ACPR Federal Manager
Application Deadline and Instructions:
Please submit your resume and cover letter by 5:00 pm EST October 9th, 2026
Please answer the following prompt in your cover letter:
Tell us about a policy or program that you played a role in changing, developing or creating from the original idea to the execution. Please include what you learned from that experience.
Under NPR’s Employee Code of Conduct, this employee will be considered an “Outward-Facing Employee”, and as such should (i) avoid public participation in political and partisan activities in order to protect NPR’s reputation and its ability to pursue its mission; and (ii) refrain from public statements or actions that might call into question NPR’s commitment to accuracy and fairness.
Responsibilities
Build and maintain a sophisticated political network across Capitol Hill and federal agencies, serving as a registered lobbyist; manage LDA compliance activities pertaining to ACPR.
Proactively manage a dynamic advocacy strategy for ACPR federal initiatives in support of public radio stations.
Track, analyze, and brief internal leadership on legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting ACPR’s federal strategy.
Design and execute proactive engagement plans, including policy briefings, staff delegations, and advocacy days that support public radio station relationships with Capitol Hill.
Regularly meet with Hill staff, including all Committees relevant to public radio, to educate them, utilizing all available communications means to keep them informed on relevant public radio updates.
Conduct in-depth research on Members of Congress and executive branch officials to develop effective political and advocacy strategies.
Research and track upcoming congressional hearings, monitor administrative policy announcements, and distribute notes to internal teams and coalition partners.
Partner with the ACPR Sr. Manager for Communications & Engagement to develop and transmit ACPR advocacy materials, including hill blasts, factsheets, testimony, and blog posts.
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
5-7 years experience in a government affairs or advocacy role
Time spent working in Congress with an emphasis on the House of Representatives, or working on agriculture or Farm Bill issues
Existing professional networks on the Hill, with an emphasis on the House of Representatives
Experience navigating the federal appropriations process
Experience with nonpartisan advocacy initiatives
Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google suite products
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrable experience creating new programs, championing appropriations on behalf of a member organization and/or trade association, and/or establishing or adapting appropriations
Awareness of local media ecosystems, emergency communications networks, rural development, and/or local cultural institutions
Required Skills/Competencies
Ability to communicate clearly to a variety of audiences including public radio leaders, public officials, stakeholders and the general public
Experience working with bipartisan lawmakers and a commitment to working in a nonpartisan environment
Willingness to work collaboratively with an evolving team
Enthusiasm for the mission of public radio
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications or a related field, or equivalent work experience
Work Location & Requirements
Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role require duties better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be in the office at the Washington, D.C. location at least 3 days a week- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The employee must also reside in an NPR-supported location based on the number of on-site days they choose.
Job Type
This is a full-time, exempt position.
Compensation
Salary Range: The U.S.-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $132,000 - $139,000 plus benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
NPR Benefits: NPR provides 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.
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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
$132,000—$139,000 USD