Arts Editor

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Post is seeking an ambitious, creative and collaborative editor to lead coverage of arts and culture at a moment of profound change for the nation’s cultural institutions. This editor will oversee a team of reporters covering a wide range of arts and entertainment topics, including two reporters focused on the intersection of culture and public policy, as well as reporters covering broader trends in arts and entertainment. The role sits within the Features department and will play a central role in shaping coverage that is authoritative, distinctive and resonant with a broad audience. We are looking for an editor with exceptional news judgment and a strong sense of how to frame cultural coverage for maximum impact. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable guiding breaking news, driving enterprise and shaping narrative features — helping reporters deliver journalism that captures not only what is happening in the arts, but why it matters. This editor will bring a clear editorial vision, a commitment to accountability and a passion for storytelling that reflects the complexity and diversity of the cultural landscape. This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

Requirements

A track record of editing high-impact journalism on arts, culture, entertainment or similar beats.
Demonstrated experience managing and developing reporters in a competitive newsroom.
Exceptional editorial judgment and the ability to shape stories for clarity and resonance.
Experience guiding both breaking news coverage and longer-form enterprise or narrative work.
A deep interest in the arts and an understanding of how cultural institutions and industries operate.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of reporters covering arts, entertainment and cultural institutions.
Set editorial priorities and shape coverage that breaks news, drives conversation and delivers insightful analysis and narrative storytelling.
Edit stories across formats — from breaking news to enterprise and features — ensuring clarity, rigor, fairness and strong framing.
Guide reporters in developing sources, identifying ambitious targets and executing high-impact stories.
Drive accountability reporting on major cultural institutions and the forces shaping the arts landscape.
Collaborate with editors and reporters across desks to produce comprehensive, cross-disciplinary coverage.
Work with visual journalists and audience teams to present stories in compelling and innovative ways.
Monitor audience trends and performance data to inform coverage strategy and maximize reach.
Help foster a collaborative, creative and high-performing team culture.