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.

Intro To Position 

The Senior Manager of Career Development & Learning will lead and execute an integrated learning and development strategy across NPR and NPM. This role will collaborate with others to cultivate and maintain a learning environment that increases employee engagement and aligns with NPR’s goals and strategic priorities. 

Responsibilities 

Within the first six months: 

• Oversee Performance Management – Lead NPR’s performance management process, including supporting the launch of org-wide OKRs and goal setting, mid-year check-ins, and year-end reviews, ensuring alignment with total rewards, promotions, and core values. 
• Develop Leadership Competency Framework – Partner with the People Leadership Team to establish a new leadership competency framework that serves as the foundation for all People Team functions, programs, and initiatives. 
• Enhance Supervisor Training & Resources – Oversee the design and implementation of a new supervisor training program and handbook to equip leaders with the tools needed to support and develop their teams effectively. 
• Lead Internal Communication on Learning Initiatives – Manage and oversee the quarterly People Team newsletter to communicate key learning and development updates across the organization. 

Within the first and second year: 

• Develop Career Pathing & Skills Development Strategy – Establish career pathing frameworks and foundational skills development initiatives to help employees grow within the organization. 
• Facilitate Individual Career Development Planning – Create and implement an individual career development plan template, partnering with People Partners, supervisors, and NPR Leadership to align career development efforts with succession planning and organizational priorities. 

Ongoing responsibilities: 

• Lead Employee Development Programs – Design and implement innovative training and professional development initiatives in collaboration with stakeholders across NPR. Identify, research, and coordinate internal and external trainers to deliver development programs that align with organizational priorities and workforce needs. 
• Advance Employee Engagement & Insights – Work with the People Leadership Team and other key stakeholders to support employee engagement efforts, implement pulse surveys, and analyze data to enhance People Team programs and initiatives. 
• Leverage External Learning Resources – Source and manage relationships with external training vendors, career development experts, and other learning resources to expand skills development opportunities for NPR and NPM staff. 
• Manage Succession Planning – Maintain and oversee the organization’s strategic succession planning process, working with senior leadership and People Partners to identify critical roles, high-potential employees, and future leaders. Develop talent review methodologies and ensure readiness for key leadership transitions. 
• Support Workforce Planning – Partner with the People Partner Team, NPR Leadership, and supervisors to assess and develop workforce planning strategies that meet the evolving needs of the media industry. 
• Oversee the Internship Program – Provide strategic guidance and support for managing the org-wide internship program. They will support their direct report in managing daily operations, fostering a positive intern experience, and maintaining program effectiveness. 
• Manage E-Learning & Learning Technology – Oversee and promote the organization’s e-learning platforms, including LinkedIn Learning, Emtrain, relevant HRIS modules, and the Learning Management System (LMS). 
• Budget & Resource Management – Manage the Career Development & Learning (CD&L) budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support learning and development initiatives. 
• Supervise & Develop Team Members – Lead and mentor two direct reports, conducting regular performance reviews and providing coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities. Oversee hiring, promotions, and performance management for these roles. 

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 

• 6+ years of experience in learning and development, instructional design, or organizational development, including experience leading or managing teams. 
• Proven ability to design, implement, and assess training programs that drive measurable impact. 
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences. 
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning tools. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment. 
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Certification in instructional design, facilitation, coaching, or project management (e.g., CPLP, ATD, SHRM, Prosci) 
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, change management, and talent development strategies 
• Previous experience with Lattice, UKG, Linkedin Learning, Emtrain 

Education Requirement 

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, education, human resources or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Work Location 

• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role include duties that are better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be onsite at the Washington, DC office, at least two days per week. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite 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 $140,000 – $160,000 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. 

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.  

This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. If you’re passionate about identifying and developing the skills of our public media professionals, we’d love to hear from you! 

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

$140,000 – $160,000 USD

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.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

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