National Editor

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 seeks an exceptional, seasoned and knowledgeable editor to lead a rebooted and elevated National team tasked with writing stories about significant national issues, trends and personalities that reflect news, carry national resonance and shed light on current and future issues facing the United States.

Our mission is to serve all Americans, so this coverage area must provide essential storytelling to understand America as a nation, with engaging stories about the complexities, tensions, individuals, and trends defining and dividing the country. This department will deepen our audiences’ understanding of education, social issues, personal freedom, the American dream, immigration, Latino America, religion, demographics, families, criminal justice, drugs and other vices, guns and urban and rural America. The work must speak to Americans of all views and perspectives, with a steady stream of distinct, original stories.

The role requires someone with deep knowledge and understanding of the national landscape and the many different regions, backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs and concerns of Americans. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of newsy, ambitious and insightful stories around the U.S., a flair for spotting trends and issues as they emerge, an ability as a writer and editor to bring dry policy to life and to share deep human stories, a fair-minded understanding of the wide differences of Americans and a fundamentally empathetic ability to explain and explore those gaps and different perspectives. The editor must be able to marshal resources and plan coverage around major breaking news events with national importance. The ability to oversee ambitious investigative journalism and features, including truly gripping narratives, also is important, as is judgment and a wide lens to know which local news events rise to national coverage. Deep understanding of the creative use of integrated visual journalism is a must. The ideal candidate also is a skilled manager with experience developing talent and creating a rigorous, supportive, and inclusive work environment, who can oversee teams and work across the newsroom with peers and other departments.

At a time of reinvention at The Post, understanding of audience data and the use of applied data in editorial decision-making, as well as the product formats, digital innovations and trends in evolving storytelling, is a requirement. Insights into how to make local and regional issues directly relevant and accessible to a wide array of readers and viewers of all backgrounds is important. We seek an editor driven by a spirit of collaboration who excels at fostering a shared sense of purpose and working in partnership across the newsroom. 

Responsibilities: 

• Help develop and execute a coverage strategy which produces high-profile, consequential storylines by guiding reporting and editing across the team. 

• Supervise and manage a large team of editors and reporters to produce first-class journalism utilizing a range of storytelling forms, including visually led approaches. Many of the reporters will be located outside the D.C. office.

• Produce a steady stream of stories that contribute to central coverage pillar at The Post.

• As necessary, rethink teams and beats as the story evolves.

• Work closely with the Data & Analytics Team and News Hub to ensure proper story targets, presentation and publishing.

• Work closely with teams across The Post, including Politics & Government, Business, Science and Technology, Data, Investigative, Local, Video, Audio, Graphics, Photo, and Audience, to mobilize cross-departmental collaborations around consequential story targets. 

• Create a strong and supportive work culture that furthers staff development and achievement. Foster clear communication about expectations, mission and growth and manage a wide range of staffers.  

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:  

• Ten years or more of editing experience, with some experience editing stories about the U.S. and in the issues described above or other relevant lines of coverage.

• Sharp news instincts and a sophisticated understanding of the issues defining American life today, across the spectrum, including local issues with national resonance.

• Familiarity with a wide array of story platforms and formats, as well as knowledge of how to read and apply user data and metrics.

• The ability to bring clarity and insight to deeply complex subjects. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large staff with clarity and empathy.

• Skilled communicator who can lay out a galvanizing mission for the department.

• Prior experience managing a desk, including personnel and budgets, is preferred. 

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

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and a cover letter outlining their vision for the role to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Mar. 23 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Managing Editor Peter Spiegel and Executive Editor Matt Murray.

The salary range for this position is: $161,100.00 — $299,300.00 USD. The actual starting 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 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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