Breaking News Reporter
Job Description
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 an energetic, versatile and highly competitive journalist to join the News Hub as a Breaking News Reporter.
This role sits at the center of The Post’s newsroom, covering the biggest stories as they unfold and helping drive urgent, authoritative journalism across platforms. Breaking News Reporters are deployed on major news events of all kinds — from natural disasters and mass shootings to political developments, court decisions and international crises — working closely with editors and reporters across the newsroom to deliver fast, accurate and compelling coverage.
We are looking for a reporter with exceptional news instincts, a high metabolism and the ability to thrive under pressure. The ideal candidate is eager to jump into unfamiliar topics, quickly master complex developments and write with speed, clarity and authority. This role requires a journalist who can move seamlessly from live developments to deeper reporting, helping readers understand not just what is happening but why it matters.
As a member of the News Hub, this reporter will be part of a team designed to sharpen The Post’s journalism, elevate our presentation and ensure we are delivering essential coverage whenever major news breaks.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom and may include night, weekend and holiday shifts.
What Motivates You
You thrive on the urgency and unpredictability of breaking news.
You enjoy mastering new subjects quickly and explaining them clearly.
You are energized by competition and driven to deliver journalism that stands out.
You enjoy collaborating across teams during high-pressure news moments.
You are committed to speed, accuracy and serving readers when they need information most.
How You’ll Support the Mission
Cover major breaking news events as they unfold, delivering timely, accurate and authoritative reporting.
Work across subjects and coverage areas, quickly developing expertise on fast-moving stories.
Produce clean, clear copy under deadline pressure and contribute to live and developing coverage.
Collaborate with reporters, editors, visual journalists and audience teams across the newsroom.
Identify opportunities for original reporting, exclusive details and enterprise angles within breaking stories.
Help readers understand the significance and broader context of major developments.
Contribute to innovative storytelling approaches and formats designed to engage audiences across platforms.
Support newsroom-wide coverage efforts during major national and international news events.
The Skills and Experiences You Bring
A track record of strong reporting in a fast-paced news environment.
Demonstrated ability to report and write quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
Excellent news judgment and an instinct for identifying what matters most in a developing story.
Strong interviewing and source-building skills.
Clear, engaging writing and the ability to explain complex events succinctly.
A deep understanding of digital audience behaviors and the kinds of stories, angles and storyforms that support our growth strategies.
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across teams.
Flexibility, adaptability and comfort covering a wide range of topics.
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.
Interested candidates should upload a résumé, cover letter 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 June 25 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Senior Editor for News Annah Aschbrenner.
The salary range for this position is $73,600 - $110,400. 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.