State Department 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 looking for an experienced reporter to join its national security team, delivering agenda-setting coverage of the State Department and U.S. foreign policy.  

We are seeking a journalist who has a track record of producing consequential scoops and deeply reported enterprise about the U.S. diplomatic establishment and global affairs. A deep understanding of the architecture and modern history of American foreign policy is required. Experience in the State Department pool or reporting overseas is a plus.  

  
The ideal candidate will bring a robust source network within the State Department, the National Security Council and across Washington and foreign capitals — along with a willingness to travel, a nose for news and an ability to write with sweep and authority. This reporter will be expected to move quickly — and be the first — to break news, while juggling sharply framed analysis and feature-length enterprise.  

  
We expect this reporter to reveal new and compelling information about the shape and focus of the Trump administration’s foreign policy and major storylines such as the war in Ukraine, tensions with China over Taiwan and conflict in the Middle East.  

The national security team is looking for someone who brings mastery to their beat and can gracefully and seamlessly work with other journalists across The Post’s newsroom, displaying a competitive sensibility and a creative, collaborative eye for storytelling.   

Responsibilities    

• Break agenda-setting news about the State Department and U.S. foreign policy.  

• Deliver ambitious analysis and enterprise stories shaped by original reporting and fresh insights. 

• Develop and maintain high-level sources. 

• Travel with the secretary of state and other key officials on international trips to report on diplomatic efforts. 

Preferred Qualifications    

• A high metabolism and proven ability to report and write breaking news with speed and precision. 

• A track record of delivering exclusive news and impactful enterprise stories on a competitive beat.  

• A deep understanding of U.S. foreign policy and global politics. 

• A commitment to fair, accurate and rigorous reporting, upholding the highest standards of journalism ethics. 

  
This position is based in our Washington newsroom.  

Candidates should upload a cover letter, a 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 Feb. 16 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Acting National Editor Mike Semel, Deputy National Editor Amy Fiscus, National Security Editor Ben Pauker and Deputy National Security Editor Andrew deGrandpre.

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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