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 experienced reporter to deliver agenda-setting news about the Pentagon and insightful coverage of the highest levels of military decision-making.
The ideal candidate will have a track record of reporting consequential scoops and enterprise from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in the combatant commands, and across the agencies and institutions that intersect with the Department of Defense. A robust source network is a must, as is skill navigating the bureaucracy of the E Ring, a willingness to travel and an ability to distill sophisticated global events and arcane military-speak for a general audience. Experience covering U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq or Ukraine is not required but would be a definite plus.
This reporter should expect to move quickly — and be first — to break news, even while juggling sharply framed analysis and executing feature-length enterprise, hopefully in a lively writing style. As this coverage is essential to The Post’s mission, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to deliver source-driven accountability reporting, as well as a collaborative spirit and enthusiasm to partner with colleagues across a large newsroom.
Responsibilities:
Break agenda-setting news and craft sharply wrought and source-driven analytical stories about the Pentagon and military affairs, including global conflict, personnel issues, and relationships with the presidency and White House.
Deliver ambitious enterprise and investigative stories shaped by original reporting, fresh insights and unique sourcing.
Set the agenda for readers with both scoops and fast-moving news, but also deep enterprise and explanatory stories delivered in engaging, innovative story formats.
Preferred Qualifications:
A minimum of five years’ professional reporting experience.
At least three years covering Washington policymakers, including at the Pentagon.
A deep source base and robust knowledge of military and foreign policy issues generally.
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.
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 May 15 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to National Security Editor Ben Pauker, Deputy National Security Editor Andrew deGrandpre, Politics and Government Editor Lori Montgomery and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.
The salary range for this position is: $137,300.00 — $228,900.00 USD. 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
#washpostlife
Similar Jobs
What We Do
The Washington Post is an award-winning news leader whose mission is to connect, inform, and enlighten local, national and global readers with trustworthy reporting, in-depth analysis and engaging opinions. The Post is as much a tech company as it is a media company, combining world-class journalism with the latest technology and tools so readers can interact with The Post anytime, anywhere. Our approach is always the same– shape ideas, redefine speed, take ownership and lead. Every employee, every project, every day.
Why Work With Us
Rapidly growing, this team is committed to creating excellent experiences and products worthy of our tradition and our future. Our dedication to innovation, excellence and integrity are at the core of what we do, and why our employees are proud to call The Post their home.
