Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Overview

The University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism is seeking an experienced journalist to join its faculty in a dual role as a Visiting Professor and as the Public Editor for National Public Radio (NPR).

This is a unique opportunity to serve two institutions whose missions are focused on journalism and journalism education. This office will be housed at Merrill College, but have access to NPR facilities, including the headquarters in DC, and the opportunity to work with more than 240 independently owned and operated Member stations across every state and territory.

Responsibilities

Public Editor

The NPR Public Editor serves as the public’s representative to NPR in matters of journalism and journalism ethics, providing a forum for audience views and reporting on behalf of the public. The Public Editor works to ensure that NPR’s journalism meets the highest editorial standards, and helps to hold NPR accountable to its values and mission. The Public Editor is critical to building and retaining the trust of the public in NPR.

The Public Editor performs duties including but not limited to:

• Writing and speaking about NPR’s news coverage and journalism ethics, aiming for several blog and/or social media posts each week
• Analyzing NPR’s journalism — the Public Editor is empowered to offer independent, informed, constructive criticism and praise of the work NPR does
• Reporting on audience questions, complaints or comments by seeking insights and answers from newsroom leaders
• Informing the public about NPR’s policies and practices
• Providing leadership across public radio on matters of journalism ethics and standards
• Visiting and connecting regularly with NPR Member stations across the country
• Staying current on media ethics issues and trends
• Preparing semiannual reports of activities for NPR’s President and CEO, and providing an annual update to the NPR Board
• Supervising two employees who support the work of the Public Editor.

This person will be part of a world-class faculty and expected to teach one or two classes per year to journalism students and/or the greater university on subjects such as trust in the press, journalistic transparency, media criticism, media law and ethics, or other related topics. They will also serve on college and university governance committees.

Other Details:

This position is a full-time, year-round position. This person's office will be at Merrill College, but travel to NPR offices in Washington and to member stations around the country as required.

This position is not eligible for tenure at the University of Maryland. This is a three-year appointment with the potential for renewal.

About NPR

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.

Organization's Summary Statement:

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, consistently ranked among the world's top journalism schools, develops journalists and media scholars with rigorous reporting, research and analytical skills, a commitment to ethics, and an appreciation for the First Amendment’s key role in a free society. Located a few miles from Washington, D.C., the college prepares students for a dynamic profession, with a faculty that includes acclaimed researchers and repeat winners of journalism’s top awards — including the Pulitzer, Peabody and Emmy awards.

Merrill College students enjoy small classes and also have access to the resources and opportunities available at one of the nation's top public research universities. Our students leave the university with strong writing and visual skills, a command of technology and a nuanced understanding of data analysis, AI and audience engagement.

The college has approximately 450 undergraduate and graduate students, and about 60 faculty and staff. The college is housed in Knight Hall, located on the UMD College Park campus. The college also runs news bureaus in Annapolis and Washington, is the home of the award-winning Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism and the Local News Network. It is also host to the national office of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Substantial experience as a journalist and/or academic in a journalism program
• A proven track record of journalistic excellence and the highest standards of professional 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.

Preferences:

• National journalism experience — experience with public media is a plus
• A master’s or other higher level degree
• Teaching and mentoring experience, which could include university-level teaching or a demonstrated track record of mentoring or running professional workshops

Required Application Materials:

• A CV or resume
• A cover letter in which you: 
  • Succinctly explain your interest in the position  
  • Explain, with specifics, how your experience and interests align with the listed responsibilities, requirements and preferred experiences 
• Links to three examples of your work, along with a brief explanation of your role in their production. 

Best Consideration Date: 11/30/2026

Posting Close Date: 12/22/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Department

Worker Sub-Type

Salary Range

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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