Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship
nationalpublicradioinc
Washington, District of Columbia, United States · Washington · United States
Posted Aug 21, 2026
- Full-time
- Hybrid
- Culture Desk - CULTU1
nationalpublicradioinc
Washington, District of Columbia, United States · Washington · United States
Posted Aug 21, 2026
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 NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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