Justice Department 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 to add an experienced journalist with an impressive track record of source reporting to our Justice Department and FBI coverage team.

This reporter will work with two existing justice reporters to explore the inner workings of an intensely scrutinized realm of the government that the Trump administration has vowed to transform.  

The ideal candidate will be a fast, deft and polished writer with a sophisticated understanding of criminal justice, national security and Washington's corridors of power. We expect this reporter to deliver scoops, smart analysis and quick-turn stories when developments require, while also balancing a steady cadence of enterprise and investigative stories that illuminate the work of the DOJ and FBI for a wide range of readers.

This coverage area is essential to The Post’s mission. We value a track record of managing highly sensitive source reporting, and we prize a collaborative spirit and an enthusiasm to partner with colleagues across The Post’s newsroom.

Responsibilities: 

• Break news stories and write analysis about the Department of Justice and the FBI, including investigations of prominent individuals, high-profile national-security probes, gun violence, immigration issues and drug trafficking. 

• Deliver ambitious enterprise and investigative stories shaped by original reporting and fresh insights. 

• Set the agenda with scoops, deep enterprise and explanatory stories delivered in a variety of innovative storytelling formats.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A track record of high-profile scoops, exclusive stories and investigations.

• Proven ability to cover breaking news with speed, precision and authority.

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

• A deep source base and robust knowledge of federal law enforcement and criminal justice issues generally.

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 Mar. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Justice Editor Debbi Wilgoren, Interim National Editor Mike Semel and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel. 

The salary range for this position is: $122,500.00 - $204,100.00. The actual starting 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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