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.
NPR’s award-winning Washington Desk produces sophisticated yet accessible coverage of the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, the Justice Department and electoral politics. Vital to our mission: original reporting, breaking news, breaking ideas with clarity and context and excelling at explanatory journalism. Known for our work ethic, the Washington Desk aspires to great storytelling both on air and online. Our coverage is featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, NPR.org, the NPR Politics Podcast and Up First.
We are looking for a full-time reporter to cover Congress. A passion for politics and policy is required. This reporter will also be asked to contribute to 2026 midterm coverage.
The ideal candidate for this job should be well-sourced and have the ability to break news and do original enterprise stories about Congress. At the same time, this reporter will be expected to cover daily news on Capitol Hill and hit daily deadlines. The reporter should think expansively about content and the best ways to deliver it; the Washington Desk serves audiences on multiple platforms so this reporter will be expected to do live broadcast interviews, report and produce pieces for NPR audio programs, as well as file for digital platforms. The job requires attention to detail, big picture thinking and concern for craft.
We’re looking for a reporter who has five to seven years of reporting experience with two or more years of experience covering Congress, government or politics. We will prioritize those with live and lively broadcast experience.
The position is based in Washington. It involves occasional travel, weekend work and a flexible schedule.
This is a union-represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA .
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 are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.
To apply please submit a resume and a cover letter including a few clips of your work.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Pitches, plans and reports news, feature and major enterprise stories for all NPR platforms including broadcast, podcast and digital
- Develops news sources
- Covers stories as assigned by Washington Desk editors
- Gathers materials on tape and otherwise, through interviews, press conferences and direct coverage of events
- In consultation with editors and producers, organizes, edits and produces pieces and news spots
- Collaborates with editors and show producers to shape on-air discussions and speaks fluently and conversationally live on the air
- Fulfills administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments
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 5-7 years of reporting experience and 2 years covering Congress, a state legislature or national policy and politics
- Demonstrated ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a national audience
- Experience producing pieces, on-air conversations and live reports for radio, podcast, digital and social audiences
- Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure. Must be able to report breaking stories for newscasts, major programs and digital
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts
- Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, History, Journalism or another writing-intensive discipline and/or equivalent work experience
- On-site: This is an on-site role based in Washington, DC .
- This is a full time, exempt position.
Salary Range: The U.S. based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $105,000 - $122,000 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.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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