Senior Manager, Communications Washington, District of Columbia,

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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 s means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

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.

• Final date to receive applications: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5pm ET.
• Materials to Submit: Please also submit a cover letter & links to your prior published work (releases, articles, campaigns, etc.) within the application questionnaire.

• 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…