Washington Post

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 ambitious, creative editor to lead coverage of its Health & Science team, guiding journalism that illuminates medical developments and scientific breakthroughs.

We expect this editor to be equally adept at presiding over breaking news coverage as well as distinctive enterprise that can be found only at The Post. We seek an editor with excellent news judgment and a track record of guiding original reporting and framing stories sharply, who recognizes news moments big and small and assigns coverage accordingly. This editor must be able to help reporters translate the complexity of health and science research into stories that are crystalline and written with authority. They must also be deft in helping reporters set priorities in a coverage area as vast as it is complex. 

The ideal candidate has a track record of guiding experienced reporters and encouraging them to identify exclusive stories and novel storytelling forms that put audience needs first. 

Responsibilities

• Drive health and science coverage that sets the agenda with scoop-driven reporting that clearly explains medical, scientific and policy implications. 
• Manage a team of editors and reporters. Help them set priorities on busy beats, identify ambitious targets and hone their crafts. 
• Anticipate coverage needs and requests from senior editors; consistently form coverage plans and communicate them in a timely fashion to stakeholders around the newsroom.  
• Edit stories to the highest standards. Sharpen and elevate copy on deadline while also ensuring fairness, rigor, precision and excellence in story framing. 
• Make sound decisions about sourcing, story construction and other editorial matters.  
• Foster strong relationships with other desks in the newsroom that cover aspects of health and science news, including Business, Climate and Environment, Local and Well+Being. 
• Edit with the reader in mind. Publish stories when readers are interested and at appropriate lengths. Optimize stories for digital success and embrace creative storytelling to identify the most compelling formats.  

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of professional journalism experience, including at least three years as an editor, and a track record of distinction. 
• Experience covering major, long-running breaking news stories, pursuing accountability targets and developing creative ideas for text and other formats. 
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills. 
• Experience developing sources on a competitive beat and/or coaching reporters to do so, with a resulting track record of scoops. 
• Deep knowledge of or experience with science or health research is a plus. 
• A commitment to robust visual storytelling and a track record of successful collaboration with journalists from a variety of disciplines.

This position is based in our Washington newsroom. 

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 Feb. 21 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Senior Editor for National News and Strategy Rachel Van Dongen and Interim National Editor Mike Semel. 

The starting salary range for this position is: $137,300.00 — $228,900.00. The actual starting 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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