Style Politics and Culture 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.

Join the future of news

We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning News and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is looking for a sharp, collaborative, versatile editor to lead Style's coverage of the intersection of power and culture.

This editor will oversee reporters who chronicle the people and forces driving Washington as well as the cultural conversations animating our group chats. From social circuits to campaign events and the digital ecosystems that define modern political life, this coverage captures the mood, moments and meaning behind D.C.’s ever-shifting locus of power.

In addition to politics, this editor will also work closely with reporters and columnists who capture broader trends across media, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle.

We’re looking for someone with an eye for the absurd, a knack for the weird and a sixth sense for stories that transcend political gamesmanship to resonate with readers around the U.S. and beyond. The ideal candidate is just as comfortable editing a profile on a presidential hopeful as they are in shaping a short piece on the newest hangout for Hill staffers. This editor will sharpen our coverage to elevate readers’ understanding of the intricacies and excesses of Washington.

We need an editor who can deftly move between quick-turn stories and longform features, helping reporters hone their voices and craft pieces that leave readers laughing, thinking or crying – ultimately understanding something new about politics, society and themselves.

The role sits within the Features department and is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

What Motivates You:

• You are driven to shape coverage that captures the cultural forces defining this political moment.
• You love a story with voice, humor and stylish writing.
• You enjoy developing reporters and helping them produce ambitious, distinctive work.
• You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom and are energized by both quick hits and long-form storytelling.
• You value collaboration and are eager to work across desks to elevate coverage.

How You’ll Support the Mission:

• Lead and manage reporters who cover politics, culture and trends.
• Shape quick-turn profiles of the moment’s most talked-about figures, as well as deeper reported features.
• Set editorial priorities and shape coverage that drives conversation and delivers insightful analysis and narrative storytelling.
• Edit stories and columns across multiple formats — from enterprise and features to quick sceners and newsletters.
• Collaborate with editors and reporters across desks to produce comprehensive, cross-disciplinary coverage.
• Work with visual journalists and audience teams to present stories in compelling and innovative ways.
• Monitor audience trends and performance data to inform coverage strategy and maximize reach.
• Help foster a collaborative, creative and high-performing team culture.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

• A track record of editing high-impact journalism on culture, politics or related beats.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing reporters in a competitive newsroom.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and the ability to shape stories for clarity and resonance.
• Experience guiding both live coverage and longer-form enterprise or narrative work.
• A deep interest in politics and power, as well as how they intersect with culture.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé and a cover letter toour jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Oct. 19 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Features Editor Ellen McCarthy and Features Editor Amanda Finnegan.

The salary range for this position is $122,500 - $204,100. 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 Post recruiter will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

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.