Supervising Editor, Science Desk/Health

OVERVIEW

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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.

Intro To Position

NPR is looking for a smart, enthusiastic leader to guide our enterprise and high impact science and health coverage, particularly breaking news, on the swing shift

The Supervising Editor for Science will have a strong vision and a nuanced understanding of evidence-based science and health reporting. The successful candidate will challenge us as we strive for new, creative ways to report on these dynamic areas of coverage.  

This person will be a key member of the decision-making team on the science desk, which comprises more than 25 correspondents, editors and producers working across platforms – news magazines,  newscasts, digital and podcasts. The desk covers the general sciences, domestic health and global health, and this supervisor will be responsible for making and coordinating key coverage decisions, including breaking news, regarding all these beats on the swing shift, from 1 p.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET.

The Supervising Editor for Science/Health will lead the desk’s consumer health coverage team, and help guide and support the desk’s multiplatform digital efforts. The editor will have excellent news judgment, is flexible and will work collaboratively with reporters and editors on and off the science desk. This position will support staff to be forward-thinking  and relevant to our audiences, our newsroom and our partners.  

The Supervising Editor for Science/Health, Swing Shift will report to the Chief Science Editor.

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.    

Responsibilities

The Supervising Editor for Science/Health oversees multiplatform coverage by a group of reporters and editors, with a specific emphasis on our award-winning consumer health team. 

• Partners with other Science Desk editors, NPR shows, Newscast and digital editors to coordinate breaking news and consumer  health coverage on multiple platforms.  
• Generates story ideas, reviews pitches and edits coverage. The editor will also help develop creative storytelling approaches and sources, and determine the best platform for the network’s news and consumer health coverage, including making suggestions for interviews. 
• Collaborates with desk deputies and Chief Science Editor to set coverage priorities for beats and themes with a keen focus on younger and diverse audiences.
• Advocates on behalf of the Science Desk, including attending the network’s daily afternoon news meeting on a regular basis.  
• Maintains highest-quality broadcast, text and multimedia standards. 
• Effectively coaches reporting and production staff. 
• Works with a minimum of supervision, even in complicated situations. 
• Anticipates and responds to most programming needs, breaking news and in-depth features.
• Cultivates and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. 
• Cultivates and supports an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. 
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Supervises at least four direct reports, including preparing their regular performance reviews, and making effective recommendations regarding any hiring, promotion, and discipline for these positions.

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 experience as a Reporter, Editor and/or Producer of Science or Health issues.
• 3+ y