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 newsWe’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 TeamThe 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 looking for a dynamic, resourceful and collaborative reporter to produce high-impact accountability reporting, incisive narratives and scoops pertaining to the country’s changing education landscape.
This reporter is part of our national education team but will work across teams to produce ambitious, revelatory journalism about the current state and future of education. A high metabolism, dogged reporting style and collaborative nature are key.
This reporter will explore the forces reshaping American schools and illuminate the systems of power influencing the lives of students, their families and their communities. This includes the cultural and political battles playing out in classrooms, the triumphs and challenges facing K-12 schools and higher education nationwide, and the impact of federal policies at the state and local levels. We’re also looking for smart, human-centered reporting on how education intersects with broader social, political and economic issues.
Responsibilities:
Identify, pitch, report, and write stories that respond to breaking news, major stories and emerging trends from the realm of education, often within the news cycle.
Collaborate with beat reporters, the breaking news desk, investigative reporters, data reporters, multimedia teams, editors and others.
Conduct in-depth reporting using public records, interviews, data analysis and digital tools to uncover new information and hold powerful institutions and people accountable.
Develop sources across a variety of beats critical to our coverage, including researchers, government, businesses and more.
Maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics, accuracy and fairness in all reporting.
Preferred qualifications:
At least five years' professional reporting experience covering state or national education.
A track record of distinctive enterprise journalism in the public interest.
Experience covering major breaking news stories, pursuing accountability targets and developing new conceptual approaches to stories.
A collaborative mindset and eagerness to experiment with a variety of story forms.
Eagle-eyed news judgment.
A quick metabolism and competitive drive.
An abundance of ideas, energy and determination.
Nimble and creative, with the ability to prioritize reporting targets.
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
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 July 11 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to National Education Editor Chastity Pratt, National Editor Jennifer Amur and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.
The salary range for this position is: $97,400 — $162,300. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
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.
Your story awaits. Apply today!Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.