Senior Manager, Communications

NPR • Washington, DC

13h • $115,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The 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 music. In an era of media fragmentation, you won't just manage news cycles; you will drive strategic communications campaigns that cut through the noise and deepen public appreciation for NPR’s 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 it’s 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

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 NPR’s 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 NPR’s 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 NPR’s 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 team’s output, balancing long-term podcast and series launches with the daily demands of a 24/7 news cycle

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level