Congress 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 deeply sourced, creative and high-energy reporter to cover Congress.

We are looking for a reporter who knows how to work sources, break news, explain complex policy fights and demystify the sometimes arcane workings of Capitol Hill for a general audience. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to break agenda-setting stories and a clear sense of how to tell stories about Congress that will resonate beyond insider audiences. We seek someone who can illuminate the characters and conflicts of national politics and who can deploy seriousness or wit as the story requires. 

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with The Post’s growing Congress team to make what happens on Capitol Hill — and how it affects people across the country and around the world — interesting and accessible for a general audience.

• Seek and break news on members of Congress.

• Develop and maintain key Capitol Hill sources: members of Congress, their aides, the activists and lobbyists who seek to influence them, and their constituents.

• Cover policy fights on Capitol Hill. Assess and illuminate how those fights affect Americans.

• Track the relationship between Congress and other major centers of political power, including the White House and the Judiciary. 

• Root out indications of conflicts of interest, misconduct, or corruption, and hold those who abuse their power accountable. 

• Rigorously adhere to the highest ethical standards in preparing reports that give all involved a fair hearing and a chance to comment. 

• Think creatively about the best format to tell your stories, collaborating with data reporters, designers, photo editors and the video team to make your reports impactful and resonant. 

Preferred qualifications:

• At least five years' experience covering Congress or another legislature, with a track record of breaking impactful stories. 

• Demonstrated ability to work fast and write clearly on deadline. 

• An eagerness to collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom in a competitive environment.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Mar. 19 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Congress Editor Emily Rauhala, Politics Editor Nick Baumann, Interim National Editor Mike Semel and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.

The salary range for this position is: $122,500.00 - $204,100.00. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

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

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

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