Breaking News Politics Reporter

Job Description

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles.

The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe. It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

The Guardian is now seeking a Breaking News Politics Reporter to provide political news coverage for The Guardian.

Department: Editorial, Guardian US

Reports to: Washington Editor

Normal location: Washington DC

Terms and conditions: Full-time permanent role, News Media Guild position

Purpose of the role:

The Guardian US is looking for a breaking news politics reporter in the DC bureau. The ideal candidate has a track record of finding and breaking a variety of US political news, from congressional votes to a little known politician wreaking havoc in their hometown. This fast paced job will sometimes mean writing and reporting 2-3 stories a day, while other times updating a developing story or our politics blog. In this role, the reporter would collaborate with our politics and democracy teams in DC, NY, LA and across the country.

Job Requirements

Key duties & responsibilities:

• Report and write breaking political news stories and contribute to our political live blog
• Generate timely pitches reflecting sharp news judgement and understanding of the Guardian's style and mission
• Work as a collaborative member of a digital-first newsroom as part of a regular seven-day rotation of general news reporters
• Produce accurate and compelling daily political news stories with flair, originality and insight. This coverage should have global appeal, telling stories about America to an overseas audience as much as a domestic one
• Follow major political storylines
• Balance hard-news reporting with colorful writing and live blogging
• Some work outside normal reporting hours may be required

Knowledge & experience:

• Three to five years experience in digital reporting for a prominent newspaper or website
• Proven ability to generate must-read political coverage at a national level
• Experience with live blogging
• Excellent knowledge of the US political news landscape
• Awareness of Guardian house style and standards
• Enthusiasm for digital storytelling, for example collaborating on video, audio, interactive and new forms of content for the web and mobile

Skills & aptitudes:

• Ability to deliver well-written stories for web and print on deadline
• Excellent news judgement and high standards for fair and accurate reporting
• Equally adept at pitching and taking assignments
• Excellent awareness of social media as a means for generating and developing storylines
• Ability to work with colleagues and news desks across multiple time zones and continents
• Ability to form productive relationships within and outside the newsroom and with industry organizations, interview subjects and contacts
• Ability to generate fresh ideas and angles
• Excellent communication skills
• You can handle tight deadlines and produce high-quality stories under pressure
• Calm under pressure
• Willingness to accept constructive feedback
• Self-starter
• Focused
• Team player

How to Apply:

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter as one PDF document.

Compensation and Benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 11 company holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & Wellbeing:

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to Employee Assistance Programs.

Learning & Development:

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability:

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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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 (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have 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.

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