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.

Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking an experienced, highly sourced and scrupulous journalist to cover the CIA, NSA, DNI and the 15 other U.S. organizations that compose the U.S. intelligence community. This reporter will not only chronicle the public-facing work of these agencies, but also explore the often-clandestine world of threat analysis, operations and intelligence gathering. In addition, we expect this reporter to illuminate the inner workings of the vast network of private contractors that operate as clients of the intelligence community.

The ideal candidate will bring to bear deep sourcing, polished prose and a sophisticated understanding of national security, foreign affairs and the way Washington works. We expect this reporter to deliver news scoops, smart analysis and be quick on the draw when events require, but also able to balance a steady diet of enterprise and investigative work that illuminates the intelligence world for readers well beyond Washington. And we value experience managing highly sensitive source reporting.

As this beat covers intelligence organizations that reside within the Pentagon, the State Department and other agencies, we prize a collaborative spirit and an enthusiasm to partner with colleagues across the Post’s National and International departments.

This position is based in our Washington newsroom.

Responsibilities:

Break news stories and write analysis about the intelligence community, with a particular focus on global events and critical threats (e.g., Middle East, Ukraine/Russia, China)
Write ambitious enterprise informed by original reporting
A high metabolism, reporting and writing as urgent news and events require
A commitment to fair, accurate and rigorous reporting, upholding the highest standards of journalism ethics

Preferred Qualifications:

A track record of high-profile scoops, exclusive stories and investigations
A deep source base and robust knowledge of the intelligence community, national security agencies and global politics
International reporting experience and sources within foreign intelligence services are a plus

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three to five examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Sept. 20 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to National Security Editor Ben Pauker, Deputy National Editor Amy Fiscus, National Editor Philip Rucker and Managing Editor Matea Gold.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is: $137,300.00 - $228,900.00. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

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 Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that’s right for you

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