Counsel – Media Law and Distribution Rights

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.

NPR seeks an attorney with 3 to 5 years of experience to work on NPR’s Media Law & Distribution Rights team and support internal clients focused on all aspects of media law, copyright (especially fair use), music licensing, contests and sweepstakes, data privacy, digital distribution, programming, sponsorship, marketing, and live events. Other desirable skills would include experience with contract drafting and negotiation. We are looking for a lawyer with superb oral and written communications skills, a commitment to client service, and solid business judgment. An ability to manage multiple projects, set and adjust priorities, work under pressure, and maintain composure and a sense of humor while doing so are musts.

Depending on the experience of the successful candidate, responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing content designed for various platforms (radio, podcast, video, text, visual, social media, etc.);
• Assisting with rights clearance, rights management, and rights-related disputes;
• Assisting with data privacy compliance matters;
• Advising legal and business colleagues on a broad range of subjects, including copyright law, digital media law, communications law, First Amendment law, privacy and data security law, marketing and agency representation, sponsorship and advertising issues, sweepstakes and promotions law, content-related FTC regulations, content-related FCC regulations, and other matters;
• Supporting regulatory compliance and advocacy efforts relating to legislative and regulatory developments, including analyzing proposed legislation and regulations, and preparing internal memoranda;
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including content-related releases, inbound and outbound content, music and other copyright licensing agreements, sponsorship agreements, media-buy agreements, live event-related agreements, and the like;
• Other media law matters as needed.

Qualifications

• D. from an accredited law school
• Preferably 3-5 years of relevant experience in the subject areas listed above; will consider candidates with up to 7 years of experience
• Bar membership in good standing in the District of Columbia, or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar
• Experience representing tax-exempt organizations is a plus

When applying, please include a resume and a cover letter.

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WORK LOCATION:

OR

This is a hybrid permitted role. The employee will be required to be onsite at our Washington, DC office at least 10 days a year. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose.

The minimum annualized salary for this position is $120,000. Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you. All applications must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.

NPR mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law and any other applicable law.

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.

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