Congress 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.

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.

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 Newsroom 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.

The Washington Post is seeking a rigorous, dynamic editor to lead our coverage of Congress, guiding journalism that breaks news, holds lawmakers to account and helps readers understand one of the most consequential political stories in the country.

We expect this editor to balance spot developments with deeper coverage and to help reporters conceive compelling stories that set The Post apart on a highly competitive beat. Candidates should have strong news judgment and a track record of editing breaking news on deadline as well as delivering high-impact stories that address complex topics with authority, nuance, clarity and sensitivity. 

This role reports to our Deputy Editor, Politics and Government.

• You believe deeply in the journalistic mission of The Washington Post. 

• You're energized by setting and leading agenda-setting storytelling of the political forces driving Congress and its potential impact on Americans.

• You're excited to experiment with a variety of storytelling formats. 

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires constant collaboration as part of a team.

• Drive coverage that sets the agenda with scoop-driven reporting that clearly explains policy and political implications and reveals how lawmakers wield power.

• Manage a team of reporters and help them set priorities on a busy beat, identify ambitious targets and hone their craft.

• Edit stories – sharpening and elevating copy on deadline – to the highest standards, while also ensuring fairness, rigor, precision and excellence in story framing.

• Make sound decisions about sourcing, story construction and other editorial matters.

• Collaborate and work collegially with editors and reporters on a large politics staff, colleagues on the Business desk who cover economic policy, and other teams across the newsroom to provide the most comprehensive and visually dynamic coverage.

• Edit with the reader in mind. Publish stories when readers are interested and at appropriate lengths. Optimize stories for digital success and embrace creative storytelling to identify the most compelling formats.

• At least 10 years of professional journalism experience and a track record of editing and/or reporting with distinction. Experience with U.S. political news is essential.

• Experience covering major, long-running breaking news stories, pursuing accountability targets and developing creative ideas for text and other formats.

• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

• A vision for coverage of Congress that has impact and distinction.

• Supervisory experience is a plus but not strictly required. 

This position is based in our Washington newsroom. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their vision for the role to our jobs portal. All application materials can be uploaded to the same field. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by October 16 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Politics and Government Editor Lori Montgomery and Deputy Politics and Government Editor Nick Baumann.
 

The salary range for this position is: $154,000 — $256,600.

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.

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.