Early Brief Co-Anchor

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 an ambitious and versatile journalist with a proven ability to break news and a sophisticated understanding of politics and government to write and report our flagship politics newsletter, the Early Brief. 

This reporter will inform and enlighten one of The Post's biggest audiences of daily readers about the most important political news of the day through scoops, insightful analysis and enterprise reporting. This is a high-profile and demanding assignment, and we are looking for a self-starter who can generate ideas, switch course agilely when the news demands it and write with authority about the White House, the Capitol, the campaign trail and other places where political news emerges.  

We expect this reporter to work with the rest of the Early Brief team to create a newsletter that is both essential and accessible. The ideal candidate will be a deft reporter and a fast, clean writer who is well-versed in the way Washington and politics work. We are looking for someone with sharp analytical skills and a strong track record of delivering original, agenda-setting reporting. This job requires teamwork, and a commitment to collaboration with other reporters is essential. 

This position is based in our Washington newsroom. 

Responsibilities: 

• Report, write, and shape the direction of the Early Brief, in collaboration with other reporters and editors. 

• Deliver ambitious newsletters that break political news, offer sharp analysis and original enterprise. 

• Develop and maintain high-level sources across the political spectrum and in different parts of government. 

• Write clearly and concisely in a newsletter format. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A high metabolism and a proven ability to write a reporting-driven, politics-focused newsletter. 

• A track record of delivering exclusive news and impactful enterprise stories on a competitive beat. 

• Experience covering and 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 our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Jan. 29 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to National Editor Philip Rucker, Deputy National Editor Amy Fiscus, Senior Politics and Democracy Editor Griff Witte and Politics Editor Nick Baumann. 

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. 

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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