Guardian News & Media (GNM) is the publisher of the US news website www.theguardian.com/us, the Guardian and Observer newspapers and www.theguardian.com website in the UK. We're a highly regarded global news brand, owned by the Scott Trust — an arrangement that guarantees its independent voice in perpetuity.
Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US, is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's internationalist, online journalism with US voices and expertise.
Title: Senior political reporter
Reports to: Head of News
Terms: Permanent, full-time, News Media Guild position
Location: Washington DC
The Guardian’s Washington DC bureau expertly covers American politics for a global audience, through urgent news, impactful features, enterprise coverage and investigative reporting, focusing on the Guardian’s editorial priorities of power and equity.
Donald Trump may not be in office but American politics remains a compelling and vital issue for communities and audiences in the US and across the world. The Democratic party is split between left and centrists and the Republicans have embraced Trumpism and an anti-Democratic agenda. Meanwhile, US institutions look increasingly outdated and unable to meet the challenge of a changing America. Our political coverage seeks to make these themes relatable to the widest possible audience while also reporting on the American communities that government policies impact, listening to the voices of people too often kept out of the conversation.
This is a senior political reporting role based in Washington DC. It will include extensive reporting for the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential election as well as wider coverage of US politics for an international audience.
It includes daily news, analysis, occasional liveblogging, news features, interviews, multimedia material and work for non-news sections as required.
Key responsibilities
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Report on one of the most electric political environments in recent history for both a national and international audience
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To work across news, news features, interviews and analysis
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Work with other correspondents, both in the US and elsewhere, on joint reporting projects
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Write or record for the Guardian across text, audio and film
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Identify themes and topics that can distinguish Guardian political journalism from the standard horserace reporting
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Write regular news features and occasional longer-form pieces that bring the context and characters of US politics to life for a global audience
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To report from, and beyond, DC to record the real life impact of politics on people across the country
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Break news and bring in exclusive stories on US political coverage and international news with US angles
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Work with the Guardian US news desk (NY) and the Washington bureau chief to identify and develop the best possible angles and stories
Skills & experience
- Excellent writing, communication and research skills
- Track record of shaping original stories and having strong contacts
- Resourceful, tenacious and proactive
- Speed and accuracy
- Team player
- Flexible and adaptable
All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter as one document. All candidates must have the right to work and live in the United States and be located, or prepared to relocate, to the Washington DC area.
Guardian News & Media is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, national origin or citizenship.
We value and respect all differences in all people (seen and unseen) at the Guardian. We aspire to inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.
This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It summarizes the main aspects of the job but does not cover all the duties that the job holder may have to perform. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of your contract of employment and as your experience grows, you will be expected to broaden your tasks, suggest improvements, solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of the role.
