Manager, Inclusive Programs & Operations

Intro to Position

The Manager, Inclusive Programs & Operations is a hands-on program leader responsible for turning NPR’s diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) priorities into well-designed, successfully executed programs, learning experiences and strategic initiatives.

This role serves as a key operational partner to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, helping move high-level concepts into measurable delivery. Operating as an individual contributor, the Manager will develop project plans, establish timelines and milestones, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, manage logistics and dependencies, track budgets and deliverables, identify risks, and ensure programs are successfully launched, implemented and evaluated.

The ideal candidate does not simply generate ideas; they build the systems, frameworks and operational discipline needed to turn ideas into sustainable programs. Whether standing up a new initiative from scratch, operationalizing a multi-day convening for Member Station leaders, or designing and facilitating an inclusive leadership workshop, this role balances strong program execution with thoughtful interpersonal judgment.

Responsibilities

Program Design& Operational Execution: Own the planning and implementation of DEIA programs and strategic initiatives from concept through completion. Translate strategic priorities into detailed project plans with defined milestones, deliverables, dependencies, resource allocations and measures of success.

Strategic Initiative Management: Partner closely with the Vice President of DEI to stand up new programs and initiatives, including cross-functional and externally facing projects. Develop the operational infrastructure necessary to move initiatives from initial concept through launch, implementation and evaluation.

Cross-Functional Departmental Coordination: Coordinate work across key departments such as the People Team, Newsroom, Audience Insights, Marketing, Communications, Legal, Procurement, Finance, Member Partnership and other teams. Establish clear roles and responsibilities and maintain communication throughout the lifecycle of an initiative.

External Partnership & Program Management: Support programs involving external organizations, universities, speakers, consultants, vendors and NPR Network partners. Coordinate partner communications, schedules, deliverables, agreements, logistics and follow-up necessary for successful execution. Serve as the central point of contact and operational advisor for Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders, guiding them through charter development, strategic goal-setting, and budget reconciliation.

DEI Learning & Facilitation: Design, develop and facilitate DEI-specific learning experiences for employees, supervisors, executives and Network partners. Topics may include inclusive leadership, equitable feedback, navigating difference, psychological safety, accessibility, bias, organizational culture and other emerging workplace needs.

Convenings & Program Logistics: Operationalize large-scale programs, convenings and learning experiences by coordinating participant communications, agendas, speakers, facilities, technology, vendors, transportation, materials, registration and other logistical components.

Resource & Curriculum Development: Create practical resources, facilitator guides, trainings, toolkits, templates, and frameworks that translate DEIA principles into practices staff and leaders can apply.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Develop quantitative and qualitative measures of success for programs. Gather participant feedback, analyze outcomes, document lessons learned and recommend improvements for future iterations.

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

DEIA Program Experience: At least 5+ years of demonstrated experience designing or implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, organizational culture or employee-engagement initiatives.

Program and Project Management Experience: At least 5 years of experience developing, managing and executing complex programs, projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, timelines and deliverables.

Building Programs From the Ground Up: Demonstrated ability to take a new idea or strategic objective and build the operational structure required to launch it, including workplans, timelines, stakeholder roles, communications, logistics and evaluation.

Training Development and Facilitation: Demonstrated experience designing learning content and facilitating workshops, trainings or discussions for employees, managers or organizational leaders.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Leadership: Experience coordinating projects across multiple departments or functions, driving progress when participants do not directly report to the project lead, and managing relationships with senior leaders, employees, external partners, vendors, and community stakeholders.

Complex Event or Convening Management: Experience planning and executing large-scale convenings, programs, events or multi-session initiatives involving internal and/or external stakeholders.

Operational Problem-Solving: Strong record of identifying potential barriers, dependencies and risks and developing practical solutions before they disrupt project delivery.

Required Skills/Competencies

Operational Translation: Exceptional ability to deconstruct complex, strategic priorities into clear, sequenced operational steps and detailed project management plans.

Inclusive Coaching: Strong skill in providing constructive coaching and guiding managers on how to cultivate psychological safety within their teams.

Empathy & Candor: Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven capacity to build strong, trusted relationships across diverse groups while ensuring accountability.

Data Literacy: Comfort collecting, synthesizing, and interpreting qualitative feedback (surveys, focus groups) and quantitative metrics to continually iterate and improve programs.

Organizational Navigation: Strong capability to manage administrative processes, budget tracking, and governance guidelines within structured systems.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field, OR equivalent work experience.

Work Location & Requirements

NPR 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 weekly.

Job Type

This is a full-time, exempt position.

Compensation

Salary Range: The U.S.-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $142,500 - $158,500 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

$142,500—$158,500 USD