Politics Breaking News Reporter job at The Guardian. Washington DC. 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.

We are now looking for a Politics Live Blogger based in Washington, D.C.

Department: Politics

Reports to: Washington editor

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid

Terms and conditions: Permanent, full time, News Guild Media position

About the Role

To anchor live blog and story-led coverage of national and international political news stories, bringing together reporting from Guardian correspondents and external sources. The Guardian's Washington DC bureau covers politics news from the US for a global audience, focusing on the Guardian's editorial priorities: power, equity and diversity. Our US politics team aims to expertly cover urgent news while producing impactful features, enterprise coverage and investigative reporting.

With Donald Trump back in office, American politics is a compelling and vital issue for communities and audiences in the US and across the world. The Democratic party is split between left and centrists and the Republicans have embraced Trumpism and an anti-democratic agenda. Meanwhile, US institutions look increasingly outdated and unable to meet the challenge of a changing America. Our political coverage seeks to make these themes relatable to the widest possible audience while also reporting on the American communities that government policies impact, listening to the voices of people too often kept out of the conversation.

Key responsibilities

• Setting up and anchoring daily politics live blogs as directed by US editors
• Monitoring external sources such as wires services, news organisations and social media for latest developments and other relevant material, including audio and video
• Ensuring live updates are accurate and in keeping with Guardian style and tone
• Keeping abreast of developments in live reporting, including new techniques, tools and formats
• Liaising with live bloggers and desks in London to ensure smooth handovers
• During weeks off the blog, use reporting skills to break political stories, investigate and verify developments and interview key players
• During weeks off the blog, interview and report on candidates seeking political office during primary and secondary elections
• Covering for other US team members as required

About You

• Experience with live blogging and/or other styles of live political stories
• Substantial experience using web content management systems
• Substantial experience using social internet tools and technologies
• Track record of working directly with online communities in an editorial context
• Audio and video experience desirable
• Excellent knowledge of news and current affairs, especially international news
• Good understanding of media
• Understanding and track record of innovation in storytelling

Skills & behaviors

• Ability to produce accurate, lively copy under tight deadlines and time pressures
• Strong political contacts and knowledge
• Good news judgement
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to acquire new skills swiftly
• Organized
• Flexible
• Inquisitive/creative
• 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.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary: $90-105k
• 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 an Employee Assistance Program.

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.

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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.