Political Reporter, Style
- Employer
- The Washington Post
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Posted
- Nov 09, 2022
- Closes
- Mar 01, 2023
- Ref
- JR-90274114
- Industry
- Media / Journalism / Advertising
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
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 has an opening for a political reporter to cover the people both famous and obscure who shape Washington politics, helping readers understand influential figures anew and introducing them to the ones everyone will be talking about next.
We're looking for a versatile reporter who can navigate both the halls of power and the wider social geography of Washington's political class: the parties, the salons and the digital cafeteria. Some assignments will call for traveling to political hotspots outside Washington and helping readers wrap their heads around the larger forces that explain what's happening here in the capital. Others will involve covering the White House's East Wing and first lady Jill Biden; reporting out mini-trends and funny observations in an enterprising way (When did candidates start talking like campaign strategists ? What was with all the random-uncle energy in the 2020 presidential race?); and turning around quick, smart profiles of whoever has become Washington's main character on any given week.
The ideal candidate will be able to both break news and articulate the deeper meaning of people, places and events that are tumbling around in the news cycle. They will be comfortable doing so in different story forms, from 75-word newsletter items to 600-word spot features reported on deadline to 3,000-word profiles that dig deep beneath the surface. They will have a sharp eye for the telling detail, a nose for the odd thing that everybody smells but nobody's talking about (yet), and a sixth sense for vibes and undercurrents. A sense of humor is a plus.
Above all, we're looking for an elegant writer who can elevate our readers' understanding of the intricacies and excesses of Washington in these strange and chaotic times.
This opening is based in our Washington newsroom. Interested applicants should send a résumé, a cover letter describing your interest and experience with a few story ideas, and three clips (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 11/21/2022 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Executive Features Editor Ben Williams, Deputy Features Editor Mitch Rubin, Senior Editor for Style Hank Stuever and Assignment Editor Steve Kolowich.
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
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.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
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 has an opening for a political reporter to cover the people both famous and obscure who shape Washington politics, helping readers understand influential figures anew and introducing them to the ones everyone will be talking about next.
We're looking for a versatile reporter who can navigate both the halls of power and the wider social geography of Washington's political class: the parties, the salons and the digital cafeteria. Some assignments will call for traveling to political hotspots outside Washington and helping readers wrap their heads around the larger forces that explain what's happening here in the capital. Others will involve covering the White House's East Wing and first lady Jill Biden; reporting out mini-trends and funny observations in an enterprising way (When did candidates start talking like campaign strategists ? What was with all the random-uncle energy in the 2020 presidential race?); and turning around quick, smart profiles of whoever has become Washington's main character on any given week.
The ideal candidate will be able to both break news and articulate the deeper meaning of people, places and events that are tumbling around in the news cycle. They will be comfortable doing so in different story forms, from 75-word newsletter items to 600-word spot features reported on deadline to 3,000-word profiles that dig deep beneath the surface. They will have a sharp eye for the telling detail, a nose for the odd thing that everybody smells but nobody's talking about (yet), and a sixth sense for vibes and undercurrents. A sense of humor is a plus.
Above all, we're looking for an elegant writer who can elevate our readers' understanding of the intricacies and excesses of Washington in these strange and chaotic times.
This opening is based in our Washington newsroom. Interested applicants should send a résumé, a cover letter describing your interest and experience with a few story ideas, and three clips (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 11/21/2022 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Executive Features Editor Ben Williams, Deputy Features Editor Mitch Rubin, Senior Editor for Style Hank Stuever and Assignment Editor Steve Kolowich.
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
Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
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.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife