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog. Get social with NPR Extra on Facebook and Instagram. Find more career opportunities at NPR.org/careers.

Skills Required

Demonstrated proficiency in photography and video production
Comprehensive knowledge of digital culture, pop trends, and the current music landscape
Keen awareness of emerging social media trends, particularly on TikTok
Vibrant creativity and meticulous attention to detail
Proficient writing and editing capabilities
Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate within 12 months of internship start
On-site work in Washington, D.C.; minimum of 3 days on-site per week; able to follow standard Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST schedule
Application materials: Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio Link

NPR Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about NPR and has not been reviewed or approved by NPR.

Parental & Family Support — Fully paid parental leave is described as expanded to 20 weeks with extended job protection, indicating robust family support. Feedback suggests these protections meaningfully strengthen total compensation beyond base pay.
Retirement Support — An employer 403(b) contribution fixed at 7% for covered roles provides steady retirement value. Feedback suggests this reliable contribution helps offset modest cash pay in certain positions.
Affordable Benefits — An employer-paid share of 70% of health premiums for specific union roles reduces employee costs materially. Feedback suggests this cost share contributes notably to overall package value.