White House Economic Policy 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 scoopy, high-energy reporter to cover White House economic policy. 

We are looking for an aggressive, versatile reporter who knows how to work sources, explain complex policy decisions for a general audience and seize opportunities to tell the big story about President Donald Trump’s transformational approach to the budget, taxes, tariffs and the U.S. economy. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to break agenda-setting stories, a familiarity with the basics of economic policy and a talent for distilling complex ideas into big-picture analysis.  

Responsibilities:  

• Seek and break news on Trump’s approach to the full array of economic policy matters – including taxes and spending, tariffs and trade, reshoring and industrial policy – as part of a larger team. 

• Cover and illuminate the role of several agencies within the White House – including the Office of Management and Budget, the National Economic Council and the Council of Economic Advisors – as well as the U.S. Treasury.  

• Find broader themes in economic policy that set the agenda and illuminate how policy changes affect taxpayers, businesses and other stakeholders.   

• Root out indications of conflict of interest in economic policy and answer the 'who profits' question as the new administration takes shape.  

• 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 policy in Washington or elsewhere, 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, especially the chief economics correspondent and the congressional economic policy reporter.  

• Experience covering economic policy is a plus but is not required.  

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

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 Apr. 4 will be prioritized. The cover letter should lay out your ideas for owning this beat and be addressed to Washington Economics Editor Mike Madden, Economics Editor Jen Liberto, Deputy Business Editor Sandhya Somashekhar and Business Editor Lori Montgomery.  

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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