Visiting Professor & NPR Public Editor

University of Maryland; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, seeks a high‑caliber journalist to serve as Visiting Professor and NPR Public Editor. The role bridges Merrill College and NPR, with the office at Merrill College and access to NPR facilities in DC.

The position includes teaching one or two classes yearly on trust in the press, ethics, and media transparency, plus reporting and leadership responsibilities across public radio ethics standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Substantial experience as journalist and/or academic in a journalism program.
• Proven track record of journalistic excellence and ethics and personal integrity.
• Substantive knowledge of journalism ethics and experience leading ethics initiatives and/or reporting on journalism ethics issues.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills, and strong self-editing skills.
• The ability to travel as needed.
• Digital and social media proficiency and sophistication.
• A diplomatic style that engenders respect and trust.
• The ability to work with a minimum of supervision and to manage others.

Responsibilities

• Public Editor duties: write and speak about NPR’s coverage and ethics; provide independent critique; analyze journalism and report audience questions.
• Inform the public about NPR policies and practices; provide leadership across public radio on ethics and standards.
• Visit NPR Member stations nationwide and stay current on media ethics issues.
• Prepare semiannual reports for NPR’s President and CEO, and an annual update to the NPR Board; supervise two staffers.
• Teach one or two classes per year on topics like trust in the press, transparency, media ethics, or related areas; participate in governance committees.

Skills

Excellent writing

Public speaking

Journalism ethics knowledge

Digital and social media proficiency

Leadership / mentoring

Diplomatic communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

Job description

The University of Maryland, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, seeks a high‑caliber journalist to serve as Visiting Professor and NPR Public Editor. The role bridges Merrill College and NPR, with the office at Merrill College and access to NPR facilities in DC.

The position includes teaching one or two classes yearly on trust in the press, ethics, and media transparency, plus reporting and leadership responsibilities across public radio ethics standards.