Campaigns Reporter

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

The Washington Post is seeking a nimble and versatile reporter to cover the 2022 midterm elections and 2024 presidential campaign for the National politics team. This is a challenging beat that demands a journalist who can develop sources and break news, and who looks for the opportunity to deliver reporting and storytelling to audiences in real time via social channels.

This reporter should bring a strong track record of covering national politics. This role requires the ability to write with authority and expertise, in a tone that's accessible and conversational, about the currents shaping the electoral landscape. This reporter must be able to move quickly to cover breaking news, write with clarity on deadline and travel on short notice.

The ideal candidate will have a quick metabolism and competitive drive, as well as the ability to spot trends early and bring deep reporting and smart context to fast-developing stories. This person will be part of a team of four journalists The Post is hiring as we seek to better serve the next generation of Post readers and subscribers heading into the midterm elections. This reporter will report to the Campaigns editor.

Key responsibilities

· Pitch, source and report stories on a nearly daily cadence around the midterm and 2024 presidential elections;

· Relate reporting via photo and video on off-platform channels;

· Write with clarity and speed for our increasingly mobile- and social-first audience;

· Pitch thoughtful, well-positioned stories built with visual reporting that help our audience understand the positions of candidates and implications of electoral contests;

· Develop an off-platform audience on both official and personal accounts around political reporting;

· Contribute to text and live updating files;

· Bring an existing social audience and a willingness to experiment.

Skills and experience required

· At least four years of experience covering campaigns and elections. Experience covering a national campaign preferred;

· A proven track record of success in sourcing, reporting and publishing political journalism;

· A developed voice and audience on social media;

· A demonstrated ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines;

· A willingness to experiment, particularly around new story forms and platforms.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé, a cover letter outlining the experience they would bring to the position and three work samples (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. All application materials can be uploaded to the same field. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 07/15/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Politics Editor Sean Sullivan, Senior Politics Editor Dan Eggen, Deputy National Editor Philip Rucker, National Editor Matea Gold and Next Generation Senior Editor Phoebe Connelly.

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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