National Security Reporter

Job Description:

The Wall Street Journal seeks an ambitious reporter to cover the U.S. intelligence community and global cybersecurity threats, based in the Washington bureau.

The ideal candidate should have significant experience covering the agencies that deal with the government’s most sensitive secrets, including the CIA, NSA, and ODNI. Our audience is craving to learn more about the government’s shifting policy with public and private-sector digital defense. The ability to bring readers inside the clandestine world of espionage and the technical frontlines of cyber warfare is paramount.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated history of nailing big scoops on “hush hush” programs and writing agenda-setting investigations into state-sponsored hacking and influence operations. Vital to this job’s success is also the ability to grasp the political nuances of U.S. intelligence programs and how different administrations can adjust or bend capabilities. 

An ability to provide a high-level briefing on breaking intelligence matters with little notice, while also producing deep, collaborative projects on the evolution of digital conflict, is required. The opportunity to collaborate with the WSJ’s talented colleagues on our tech, national security, and corporate reporting teams is one of the best parts of this job. 

You will:

• Break agenda-setting news on the intelligence and cybersecurity beats.

• Conceptualize and deliver deeply reported enterprise stories on clandestine operations and digital threats.

• Work with colleagues around the country and the world to track how intelligence and cyber issues impact global markets and geopolitics.

You have:

• At least five years of reporting experience dominating a highly competitive beat, with a specific track record of sourcing within the intelligence community or the cybersecurity sector.

• Deadline skills to report and write clearly on complex technical or classified subjects under pressure.

• Proven ability to develop deep-cover sources and write with authority on what is happening in the "black budget" world and what it means for U.S. security.

• A track record of tackling ambitious projects, using data or digital forensics to find original approaches to stories, and working with visuals to explain invisible threats.

• A deep understanding of the inner workings of the U.S. intelligence apparatus and the technical landscape of modern cyber conflict.

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing how you would do the job, and five examples of your best work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets

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Business Area:

Dow Jones - News - WSJ

Job Category:

Editorial/Journalism

Union Status:

Union role

Base Pay Range: $165,000 - $195,000

We’re committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate’s experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.

For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.

For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.