General Assignment Reporter

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, energetic reporter to join its General Assignment desk to produce breaking news coverage and quick-turn enterprise stories. This position involves chasing fast-moving developments, including contributing to live-update files, as well as writing features, profiles and explainers. This role will require night and weekend shifts. 

The GA team’s mission is to swiftly pursue breaking news and execute compelling enterprise pieces that drive audience engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong news judgment, sharp storytelling skills and a demonstrated talent for pitching offbeat, unexpected stories and angles. 

Fluency in a foreign language is a plus, as is familiarity with PACER, Dataminr, Nexis and other digital tools. 

Responsibilities: 

• Identify and swiftly respond to breaking news with strong reporting and writing skills that show a commitment to fairness and accuracy. 

• Produce sharp and artfully written enterprise pieces that will appeal to a wide range of readers. 

• Work collaboratively with reporters and editors across the newsroom, including in our hubs in Seoul and London. 

Preferred qualifications: 

• At least three years of professional journalism experience. 

• A clear grasp of how to quickly report major emerging story lines.  

• Demonstrated speed and clarity, as well as a strong commitment to fact-checking and accuracy. 

• A collaborative spirit and a desire to experiment with alternative story formats – including visually driven stories, short-form narratives and FAQs – to make complex issues accessible to a broad audience. 

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.  

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and a cover letter outlining their vision for the role to our jobs portal. All application materials can be uploaded to the same field. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by September 27 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to General Assignment Editors Keith McMillan and Gina Harkins and Managing Editor Matea Gold.

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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