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.

Join the future of news

We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is seeking a sharp, collaborative and audience-focused editor to help lead coverage of the Washington region, including the District, Maryland and Virginia. 

This is a central role on the Local desk, shaping coverage that captures the complexity, urgency and humanity of one of the nation’s most dynamic regions. The editor will work across a wide range of topics — from politics and immigration to the economy and community life — ensuring that our journalism is authoritative, engaging and essential to readers across the region.

We are looking for an editor with strong news judgment, a deep understanding of local audiences and a passion for elevating stories that resonate both locally and nationally. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at shaping coverage on deadline and brings a clear sense of how to present stories for maximum impact across digital platforms. 

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

What Motivates You: 

• You are driven to tell the stories that define life in the Washington, D.C. region. 

• You thrive on the urgency of local breaking news and the opportunity to shape enterprise that resonates with readers. 

• You are curious about how national issues play out at the local level. 

• You enjoy collaborating with reporters and helping them produce their best work. 

• You are energized by understanding audiences and optimizing journalism for reach and impact. 

How You’ll Support the Mission: 

• Edit news, features, enterprise and investigative stories with a commitment to accuracy, accountability, clarity and engagement. 

• Work across subject areas, including immigration, the economy and politics in the Washington region. 

• Guide coverage of breaking news across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, ensuring timely and authoritative reporting. 

• Write and refine headlines to maximize reach and audience engagement. 

• Collaborate with reporters to conceptualize, shape and elevate stories from idea to publication. 

• Monitor performance data and audience trends to inform coverage decisions and presentation. 

• Coordinate closely with the Local Editor and Deputy Local Editor to shape priorities and coverage strategy. 

• Partner with colleagues across the newsroom to elevate coverage of the Washington region and connect local stories to national conversations. 

The Skills and Experiences You Bring: 

• A strong track record of editing high-quality journalism in a fast-paced newsroom. 

• Excellent news judgment and the ability to make sound decisions under deadline pressure. 

• Experience editing a wide range of story types, from breaking news to enterprise and investigations. 

• Strong headline writing skills and an understanding of digital audience strategies. 

• Familiarity with analytics tools and a demonstrated ability to use data to inform editorial decisions. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

• A deep interest in local news and the issues shaping the Washington region. 

Interested candidates should upload a résumé and a cover letter to our jobs portal by June 10. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Local Editor April Bethea and Local Editor Theresa Vargas. 

The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $175,000. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. 

Collaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

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.