5+ years of reporting experience, particularly in investigative journalism or related fields.
Proven ability to produce accurate stories under tight deadlines.
Strong skills in sourcing documents and navigating public records.
Clear and concise writing style suitable for a general audience.
Comfortable on camera or willing to develop on-screen presence.
Sound judgment regarding sourcing, fairness, and legal implications.
Alignment with The Bulwark's mission to uphold democracy and the rule of law.
Responsibilities
Cover corruption and misuse of public office across various government branches.
Track enforcement actions, including DOJ decisions and ethics complaints.
Break news through investigations, including interviews with lawmakers.
Conduct in-depth investigations as warranted by reporting needs.
Build and maintain a network of sources across government and watchdog groups.
Mine public records and file FOIA requests for investigative purposes.
Write and manage a bi-weekly accountability newsletter with a unique voice.
Benefits
Full employer-sponsored health plans.
401(k) plan with employer match.
Generous vacation and paid time off.
Commuter benefits and Employee Assistance Program.
Full Job Description
Accountability Reporter
Department: Content
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Compensation: $135,000 - $170,000 / year
Description
Now we're expanding that coverage where it matters most. The fights over the rule of law, the independence of the courts, and accountability for those in power are some of the defining stories of this era, and we're investing in a dedicated team to cover them across writing, newsletters, and video. That's where you come in.
About the Role
Reporting
Cover corruption, conflicts of interest, and misuse of public office across the Executive Branch, Congress, and federal agencies.
Track the enforcement side of the story: DOJ decisions, inspector general reports, ethics complaints, pardons, and court cases.
Break news from investigations happening on the Hill, covering hearings and interviewing lawmakers and witnesses.
Pursue longer investigations when the reporting warrants it.
Sourcing and documents
Build and maintain sources across government, watchdog groups, legal practitioners, members of Congress and former officials.
Mine public records (including filing FOIA requests), financial disclosures, lobbying filings, and court dockets.
Hold every story to rigorous standards for accuracy, fairness, and legal review.
Newsletter
Write and helm an accountability newsletter that publishes at least once and often twice per week.
Develop a distinct voice that gives readers a reason to open every newsletter and subscribe to it.
Audience
Appear on Bulwark shows and videos to explain your reporting.
Contribute to social packaging that helps stories travel.
Collaborate with editors, producers, and other reporters on coverage plans.
Who You Are
5+ years of reporting experience, with a track record of investigative stories and/or coverage of a similar beat.
Fast and accurate: you can turn a scoop or a filing into a clean story on deadline without cutting corners.
A relentless sourcer who knows how to unearth documents and scan public records.
A clear, direct writer who can explain complex stories to a general audience.
Comfortable on camera, or eager to get there.
Sound judgment on sourcing, fairness, and legal risk.
Aligned with The Bulwark's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Preferred
Experience covering DOJ, federal courts, legal and public office ethics, or campaign finance.
Skills in data reporting or financial records analysis.
Experience appearing on podcasts, video, or TV.
What We Offer
We want people at The Bulwark to thrive. We provide:
Competitive pay
Full employer-sponsored health plans
401(k) plan with employer match
Generous vacation and paid time off
Commuter benefits and Employee Assistance Program
Our team works together in person five days a week at our DC office. We're mission-driven, collaborative, and direct - and we value people who bring ideas and energy to the table.
Interested? We'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a short cover note about your interest in The Bulwark and what you'd be excited to contribute.
