Job Description
Location: Washington, DC, US, 20005-4076
Company: Associated Press
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
The Associated Press seeks an enterprising reporter with a proven track record of developing sources, breaking news and producing compelling, agenda-setting journalism to cover national politics as a newsperson in Washington, DC.
Reporting to the U.S. political editor, this newsperson will aggressively break news and produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise about the universe of power brokers, elected officials and political influencers that operate in Washington and influence public policy and the national political landscape. This reporter will also have a lead role in AP's coverage of the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential election. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is adept at juggling multiple assignments, and will collaborate with colleagues to beat the competition with traditional and intellectual scoops. They know how to build a story from the local level and frame it in a way that can resonate with the AP’s broad U.S. and international audiences. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable interviewing a lawmaker, a presidential candidate, a political consultant or a voter on the street, and must be familiar with polling, campaign finance reports, data sets and freedom of information requests. They should be skilled at using social media for breaking news and development of sources.
The successful candidate will:
- have a demonstrated history of success as a beat reporter on politics and government, with a record of creating and delivering compelling work on deadline that is illuminating and engaging.
- work among a team of reporters and editors across formats in Washington and bureaus throughout the U.S. to deliver spot news and enterprise about politics that breaks news, has impact and is exclusive to AP.
- have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
- have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share, like and talk about on social media and other platforms.
- pursue innovative coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity, and have the ability and willingness to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.
Qualifications: This newsperson must have demonstrated excellence as a journalist, with a deep record of delivering exclusive and distinctive spot news and enterprise stories on a complex and challenging beat. Applicants must be able to explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways and do so swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively as a member of a team and should have at least five years of full-time experience at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet, or an AP bureau or regional desk.
Other qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- All applicants must be able to work in the U.S., or be able to gain permission to do so.
- Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
- Basic proficiency in using an iPhone for photos and video is required. Advanced proficiency is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.
Application deadline is March 29, 2022 11:59 p.m. est
AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.