The Washington Post

Style Politics Reporter

The Washington Post  •  $97k - $162k/yr  •  Washington, DC (Onsite)  •  2 months ago
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Job Description

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.

Join the future of news

We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post isseekinga sharp,curiousandversatilereporter to cover the people,personalitiesand cultural forces that shape Washington politics.

ThisStyle sectionrolewill focus on illuminating the people — both famous and obscure — who animate the capital. Fromthesocial circuits, group chats and digital ecosystems that define modern political life, this beat captures the mood, the moments and the meaning behind Washington’s ever-shifting cast of characters.

We’relooking for a versatile journalist who can move fluidly across story forms,settingsand political parties— navigating the halls of power as comfortably as thecocktailparties,salonsand online spaces where influence takes shape. The role will include quick-turn profiles, trend pieces, reportedfeaturesand occasional longer-form narratives

The ideal candidate is both a reporter and a storyteller — someone who can breaknews butalso interpret the undercurrents and cultural signals that define a political moment. This is a role for a writerwhoiscapable of elevatingreaders’ understanding of the intricacies and excesses of Washington in these dynamic times.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

What Motivates You:

  • You are fascinated by the personalities and cultural currents that shape politics.

  • You have aninstinct for the telling detail — and the story everyone senses buthasn’tyet articulated.

  • Youcan movebetween quick hits, smartfeaturesand deeper narrative work.

  • You’recurious about how poweroperatessocially as well as politically.

  • You bring a sense of humor and a distinctive voice to your writing.

HowYou’llSupport the Mission:

  • Cover the people and personalities shaping Washington politics, from prominent figures toemergingplayers.

  • Produce quick-turn profiles of the moment’s most talked-about figures, as well as deeper reported features.

  • Identifyand write about cultural trends, socialdynamicsand undercurrents within political life.

  • Reportoccasionallyon the role of the first lady.

  • Develop sources across political,socialand media circles.

  • Produce storytelling and analysisacross formats — from newslettersto features tosocial content.

  • Collaborate with editors, visualteamsand colleagues across the newsroom to produce distinctive storytelling.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

  • A track recordof producing compelling reporting on politics,cultureor related beats.

  • Strong writing skills with a clear,engagingand distinctive voice.

  • Demonstrated ability to move quickly on deadline while also producing ambitiousenterprise

  • Sharp news judgment and an instinct for stories that resonate with broad audiences.

  • Ability to spot emerging trends and cultural shifts.

  • Strong reporting and source-building skills.

  • A sense of humor and afeelfor tone and timing.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé, a cover letter describing your interest and experience — along with a few story ideas — and three clips (as PDFs) to ourjobsportal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Features Editor Amanda Finnegan and Deputy Features Editor Ellen McCarthy.

The salary range for this position is $97,400 - $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills,experienceand qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

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

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.

The Washington Post

About The Washington Post

The Washington Post is an award-winning news leader whose mission is to connect, inform, and enlighten local, national and global readers with trustworthy reporting, in-depth analysis and engaging opinions. The Post is as much a tech company as it is a media company, combining world-class journalism with the latest technology and tools so readers can interact with The Post anytime, anywhere. Our approach is always the same– shape ideas, redefine speed, take ownership and lead. Every employee, every project, every day.

Industry
Unknown
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Washington, DC
Year Founded
Unknown
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