Washington Post

Print Desk Designers

Washington Post$85K — $127K *
Media
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in print design or related field
  • Strong skills in typography, layout, and visual storytelling
  • Demonstrated understanding of news judgment and reader experience
  • Experience collaborating effectively in deadline-driven environments
  • Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Méthode or Roxen is a plus
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work
  • Portfolio showcasing excellence in print news or magazine design

Responsibilities

  • Design pages and story packages for daily and weekly print editions
  • Collaborate with editors and fellow designers for cohesive visual storytelling
  • Adapt content across print products using management systems and design tools
  • Maintain high standards of accuracy, tone, and brand consistency
  • Contribute ideas for improving workflow and presentation
  • Work efficiently under tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments
  • Engage in problem-solving in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
  • Three weeks of vacation plus up to three weeks of paid sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for new parents
  • Robust mental health resources
  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services
  • Gender affirming services
  • Pet insurance
  • Free Post digital subscription
  • Leadership and career development programs
Full 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 Samplesto be considered for the position.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is seeking to hire two creative, collaborative and deadline-driven Print Desk Designers to help shape our daily and weekly print editions.

The designers who fill these roles will have the opportunity to help produce visually compelling print journalism at one of the world's leading news organizations. Print Desk Designers work across news and features products, including themed sections and standalone special editions, helping bring stories to life through thoughtful layout, strong visual hierarchy and sharp presentation.

We are looking for designers with excellent news judgment, a sophisticated eye for typography and layout, and the ability to work quickly and collaboratively under deadline pressure. The ideal candidate is adaptable, eager to learn new tools and committed to maintaining the highest visual and editorial standards across all print products.

These positions are based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom. Schedules typically include some Eastern Time evening shifts and at least one weekend day.

What Motivates You:
  • You are passionate about the craft of print design and visual storytelling.
  • You thrive in fast-paced production environments and enjoy solving problems under deadline pressure.
  • You care deeply about presentation, clarity and the reader experience.
  • You enjoy collaborating with editors, designers and production teams.
  • You are energized by experimenting with new tools and workflows.


How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Use The Post's content management systems and design tools to adapt edited text, photography and graphics across print products.
  • Design visually compelling pages and story packages for daily and weekly print editions, as well as special sections.
  • Collaborate with print editors and fellow designers to execute strong, cohesive visual storytelling.
  • Maintain high standards for accuracy, tone and brand consistency across all print products.
  • Contribute ideas for improving workflows, presentation and the overall print experience.
  • Work efficiently under tight deadlines while balancing multiple assignments.


The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • A portfolio demonstrating excellence in print news or magazine design.
  • Typography, layout and visual storytelling skills.
  • Strong news judgment and an understanding of how design shapes the reader experience.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively in a deadline-driven work environment.
  • Comfort learning and adapting to new technologies and production workflows.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Prior experience with Méthode, Roxen and Adobe Creative Suite are big plusses.


Interested candidates should upload a résumé, cover letter and portfolio to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Sept. 25 will be prioritized. Cover letters should be addressed to Deputy Managing Editor for Print Carla Broyles and Deputy Head of Print Laura Michalski.

The salary range for this position is: $85,100 - $127,700. 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.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.

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.
Learn more about Washington Post
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