ACPR State Manager

OVERVIEWA 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 and Instructions:Please submit your resume and cover letter by 5:00 pm EST October 9th, 2026Please answer the following prompt in your cover letter:Tell us about something that you have worked on or helped to create from generating 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.ResponsibilitiesAct as the primary project manager for targeted state grassroots campaigns supporting public radio stations; coordinates with the ACPR Advocacy Director to serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for specified states/territories to align state advocacy capacity.Work in coordination with the ACPR Sr. Manager for Communications & Engagement to support grassroots mobilizations and messaging through digital content, partner updates and other forms of communication. Closely coordinate with public radio stations to create tailored state advocacy plans, draft model legislation, and prepare supporting materials like one-pagers and formal testimonies or organize advocacy days.Monitor state legislative and regulatory activity, including budget debates, hearings, and regulatory meetings, related to public radio across assigned regions and specific subject areas.Translate complex state policy impacts and fiscal budgets into clear, plain-language summaries, policy briefs, and talking points for clients or coalition partners.Plan, prepare, and staff tours or advocacy visits with state legislative and administrative offices, including identifying key targets and compiling briefing packets.Build and maintain relationships with state-level associations, grasstops stakeholders, and other national-level stakeholders that engage on state policy relevant to public radio. 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 of experience in nonpartisan advocacy, state and local government, campaigns or some combination thereofExperience in a government affairs or advocacy role, preferably at a membership organization or trade association working across multiple states and/or stakeholder groupsExperience producing communications and/or campaign deliverables Demonstrable experience educating bipartisan lawmakersAwareness of the local media landscapeProficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google suite productsPreferred QualificationsExisting professional network in the field of state and local advocacy, research and/or policy developmentExisting expertise in media, journalism and/or local cultural institutions Experience working on nonpartisan state and local campaign initiativesRequired Skills/CompetenciesAbility to write clearly for a variety of audiences including public radio leaders, public officials, stakeholders and the general publicExcellent administrative skills and project managementWillingness to work collaboratively with an evolving teamEnthusiasm for the mission of public radioEducation RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications or a related field, or equivalent work experienceWork Location & RequirementsHybrid 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 year. The employee must also reside in an NPR-supported location based on the number of on-site days they choose.Job TypeThis is a full-time, exempt position.CompensationSalary Range: The U.S.-based anticipated salary range for this opportunity is $115,000 - $125,000 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.#LI-HYBRIDThe 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$115,000—$125,000 USDNPR 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 View email address on click.appcast.io may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.Want more NPR? 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