Wellness 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 is seeking a creative and entrepreneurial editor to lead a talented team of staff journalists and freelancers focused on personal health and wellness coverage. This role requires an experienced journalist with a track record of elevating consumer-focused stories and a deep understanding of what audiences are looking for as they seek to make decisions about their lives. The ideal candidate will understand both opportunities for The Post’s website and ways of telling stories and building audiences off-platform, with a range of formats and tools. This role will also involve editing a variety of stories about personal health and wellness, including spot news, weekly columns, features and enterprise stories.

Well+ Being provides science-based service journalism that leads the daily conversation across a range of personal health topics, including fitness, nutrition, disability, mental health, relationships and more. We are looking for candidates who are experienced editors with a passion for informing readers and a history of creating supportive environments for talented staff to do their best work.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a coverage strategy which produces science-based service journalism that engages current subscribers and attracts new readers on and off-platform. 

• Supervise a team of staff journalists and freelancers while creating a strong and supportive culture that furthers development and achievement. 

• Work closely with teams across The Post, including Health and Science, Lifestyle, Food, Video, Audio, Graphics, Photo, Newsletters and Audience, to mobilize cross-departmental collaborations around consequential story targets.

• Collaborate with Post leadership to grow the reach and relevance of Well + Being, working with colleagues across the company. 

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of experience as a personal health, health and science or lifestyle editor. 

• Deep passion for service journalism and personal health and wellness coverage. 

• Experience working with editors and reporters to produce first class journalism utilizing a range of storytelling forms, including visually led approaches.

• Strong communication and organizational skills. 

• 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 Nov. 17 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Managing Editor Krissah Thompson. 

The salary range for this position is: $161,100 - $230,200. The actual 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.

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

#washpostlife