Defense Policy Reporter

About Our Organization: Punchbowl News is a news content company focused on power, people, and politics in Washington. We are seeking two Defense Policy Reporters to join our growing team. Punchbowl News’ primary focus is breaking news about power, the nation’s political leadership and explaining to our audience of political junkies how Washington works. We produce (at least) three newsletters each day, a daily podcast, dozens of events and more across our growing product suite. Punchbowl News’ theory is that power in Washington emanates from the Capitol – and that’s the center of our focus. Our audience includes members of Congress, high-ranking members of the Trump administration, lobbyists, top-level reporters, media executives, Wall Streeters, tech and Hollywood executives and everyday political fans.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-time Regular

Primary Location: Washington, DC

Job Summary: Punchbowl News is looking for two reporters to join our growing editorial team and cover the Defense Policy beat. The best candidates for these positions will have extensive reporting experience, are well sourced in Congress and the Pentagon and thrive in a startup-oriented newsroom.

Most importantly, this person should have a proven track record of breaking news. Previous experience covering defense is not a must, but the ability to score scoops is.

Defense policy debates are a major part of the congressional agenda each year and touch on a variety of topics important Punchbowl News readers. Whether it’s how much to spend beefing up the country’s defense capabilities, realigning Pentagon priorities to fit modern warfare or a shift in foreign policy or how social issues should be addressed within our fighting forces, Punchbowl News readers want to know the ins and outs of defense policy debates.

The ideal candidate for this job will want to cover not only the policies – but the personalities that drive decision making in the Capitol, at the Pentagon and in industry.

There are great stories to be told on this beat and we want aggressive and smart reporters to write them for Punchbowl News.

Responsibilities: The Punchbowl News defense reporters will work closely with the entire editorial team to own coverage of the power, people and politics in the defense world.

Key responsibilities include:

• Filing several dispatches each week for our flagship newsletters: Punchbowl News AM, Midday and PM
• Co-anchoring a new defense focused product each week
• Breaking market-moving news and produce thought-provoking enterprise and analysis
• Hosting live newsmaker events
• Representing Punchbowl News on television, radio and other promotional activities

Qualifications:

• Washington and Capitol Hill reporting experience
• A deep understanding of defense and foreign policy conversations driving Washington
• Three or more years of reporting experience
• Ability to write clean, concise copy
• A record of breaking news and high-value enterprise

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary for this role is in the range of $90,000 - $110,000. Final compensation will be based on scope, work experience, and relevant skills.

In addition to salary, Punchbowl News is pleased to offer other benefits:

• Punchbowl News offers a 401(k) plan and employer-matching contributions after six months of employment.
• Punchbowl News offers robust healthcare benefits to employees (medical, dental and vision).
• Punchbowl News covers health insurance premiums for individuals and any qualified family members.
• Punchbowl News offers a generous and fair vacation policy with 20 days paid leave plus most federal holidays.
• Punchbowl News offers an additional two weeks of office-wide vacation (end of August, end of December).
• Punchbowl News offers birth parents up to five consecutive months (20 weeks) of paid leave at full salary. Partners or non-birth parents are eligible for a total of 12 weeks of paid leave.
• Punchbowl News offers opportunities for learning and development through programs, classes and regular internal training sessions.

The job is based in Washington, D.C., but we are open to candidates from elsewhere in the United States. Punchbowl News is committed to building a diverse staff.

Employment Eligibility & Equal Opportunity Statement

Punchbowl News celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

In accordance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required Form I-9 upon hire.