Congressional National Security Reporter

Position description

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 insightful, agenda-setting coverage of the national security committees in Congress. 

The ideal candidate will have a track record of reporting consequential scoops and enterprise from Capitol Hill and throughout the U.S. national security establishment, with a focus on national defense, foreign policy and the intelligence community. A robust source network is a must, as is skill navigating the political turf battles that have taken hold in Washington and an ability to distill the often-arcane business of legislating for The Post’s diverse global audience. Experience covering the U.S. government’s relationships and involvement in the Middle East, Europe and Asia is a definite plus. 

This reporter should expect to move quickly — and be first — to break news while juggling sharply framed analysis and executing feature-length enterprise in a lively, authoritative 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. This position is part of the National Security team and requires routine coordination with reporters and editors assigned to cover Congress, the White House and International beats.

Responsibilities: 

• Break agenda-setting news and craft sharp, source-driven analytical stories from aggressive coverage of the House and Senate committees focused on the armed services, foreign affairs and the intelligence community. 

• Deliver ambitious enterprise and investigative stories shaped by original reporting, fresh insights and unique sourcing. 

• Set the agenda for readers with news, 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 Congress and/or Washington policymakers in the national security space, including at the Pentagon, the State Department and within the U.S. intelligence community.  

• A strong source base and robust knowledge of national security and foreign policy issues generally. 

• A track record of 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 July 2 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: $97,400.00 – $162,300.00. The actual 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

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on geopolist.com