National Correspondents

The Washington Post is seeking to add two versatile and ambitious journalists to a growing team of reporters deployed across the United States to cover the nation’s most significant breaking news and the most pressing issues facing Americans.

We expect one of these reporters will be based in the Great Lakes region, focused on the Upper Midwest, the Rust Belt and the issues facing people in the region. The second will be positioned in California or the Southwest, focused on Latino life and the demographic shifts that are remaking that part of the country.

We’re looking for journalists who thrive in a high-octane, breaking-news environment but also can step back and tell readers vital American stories in an accessible way.

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

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can work confidently and independently away from the main D.C. newsroom, while at the same time collaborating as part of a team that spans multiple time zones. 

• You're energized by reporting that leads to agenda-setting storytelling of national importance. 

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

• Pitch and execute distinctive coverage of America that sheds light on the issues that animate national life, and holds the power to account for missteps, misconduct and malfeasance.  

• Act fast in response to the country’s biggest breaking news moments, including deploying to the scene, contributing to live coverage and conceptualizing smart follow-up stories that explain how and why developments happen as they did.  

• Rigorously adhere to the highest ethical standards in preparing reports that give all involved a fair hearing and a chance to comment.   

• Think creatively about the best format to tell your stories, collaborating with data reporters, designers, photo editors and the video team to make your reports impactful and resonant.  

• At least five years’ experience covering national breaking news and enterprise stories, with a track record of riveting, impactful storytelling.   

• Demonstrated ability to work fast and write clearly on deadline.   

• An eagerness to collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom in a competitive environment.  

• For the role based in California or the Southwest, fluency in Spanish is required. 

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and a cover letter outlining their vision for the role to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Sept. 21 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be labeled with the role you’re applying for and should be addressed to Deputy National Editor Debbi Wilgoren, Senior America Editor Bill Duryea and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.

The salary range for these positions is: $97,400 — $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.