Style Politics and Culture Editor

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

8d•$122,500 - $204,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Post is looking for a sharp, collaborative, versatile editor to lead Style's coverage of the intersection of power and culture. This editor will oversee reporters who chronicle the people and forces driving Washington as well as the cultural conversations animating our group chats. From social circuits to campaign events and the digital ecosystems that define modern political life, this coverage captures the mood, moments and meaning behind D.C.’s ever-shifting locus of power. In addition to politics, this editor will also work closely with reporters and columnists who capture broader trends across media, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle. We’re looking for someone with an eye for the absurd, a knack for the weird and a sixth sense for stories that transcend political gamesmanship to resonate with readers around the U.S. and beyond. The ideal candidate is just as comfortable editing a profile on a presidential hopeful as they are in shaping a short piece on the newest hangout for Hill staffers. This editor will sharpen our coverage to elevate readers’ understanding of the intricacies and excesses of Washington. We need an editor who can deftly move between quick-turn stories and longform features, helping reporters hone their voices and craft pieces that leave readers laughing, thinking or crying – ultimately understanding something new about politics, society and themselves. The role sits within the Features department and is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

Requirements

A track record of editing high-impact journalism on culture, politics or related 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 live coverage and longer-form enterprise or narrative work.
A deep interest in politics and power, as well as how they intersect with culture.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Oct. 19 will be prioritized.
The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Features Editor Ellen McCarthy and Features Editor Amanda Finnegan.

Nice To Haves

You are driven to shape coverage that captures the cultural forces defining this political moment.
You love a story with voice, humor and stylish writing.
You enjoy developing reporters and helping them produce ambitious, distinctive work.
You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom and are energized by both quick hits and long-form storytelling.
You value collaboration and are eager to work across desks to elevate coverage.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage reporters who cover politics, culture and trends.
Shape quick-turn profiles of the moment’s most talked-about figures, as well as deeper reported features.
Set editorial priorities and shape coverage that drives conversation and delivers insightful analysis and narrative storytelling.
Edit stories and columns across multiple formats — from enterprise and features to quick sceners and newsletters.
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.