White House 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 rigorous and versatile journalist with a proven ability to break news and a sophisticated understanding of politics and government to serve as a White House reporter. 
 

This reporter will join a team covering the president and his administration, delivering a steady cadence of news scoops, smart analysis and enterprise stories across a wide range of topics. This is a high-profile and demanding assignment at the heart of The Post’s news mission. We expect this reporter to chronicle the presidency and illuminate the inner workings of the White House, tracking the president’s decisions and actions, revealing behind-the-scenes debates and exploring the political and real-world consequences. 
 

The ideal candidate will be a deft reporter and a fast, clean writer who is well versed in the way Washington works and in the political story. We are looking for a reporter with a strong track record of cultivating sources and of owning a competitive beat by delivering original, agenda-setting reporting. We expect this reporter to balance the White House beat’s intense news demands with enterprise work, publishing stories in a timely manner to meet reader needs. This beat requires teamwork, and a commitment to collaboration with other reporters is essential. 
 

Responsibilities 

• Break news about the president and his administration.

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

• Develop and maintain high-level sources.

• Report and write as urgent news and events require, including early versions of stories at times.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A high metabolism and a 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 politics and the federal government.

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

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to ourjobs 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 be addressed to White House Editor Amy Gardner, Politics Editor Nick Baumann, Senior Editor for National News and Strategy Rachel Van Dongen and Interim National Editor Mike Semel.

The salary range for this position is: $137,300.00 — $228,900.00. 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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