Justice & Immigration Editor

The Washington Post • Full-time • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • $154k - $256.60k / year • 1w ago

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 experienced and rigorous editor to lead our outstanding Justice and Immigration teams, guiding 13 ambitious reporters and two assignment editors through some of our most high-profile and consequential story targets.

These teams must balance breaking news coverage with deeper investigations and step-back pieces that set The Post apart on multiple prominent and highly competitive beats. We are looking for a senior leader with impeccable news judgment as well as a track record of guiding original reporting and framing stories sharply.

What Motivates You

You believe deeply in The Washington Post's journalistic mission and are enthusiastic about helping us build the future of news.
You're energized by editing major breaking news in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
You're eager to deliver authoritative, nuanced, clear and high-impact stories in a variety of formats.
You have a vision for how to elevate The Post's coverage of a wide range of high-profile subjects, from major Supreme Court rulings to Justice Department upheaval.

How You'll Support the Mission

Drive coverage of federal law enforcement, courts and immigration that sets the agenda with scoop-driven reporting, including on the Trump lawsuits, the Supreme Court and key justice and immigration efforts from the Trump administration.
Help reporters and assignment editors set priorities on busy, competitive beats, identifying and executing ambitious and highly visual storytelling.
Sharpen and elevate copy on deadline while also ensuring fairness, rigor, precision and excellence in story framing.
Collaborate and work collegially with the White House, Education and Investigations teams, as well as other teams across the newsroom, to provide the most comprehensive and dynamic coverage.
Edit with the reader in mind. Publish stories when readers are interested and at appropriate lengths. Optimize stories for digital success and embrace creative storytelling to identify the most compelling formats.

The Skills and Experience You Bring

At least 10 years of professional journalism experience, including at least 3 years as an editor, and a track record of distinction.
Experience covering major, long-running breaking news stories, pursuing accountability targets and developing creative ideas.
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
A record of success developing sources on a competitive beat and/or coaching reporters to do so.
Experience juggling multiple targets and managing veteran reporters and editors, with a record of fruitful collaboration.
Experience leading journalists to meet exceptionally high standards with grace and an empathetic approach to management.

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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Sept. 2 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Politics & Government Editor Lori Montgomery, Deputy Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.

The salary range for this position is: $154,000.00 - $256,600 USD. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

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: