Local Education Reporter

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Post is seeking a versatile, energetic and deeply curious reporter to cover local news across the Washington region, with a focus on education. This is a dynamic role at the heart of our Local desk, combining breaking news, enterprise reporting and beat development. The reporter will cover stories about local students, educators and school trends across D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable writing about school policies and analyzing academic data as they are writing features and other stories that show how students are learning today. We are looking for a journalist who can move seamlessly between fast-paced daily coverage and ambitious storytelling, with a sharp eye for how national issues play out locally — and how developments locally resonate beyond the region. The ideal candidate brings strong reporting instincts, a commitment to source-building and a passion for telling stories that reflect the complexity and diversity of the region. This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

Requirements

A track record of producing strong reporting on a beat or general assignment, ideally in a local news environment.
Demonstrated ability to move quickly on breaking news while also developing original enterprise.
Strong source-building skills and a commitment to community-focused reporting.
Clear, engaging writing style and the ability to explain complex topics.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced newsroom.
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.

Responsibilities

Cover students, teachers and learning in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, delivering timely, accurate and engaging reporting.
Write incisive enterprise about trends in education in the local schools that drive the conversation and illustrate trends happening elsewhere in the region and country country
Develop and maintain sources among students, parents, educators, policy makers and community leaders
Collaborate with colleagues across the local department and newsroom, including photographers, video journalists, data reporters and editors to produce impactful, multi-format storytelling.
Spot emerging issues and help shape coverage priorities for the Local desk.
Produce work that resonates locally while contributing to national conversations about criminal justice.
Serve as a key reporter on major breaking news stories, helping coordinate coverage and synthesize reporting.