Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship

nationalpublicradioinc· Culture Desk - CULTU1
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📍 Washington, District of Columbia, United States💰 USD 30+

About this role

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 NPRThis 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's Society & Culture Desk offers news, discovery and analysis of arts and culture to curious audiences on digital, radio, podcasts, social platforms and video. We also cover the many elements of culture—from television, film, music, books, the arts and the internet — to the moments when people come together for shared experiences large and small. We uplift voices and perspectives that enrich and deepen our understanding of today’s cultural conversations. We provide original reporting, insight, context and signature curation initiatives that set NPR apart as a relevant journalism and cultural institution. 

The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship was established in memory of beloved NPR Books Editor Petra Mayer, by her parents, to support fellowships with NPR’s Culture News Team.

The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellow will play a vital role in every aspect of our work, while also learning the core tenets of public service journalism, media ethics and multi-platform reporting and producing. Working alongside top professionals in the field, fellows are given real-world, hands-on responsibilities. 

The fellow will focus their term on Books We Love and the Book of the Day podcast, signature NPR products founded by Mayer. They will also assist reporters with research on critical stories, both long-term projects and breaking news. They will also learn the basics of production by researching and pulling tape, securing rights and excellent audio quality, and by learning to mix pieces featuring varied soundscapes. We will also look to our fellows for assistance in digital production, basic headline writing, creative selection of art and social media promotion.

Applications close on Monday, August 31st at 11:59 pm ET.

Responsibilities

  • Production, diversity tracking and research for Books We Love, NPR's annual interactive reading guide
  • Researching and pulling tape for reporters as well as laying up audio stories and pieces
  • Producing digital pages for our stories and reviews
  • Conducting research for critical projects

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

  • Basic research
  • Basic reporting and writing
  • Voracious appetite for books and pop culture

Preferred Skills

  • Basic radio production (ability to edit would be a bonus)
  • Intermediate level of social media proficiency
  • Strong time management 

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

Work Location & Requirements

  • Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. The employee will be required to be in the office at the Washington, D.C. location at few days a week. The employee must also reside in Washington, D.C. / Maryland / Virginia.

Application Requirements 

  • Resume 
  • Cover Letter - we encourage you to showcase your appetite for books and pop culture!

Job Type

  • This is a temporary (20-week) full time position.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $30.05 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 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.

#LI-HYBRID

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
$30.05$30.05 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship role at nationalpublicradioinc?
The listed salary for this Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship position at nationalpublicradioinc is USD 30+. This is an full-time role.
Where is the Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship position at nationalpublicradioinc located?
This Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship role at nationalpublicradioinc is based in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship at nationalpublicradioinc belong to?
This Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship position is part of the Culture Desk - CULTU1 department at nationalpublicradioinc. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship position at nationalpublicradioinc?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to nationalpublicradioinc's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship job at nationalpublicradioinc posted?
This Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship position at nationalpublicradioinc was posted on Aug 21, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship
nationalpublicradioinc · 💰 USD 30+
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