Washington City Paper is seeking a reporter to write its legendary Loose Lips column and lead its political coverage. This role is based in D.C. but reporting does not focus on Capitol Hill—rather, it covers the actions of the mayor, the D.C. Council, and other locally elected officials across the District. Loose Lips has appeared in City Paper for nearly as long as City Paper’s been around, and this reporter will carry it into a new era as D.C. prepares for Council and mayoral elections in 2022.
A successful candidate will be a skillful writer and reporter who can identify and profile key players in the D.C. government and investigate wrongdoing or suspicious activities. They should also be a self-starter and willing to question authority and officials’ narratives. While this role is primarily focused on politics, the reporter will also have the opportunity to write about other topics as time permits.
The role:
- Write a reported column for the print edition of City Paper, currently published every two weeks.
- Report additional, shorter stories for the website.
- Write at least one longform (3,500+ words) cover story throughout the year.
- Contribute to group issues, including Best of D.C., the People Issue, the Answers Issue, and others throughout the year.
- Attend D.C. Council and other community meetings and briefings, as conditions permit.
The requirements:
- At least four years of reporting experience, ideally about politics
- A working knowledge of the local D.C. government and/or a willingness to learn more about it
- Strong writing skills and the ability to write in multiple styles
- A positive attitude and a willingness to collaborate with colleagues
- A sense of humor and an appreciation for puns, both good and bad
If this sounds like the job for you, apply by sending a resume, a cover letter, and three examples of your best work to editor@washingtoncitypaper.com. In your cover letter, please include a sentence or two about why you want to work at Washington City Paper.
Salary starting at $55,000, depending on experience. We offer great health/dental/vision benefits, a generous PTO policy, transit benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
Washington City Paper is committed to hiring and developing a diverse staff that reflects the communities we cover and aim to reach. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage members of historically underrepresented groups—including but certainly not exclusive to people of color, people with disabilities, and those who identify as queer—to apply for this position.