Deputy Editor, National
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 accomplished, creative and collaborative editor to serve as Deputy Editor of the National desk, helping lead one of the newsroom's most ambitious departments and shape coverage of the stories that define life in the U.S.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for helping drive the editorial vision, daily execution and long-term strategy of the National department. Working closely with the National Editor, the Deputy Editor will oversee coverage spanning education, immigration, America and obituaries, guiding journalism that helps readers understand the people, issues and forces shaping the country.
We are looking for an editor with exceptional news judgment, a sharp eye for enterprise and a passion for developing journalists. The ideal candidate thrives on helping teams produce original, agenda-setting journalism that combines breaking news, accountability reporting, explanatory coverage and powerful storytelling. They will be equally comfortable managing fast-moving news, shaping enterprise and fostering collaboration across the newsroom.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.
What Motivates You:
You are driven to help readers better understand the people, communities and issues shaping America.
You thrive in fast-paced news environments and enjoy balancing breaking news with ambitious enterprise.
You are energized by developing journalists and helping teams produce their strongest work.
You believe great journalism is strengthened through collaboration across disciplines and departments.
You are excited by opportunities to evolve National coverage through innovative storytelling and audience engagement.
How You'll Support the Mission:
Partner with the National Editor on editorial priorities and guide the department's daily and long-term coverage strategy.
Help lead breaking news coverage while driving ambitious enterprise across the department's teams.
Work with editors and reporters to identify original story ideas, sharpen framing and elevate storytelling.
Use audience insights, visual storytelling and digital best practices to maximize the reach and impact of National coverage.
Collaborate across the newsroom to identify opportunities for cross-departmental reporting on consequential storylines.
Help mentor and develop journalists while fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.
Provide thoughtful editorial guidance that ensures fairness, rigor, clarity and excellence across all coverage.
Help identify emerging trends and issues that deserve sustained attention and investment.
The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
A demonstrated record of editing or reporting with distinction.
Exceptional editorial judgment and a track record of shaping ambitious, high-impact journalism.
Sharp ideas for elevating The Post's National coverage and engaging broad audiences.
Excellent communication, organizational and collaboration skills.
Experience managing journalists and helping teams succeed in a fast-paced newsroom is strongly preferred.
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.
Interested candidates should upload 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 Aug. 23 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to National Editor Debbi Wilgoren and Managing Editor Kimi Yoshino.
The starting salary range for this position is $174,000 - $236,600. The actual 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 Post recruiter 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:
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.