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 seeks an experienced editor to join its Standards desk, which is responsible for maintaining The Post’s commitment to accuracy, consistency and fairness.
The Standards desk upholds The Post’s policies by supporting the newsroom, including overseeing the implementation of the corrections policy and advising our journalists on the most complicated stories and projects. The desk also sets and enforces reporting and sourcing standards and works with our legal team.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of Post ethics and standards, as well as significant editing and decision-making experience. This role also requires excellent news judgment as well as meticulous fact-checking, research and line-editing abilities. Discretion, interpersonal skills and a cool head amid chaos also are essential.
Responsibilities:
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Help revise, create and enforce easy-to-understand policies and codes of conduct that offer clear direction to newsroom staff.
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Help maintain the highest and most rigorous standards of fairness and integrity across all aspects of The Post’s journalism.
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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.
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Advise reporters and editors on the most complicated stories and projects.
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Enforce The Post’s corrections policy.
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Work closely with newsroom leadership when policies may have been violated.
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Serve as an authority on The Post’s stylebook across all formats, whether that’s an investigative series, an audio segment or a visual story.
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Work closely with copy editors and senior editors as an internal authority on language, journalistic ethics and taste.
Preferred qualifications:
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At least 10 years of professional journalism experience, including at least three years as an editor or manager.
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A demonstrated record of consistently excellent news judgment and the ability to confidently exercise it under pressure.
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Knowledge of Post ethics and standards as well as meticulous fact-checking, sourcing, research and line-editing skills.
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A diplomatic approach to the sensitive work of looking into and correcting the record when we fall short.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., 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. 15 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Managing Editor Liz Seymour and Senior Editor for Newsroom Recruiting Sommer Mathis.
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:
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Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
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Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
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Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
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Nine paid holidays and two personal days
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20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
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Robust mental health resources
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Backup care and caregiver concierge services
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Gender affirming services
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Pet insurance
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Free Post digital subscription
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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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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.
