Visiting Professor & NPR Public Editor (Ethics)

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

Job summary

The University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism seeks an experienced journalist to join as a Visiting Professor and Public Editor for NPR, housed at Merrill College with access to NPR facilities in DC and nationwide member stations.

The role blends teaching, leadership, and public accountability, mentoring students and guiding ethics discussions while coordinating with NPR and its stations. This fixed-term appointment includes travel and supervision of two staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Substantial experience as a journalist and/or academic in journalism.
• Proven journalistic excellence and ethics.
• Experience leading ethics initiatives and reporting on ethics issues.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Digital and social media proficiency.
• Diplomatic style earning trust.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage others.

Responsibilities

• Public Editor duties: write about NPR news coverage and ethics; provide independent critique and praise.
• Report on audience questions by seeking newsroom insights.
• Inform the public about NPR policies and practices; provide leadership on ethics standards across public radio.
• Visit and connect with NPR Member stations; stay current on media ethics issues.
• Teach one or two classes per year on trust in the press, transparency, and ethics; serve on governance committees.

Skills

Journalism

Ethics

Public speaking

Teaching

Travel

Digital and social media

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism seeks an experienced journalist to join as a Visiting Professor and Public Editor for NPR, housed at Merrill College with access to NPR facilities in DC and nationwide member stations.

The role blends teaching, leadership, and public accountability, mentoring students and guiding ethics discussions while coordinating with NPR and its stations. This fixed-term appointment includes travel and supervision of two staff.