Brand Designer, Video

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.

Application Deadline: Please submit your application by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.

Intro to Position

This is a union-represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with DMU.

The Brand Designer (Video) creates compelling visual stories that bring the NPR brand to life.

This role develops, produces, and edits existing video assets, as well as shooting original video content that supports NPR's communications, fundraising, executive communications, recruitment, employee engagement, events, and strategic initiatives. Working closely with creative, communications and marketing colleagues, the Brand Designer (Video) helps tell the story of NPR through thoughtful, audience-centered visual storytelling, and supports the objectives of marketing campaigns.

The ideal candidate is an experienced producer with strong creative instincts, excellent technical skills, and a passion for telling authentic stories. They are equally comfortable developing a concept, interviewing subjects, directing a shoot, editing the final piece, and collaborating with colleagues across the organization to produce work that reflects the quality and integrity of the NPR brand.

Responsibilities

Lead video storytelling

• Develop original video concepts that communicate NPR's mission, impact, and institutional priorities.
• Produce videos that support fundraising, executive communications, recruitment, internal communications, events, member station engagement, and other strategic initiatives.
• Identify stories that highlight the people, partnerships, and work behind NPR's public service mission.
• Collaborate with the creative team to translate organizational priorities into compelling visual stories.
• Recommend creative approaches that strengthen audience engagement and understanding.

Manage productions from concept to completion

• Lead every stage of the production process.
• Develop concepts, scripts, interview approaches, production plans, and schedules.
• Produce and direct interviews and field productions.
• Capture high-quality video and audio in studio and on location.
• Edit, color correct, mix audio, and deliver finished content optimized for multiple platforms.
• Manage graphics, captions, music licensing, and other post-production elements.

Elevate the NPR brand through visual storytelling

• Help establish a distinctive visual style for non-editorial video that reflects NPR's values and creative standards.
• Maintain consistency in visual quality, tone, pacing, and storytelling across projects.
• Experiment with new formats and production techniques while ensuring every piece serves a clear communications objective.
• Balance creativity with accessibility and audience needs.

Manage production operations

• Plan and coordinate multiple productions simultaneously.
• Manage production schedules and logistics.
• Coordinate freelancers, vendors, talent, and production partners when needed.
• Maintain production equipment and recommend future investments.
• Organize footage and production assets to support efficient collaboration and reuse.
• Help improve production workflows and best practices across the creative team.

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 

• 3-5 years of professional video production experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing, directing, shooting, and editing high-quality video content.
• Strong portfolio showcasing documentary, institutional, branded, or mission-driven storytelling.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro and other professional editing software.
• Experience with lighting, audio recording, camera operation, and field production.
• Excellent storytelling, interviewing, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing executive communications, fundraising videos, or institutional storytelling.
• Familiarity with motion graphics, animation, photography, or drone production.
• Experience directing non-professional talent and conducting interviews.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Strong visual storytelling instincts.
• Excellent production planning and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and empathy when working with interview subjects.
• Creativity balanced with sound editorial judgment.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Adaptability and comfort working in fast-moving environments.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• A willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and technologies.
• Sound judgment and professionalism in representing NPR.

Education Requirements

• Equivalent hands-on experience, in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Work Location & Requirements

• NPR Remote-Permitted: This is a remote-permitted role. This role is based out of our Washington, D.C. office, but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves. You will have the option of working (a) remotely from a location of your choosing within the United States that is supported by NPR; (b) on-site at an NPR facility, based on the availability of desks and approval from NPR; or (c) a combination of both. Regardless of where you choose to work from, you may be expected to travel to other locations from time to time to perform the duties of your position.

Job Type

• This is a full-time, exempt position.

Compensation

Salary Range: The U.S.-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $105,311.85 - $114,518.47 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.

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

$105,311.85—$114,518.47 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 [email protected].

You may read NPR’s privacy policy  to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

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