Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
We're looking for an experienced editor to guide our Washington reporting, helping a growing team deliver best-in-class coverage of American politics and government.
This editor will guide the team behind the Washington Post's flagship political newsletter, the Early Brief, and help steer our Congressional coverage, balancing daily developments with deeper investigations and enterprise that set The Post apart.
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The ideal candidate will have experience managing reporters, editing their copy and positioning them for growth and success. Excellent news judgment is a must, as is a track record of producing scoops, original accountability journalism and deeply sourced explanatory reporting that addresses complex topics with authority, nuance and sensitivity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Edit the Early Brief, a political newsletter that brings readers inside politics, from the White House to Congress and beyond.
- Work with the Early Brief co-anchors to introduce readers to The Post's political report, engage our audience and build trust.
- Produce coverage that sets the agenda with scoop-driven reporting.
- Help reporters set priorities on a busy beat, identify ambitious targets and hone their craft.
- Edit stories to the highest standards. Sharpen and elevate copy on deadline while also ensuring fairness, rigor, precision and excellence in story framing.
- Make sound decisions about sourcing, story construction and other editorial matters.
- Collaborate and work collegially with the Congress editor as well as editors across the newsroom to provide the most comprehensive and visually dynamic coverage.
- Edit with the reader in mind. Publish stories when readers are interested and at appropriate lengths. Optimize stories for digital success and embrace creative storytelling to identify the most compelling formats.
- At least 5 years of professional journalism experience, including at least 2 years as an editor, and a track record of distinction.
- Experience covering major, long-running breaking news stories, pursuing accountability targets and developing creative ideas for text and other formats.
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
- Experience developing sources on a competitive beat and/or coaching reporters to do so, with a resulting track record of scoops.
- Experience covering Washington politics - especially on Capitol Hill - is a plus but is not required.
- Experience editing newsletters is a big plus.
Interested applicants should submit a r esum e and a cover letter outlining their vision for the role to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by May 25 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Managing Editor Peter Spiegel, Politics and Government Editor Lori Montgomery, Deputy Politics and Government Editor Nick Baumann and Congress Editor Emily Rauhala.
The salary range for this position is $122,500.00 - $204,100.00 USD. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.
The Washington Post's policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
- Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
- Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
- Nine paid holidays and two personal days
- 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
- Robust mental health resources
- Backup care and caregiver concierge services
- Gender affirming services
- Pet insurance
- Free Post digital subscription
- Leadership and career development programs
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
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