Job Description
The Washington Post is seeking an experienced, mission-driven, and technically visionary Vice President of Engineering (VPE) to lead the evolution of our core technology platforms and infrastructure. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer and serving on their leadership team, the VPE will oversee high-impact areas including Advertising Technology, Personalization, and our Engineering Incubator. This role requires a builder's mindset, operational excellence, and the ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams in creating scalable, future-facing technology solutions.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insight, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and a commitment to building inclusive, customer-centric systems. The VPE will work in close partnership with peers in Product, Design, Revenue, and News to ensure our platforms are resilient, innovative, and aligned with our broader mission and goals.
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Why This Role Matters
This is a systems-defining role. The Washington Post is undergoing a bold transformation, and our ability to serve readers, reach new audiences, and sustain our journalism depends on the reliability, intelligence, and adaptability of our engineering platforms. The Vice President of Engineering will have a unique opportunity to:
- Lead foundational engineering efforts that powers trusted journalism and ethical advertising.
- Champion innovation through a dedicated incubator focused on emerging technologies and future needs.
- Shape the personalization systems that deepen engagement and relevance.
- Scale modern engineering practices across teams with a focus on excellence, inclusion, and accountability.
- Partner across functions to deliver elegant, durable, and impactful solutions that reflect The Post's values.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the engineering strategy for our advertising platforms, ensuring performance, scalability, and integrity across ad serving, targeting, measurement, and reporting.
- Oversee and establish the Engineering Incubator, including defining its mission, setting criteria for project selection, and guiding early-stage explorations into emerging technologies.
- Deliver personalization capabilities that enhance user experiences across platforms, leveraging machine learning, data infrastructure, and experimentation at scale.
- Establish and implement engineering best practices across architecture, development, testing, deployment, and operations-grounded in reliability, security, and accessibility.
- Hire, mentor, and develop a diverse team of engineering leaders and contributors, fostering an inclusive and high-accountability culture focused on impact and growth.
- Manage budgets and allocate resources strategically to ensure that engineering investments are aligned with company priorities and deliver measurable results.
- Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to align technical execution with product vision, design principles, newsroom needs, and revenue objectives.
- Represent the Engineering organization in executive discussions, industry events, and strategic partnerships, contributing thought leadership internally and externally.
- Monitor and report on technical KPIs, including platform performance, delivery speed, system reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities in the technology landscape and integrate relevant advances into the organization's infrastructure and approach.
- Proven experience as both a "0 to 1" builder and a "1 to scale" operator of complex software systems and platforms.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field-or equivalent practical experience.
- 10+ years of experience in software engineering, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles managing multiple engineering teams.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in at least one of the following domains: advertising technology, incubation/new ventures, or large-scale personalization.
- Deep knowledge of cloud computing, system architecture, data engineering, and applied machine learning.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and influence executive peers.
- Experience in high-growth or transformation-stage organizations where engineering directly supports business innovation.
- Commitment to DEIA principles in hiring, leadership, and user impact.
- Background in digital media, technology, or journalism organizations.
- Experience working with experimentation platforms and data science teams.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and continuous delivery practices.
- Ability to translate technical strategy into organizational change and measurable results.
The Washington Post connects Washington to the world, and the world to Washington. Through vital news, ideas, and insight, our award-winning newsroom is driven by innovation and motivated by our mission to find and deliver the best storytelling, in the best ways-where, how, and when people want it. Our approach is always the same: shape ideas, redefine speed, take ownership, and lead. Every employee, every project, every day.
Location
This position is based in New York City, with regular travel expected to Washington, D.C. headquarters.
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 salary range for this position is:
256,200.00 - 427,000.00 USD Annual
The actual 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 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.
The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?
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