Washington Post

Opinion Journalist

Washington Post$137K — $228K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Experience blending original reporting with opinion or analysis in journalism.
  • Strong on-camera presence or audio/podcast experience.
  • Deep knowledge of key subjects like politics, economics, or international issues.
  • Familiarity with dynamics across platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
  • Experience building digital audiences and driving engagement.
  • Collaborative mindset with readiness to experiment in media.
  • Commitment to values of open discourse and rigorous journalism.

Responsibilities

  • Create engaging video content for YouTube and social media on news topics.
  • Contribute informed commentary to podcasts alongside other Opinion voices.
  • Deliver original reporting and insights on politics, economics, and culture.
  • Develop unique multimedia stories that stand out in the digital space.
  • Grow and engage an audience on social media through authentic content.
  • Collaborate with various teams to innovate and elevate opinion content.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) matching.
  • Three weeks of vacation plus three weeks of paid sick leave.
  • Robust mental health resources and caregiver support.
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for new parents.
  • Free digital subscription to The Washington Post.
Full Job Description
Please include the following in your application:
  • A résumé
  • An 800-word sample op-ed on an issue relevant to our audience today.
  • An original video clip meant for social media that showcases opinion journalism relevant to today.


While applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, our preferred deadline for applications is Aug. 27.

What Motivates You
  • You're passionate about creating journalism that informs, provokes thought, and drives conversation.
  • You believe in the power of video and audio formats to expand the reach of opinion journalism.
  • You enjoy delivering commentary that is both grounded in reporting and accessible to a broad audience.
  • You bring energy and creativity to new formats and enjoy experimenting to find what works.
  • You're excited to help grow a new voice in media-one rooted in substance, originality, and reach.


How You'll Support the Mission
  • Create regular on-camera content for YouTube and social platforms that communicates sharp, engaging analysis on pressing news topics.
  • Contribute to podcasts by offering timely, informed perspectives alongside other Opinion voices.
  • Deliver original reporting and commentary on key topics including politics, economics, innovation, and civil liberties to shape the public conversation.
  • Develop exclusive multimedia stories that differentiate Post Opinion in a competitive digital landscape.
  • Build and engage a growing audience across social media channels by maintaining an authentic, informed on-platform presence.
  • Collaborate with producers and creatives across video, audio, audience, and visuals teams to test new formats and elevate the impact of our opinion content.


The Skills and Experience You Bring
  • Experience producing or contributing to journalism that blends original reporting with opinion or analysis.
  • Strong on-camera presence or audio/podcast experience, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of a key subject area-such as politics, legal affairs, economics, science, or international issues-relevant to Post Opinion's editorial focus.
  • Familiarity with platform dynamics across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcast distribution networks.
  • Experience building an audience on digital and social platforms, with an understanding of what drives engagement.
  • A collaborative mindset and a willingness to try new approaches in a fast-evolving media landscape.
  • Commitment to the values of open discourse, curiosity, and rigorous journalism.


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.

The salary range for this position is:
$137,300 - $228,900 Annual

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 member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

About Washington Post

The Washington Post is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C. It is the most-widely circulated newspaper within the Washington metropolitan area and has a large international audience. Daily broadsheet editions are printed for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The newspaper has won the Pulitzer Prize 65 times for its work, the second-most of any publication. It is considered a newspaper of record in the U.S. Post journalists have also received 18 Nieman Fellowships and 368 White House News Photographers Association awards. The paper is well known for its political reporting and is one of the few remaining American newspapers to operate foreign bureaus. The Post was founded in 1877. In its early years, it went through several owners and struggled both financially and editorially. Financier Eugene Meyer purchased it out of bankruptcy in 1933 and revived its health and reputation, work continued by his successors Katharine and Phil Graham, who bought out several rival publications. The Post's 1971 printing of the Pentagon Papers helped spur opposition to the Vietnam War. Subsequently, in the best-known episode in the newspaper's history, reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein led the American press's investigation into what became known as the Watergate scandal, which resulted in the 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon. The advent of the internet expanded the Post's national and international reach. In October 2013, the Graham family sold the newspaper to Nash Holdings, a holding company owned by Jeff Bezos, for $250 million.
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