Senior Standards Editor

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 searching for a highly experienced news leader to originate the role of Senior Standards Editor.

The Standards desk is responsible for maintaining The Post’s commitment to accuracy, consistency and fairness. The desk also sets and enforces reporting and sourcing standards, including for sensitive and anonymous sourcing, and works with our legal team. The Senior Standards Editor, a newly created masthead position reporting directly to the interim executive editor, will take ownership of this desk and work directly on the most complex and ambitious journalism we do.

The successful candidate will have an expert understanding of Post ethics and standards, as well as significant editing, newsroom leadership and decision-making experience. Discretion, interpersonal skills and a cool head amid chaos are essential for this role.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest and most rigorous standards of fairness and integrity across all aspects of The Post’s journalism.

• Work directly with top editors and reporters on complex stories and projects that require the highest levels of scrutiny and care.

• Exercise excellent news judgment on all matters that come before the Standards desk. Issues of importance include sourcing guidelines, including on anonymous sourcing; fairness and balance in stories; fair comment in reporting; issues around identity; and social media policies.

• Manage two standards editors dedicated to upholding The Post’s policies by supporting the newsroom, including by overseeing the implementation of the corrections policy and advising reporters and editors on the most complicated stories and projects.

• Champion protecting our journalists at a time when newsgathering can be confrontational and even risky.

• Work closely with our legal team to keep policies and training up to date.

• As a member of and in consultation with the masthead, update or clarify our ethics policies when needed and lead investigations to determine when those policies may have been violated.

• Lead and set the tone for communication with audiences about Post values across platforms.

Preferred qualifications:

• At least 15 years of professional journalism experience, including 5 years as a senior leader or manager.

• A demonstrated record of consistently excellent news judgment and the ability to confidently exercise it under pressure.

• Mastery of Post ethics and standards as well as meticulous fact-checking, sourcing, research and line-editing skills.

• A diplomatic approach to the sensitive work of looking into and correcting the record when we fall short.

• Prior experience as a standards editor is a plus, although we would also like to hear from experienced news leaders who are fanatical about language, journalistic ethics and taste.

This position is based in our Washington newsroom.

Interested candidates should upload a detailed cover letter as well as a résumé to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Oct. 6 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Interim Executive Editor Matt Murray.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is: $202,700 - $376,500. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

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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