Assignment Desk Researcher

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

The NBC News Washington Bureau is looking for a highly motivated Researcher with a passion for news on all platforms (broadcast, digital, and mobile). In this position, you will work directly with the Washington Assignment Desk Managers, producers, senior producers,  and correspondents.  The Assignment Desk Researcher will collaborate with other desk editors to execute NBC News coverage in Washington and the surrounding region across all platforms including Nightly News,  The Today Show, NBC News Now, and NBCNews.com.  This Researcher will rotate through the roles of Assignment Desk Editor and collaborate with assignment editors, producers, senior producers, and correspondents to help pitch, write and produce news content for broadcast and the web.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in breaking news & on-going story coverage through internet research and phone calls
• Utilize a variety of research platforms to support  newsgathering
• Help monitor social media sites, affiliates, & the web often and as needed
• Assist the newsgathering team with phone inquiries, data entry and other requests
• Other responsibilities may change depending on breaking news and scheduling
• Monitor competitive broadcasts, cable and digital platforms
• Ensure coverage of breaking news, scheduled events, pooled events, highly produced interviews, field anchoring and other production needs
• Monitor and react to breaking news, stay focused in high pressure situations and multitask
• Collaborate with Senior Managers of all platforms on planning and execution of weekday and weekend coverage
• Communicate clearly with talent, producers, field crews, managers of all the platforms and counterparts in DC, New York, LA, Miami, Chicago, and London.
• Gather and research story ideas, develop sources, gather accurate information from multiple agencies, assign producers and work with NY crew desk to assign crews
• Process and analyze a large volume of information, determine what is most important and newsworthy and then communicate essential details
• Assist with full scope of production including research, booking, pre-interviewing
• Digital journalism including shooting video and stills, and editing skills are required
• Write and produce segments, broadcast and online stories and produce live shots
• Gather visual elements and assist with editing for segment production

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, communications or related field or equivalent experience
• 3 years’ experience (with a minimum of 1 year on an assignment desk) at a network or large market television station.
• Must be willing to work in Washington D.C.
• Must be 18 years or greater
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, holidays
• Ability to perform under tight time deadlines
• Self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills
• Must possess the ability to problem solve, prioritize decisions and act decisively under tight deadlines
• Must be able to work effectively with others in a team environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Desired Characteristics:

• Familiarity with the Washington, DC Pool system
• Excellent story development, logistics and follow-up skills
• Working knowledge of the Washington, DC metro area is preferred
• Proficiency with the iNews computer system and ability to learn NBC Newsconnect
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task under pressure, meet deadlines, process information, and make decisions quickly.

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, which currently requires contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Beginning January 5, 2026, hybrid employees will be required to work from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $58,490

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].