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.

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 a deeply sourced, creative and high-energy reporter to cover Congress at a consequential moment in American politics.

We’re looking for a journalist who thrives on breaking news, cultivating powerful sources and translating the often-arcane workings of Capitol Hill into urgent, accessible journalism for a broad audience. The ideal candidate has a proven record of delivering agenda-setting scoops and a clear vision for telling stories about Congress that resonate far beyond Washington.

This reporter will help readers understand not only what lawmakers are doing, but why it matters — illuminating the characters, power struggles and policy battles that shape the country. They will be equally comfortable delivering hard-edged accountability reporting and sharp, human storytelling, bringing seriousness or wit as the moment demands.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

What Motivates You:

• You are driven to break news and compete aggressively on one of Washington’s most important beats.

• You thrive on cultivating deep, durable source relationships across the political spectrum.

• You enjoy making complex legislative fights clear and compelling for a general audience.

• You are curious about power — how it is wielded, negotiated and sometimes abused.

• You are collaborative and eager to work as part of a high-performing team.

How You’ll Support the Mission:

• Work closely with The Post’s Congress team to make developments on Capitol Hill — and their effects across the country and around the world — engaging and accessible.

• Break news on members of Congress, leadership dynamics and legislative strategy.

• Develop and maintain key sources, including lawmakers, aides, activists, lobbyists and constituents.

• Cover major policy fights, assessing and illuminating how they affect Americans.

• Track and explain the relationship between Congress and other centers of political power, including the White House and the Judiciary.

• Produce rigorous, fair-minded journalism that adheres to the highest ethical standards and gives all parties a meaningful opportunity to respond.

• Collaborate with data reporters and visual journalists to present stories in the most impactful formats.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

• At least three years of experience covering Congress or another legislative body, with a track record of breaking impactful stories.

• Demonstrated ability to move quickly and write clearly under deadline pressure.

• Strong source-building skills and a deep understanding of legislative process and political strategy.

• A sharp instinct for stories that will resonate beyond insider audiences.

• An eagerness to collaborate across a competitive, fast-paced newsroom environment.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three 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 Mar. 29 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Congress Editor John Wagner, Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel.

The salary range for this position is $97,400 - $162,300. 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.