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Assignment Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Washington Post

Photo Assignment Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local, national and global audiences. The ideal candidate combines sharp news ...

Fox

Digital Editorial Lead

Washington, DC

Partner with newsroom leaders, producers, assignment editors, field crews, regional digital teams, and FTS markets to maximize coverage and content performance. * Build AI Workflows. Implement AI ...

WJBK Fox 2

Digital Editorial Lead

Washington, DC

Partner with newsroom leaders, producers, assignment editors, field crews, regional digital teams, and FTS markets to maximize coverage and content performance. * Build AI Workflows. Implement AI ...

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All JobsAssignment Editor JobsAssignment Editor Jobs in Washington, DC

Assignment Editor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$42.5K

$61.9K

$79.3K

How much do assignment editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assignment editor in Washington, DC is $61,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $77,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assignment Editor vs News Producer?

AspectAssignment EditorNews Producer
Primary RoleAssigns and coordinates news stories for reporters and crewsOversees the entire news segment, including story selection and overall production
CredentialsJournalism degree or related experience, strong organizational skillsJournalism or communications background, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentNewsroom, fast-paced, collaborativeNewsroom, overseeing production process
Industry UsageCommon in broadcast and digital news outletsCommon in broadcast stations and media companies

While both roles are integral to news production, an Assignment Editor primarily manages story assignments and newsroom logistics, whereas a News Producer oversees the overall production, including story development and broadcast execution. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the journalism industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assignment Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assignment Editor, you need strong news judgment, organizational skills, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with newsroom management systems, wire services, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and leadership abilities help manage reporters and coordinate coverage effectively. These skills ensure timely, accurate news dissemination and efficient newsroom operations in a fast-paced environment.

What kind of jobs in media bring in 150,000 a year?

Assignment editors typically do not earn $150,000 annually; higher-paying media roles such as senior producers, media directors, or executive editors often reach or exceed this salary level, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills in content management and industry knowledge.

How does an Assignment Editor typically coordinate with reporters and other newsroom staff during fast-breaking news events?

During fast-breaking news events, an Assignment Editor acts as the central point of communication, quickly assessing incoming information and dispatching reporters, photographers, and crews to relevant locations. They prioritize coverage based on editorial importance, keep track of multiple developing stories, and provide real-time updates to teams in the field. Assignment Editors also ensure that newsroom resources are allocated efficiently and that stories are covered comprehensively and accurately, frequently collaborating with producers and digital teams to maintain cohesive reporting.

How much do assignment editors make?

Assignment editors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring strong editing, communication, and organizational skills.

What does an assignment editor do?

An assignment editor is responsible for assigning news stories to reporters, editing and reviewing submissions, and coordinating coverage to ensure timely and accurate news delivery. They work closely with journalists, use editing tools, and often operate on tight deadlines in a newsroom environment.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Assignment editors typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. In media organizations, top executives or senior editors in large companies may reach this level, often requiring extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced degrees. Most roles in editing or journalism pay significantly less, with high earnings reserved for senior management or industry leaders.

What Is the Job of an Assignment Editor?

An assignment editor develops news stories and assigns journalists to cover breaking news. In this career, your duties include working with a writer, photographer, or reporter to cover all necessary aspects of a news story. Your responsibilities may be slightly different depending on where you work. Assignment editors can work in radio, television, or the newspaper industry. You may also find employment with websites that report the news. Especially in TV, an assignment editor needs to coordinate quickly between reporters, producers, and photojournalists to cover stories at a moment’s notice.

More about Assignment Editor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Assignment Editor jobs in Washington, DC? For Assignment Editor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assignment Editor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Assignment Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Assignment Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assignment Editor job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,941 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Photo Assignment Editor

Photo Assignment Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC • On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Join the future of news
We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
About Our Team
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
Why This Role Matters
The Washington Post is seeking a rigorous, creative and fast-moving photo assignment editor to help drive visual storytelling across our newsroom.
This role is central to how The Post reports the news visually, from breaking coverage to ambitious enterprise. The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local, national and global audiences. The ideal candidate combines sharp news judgment with a sophisticated visual sensibility and a strong understanding of how storytelling translates across platforms.
We are looking for an editor who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can pivot quickly between assignments and is eager to experiment with new approaches to visual journalism. This role requires close collaboration with reporters, editors and visual teams across the newsroom to ensure our photography is timely, authoritative and distinctive.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom and will require some night and weekend shifts.
What Motivates You:
  • You are passionate about visual storytelling and its power to shape how audiences experience the news.

  • You thrive on the urgency of breaking news and the challenge of producing high-impact work on deadline.

  • You enjoy collaborating with photographers and journalists across disciplines.

  • You are curious about new formats and platforms for visual storytelling.

  • You are driven to produce work that is both visually compelling and journalistically rigorous.

How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Assign photography, conduct visual research and generate visual stories across daily and enterprise coverage.

  • Pitch, write and edit visual-first stories that elevate The Post's journalism.

  • Manage a wide range of assignments, from breaking news to immersive, high-impact visual projects.

  • Work closely with correspondents and editors in Washington and across the U.S. and globally.

  • Collaborate with visual, design and audience teams to deliver engaging, accurate and informative reader experiences.

  • Develop creative visual storytelling approaches that take advantage of all publishing platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • A track record of editing complex visual stories across a range of formats.

  • A strong eye for photography and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of freelance photographers.

  • Deep understanding of visual storytelling across digital and print platforms.

  • Ability to write concise, accurate copy for photo presentations.

  • Comfort working quickly and pivoting between breaking news and longer-term enterprise.

  • Experience with visual storytelling that integrates photography, video, graphics, text and audio.

  • Proficiency with digital tools such as Photoshop and PhotoMechanic; working knowledge of Premiere or other video editing software is a plus.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé and a cover letter to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Director of Photography Oliver Laurent and Director of Photography Robert Miller.
The salary range for this position is $92,600 - $138,800. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
  • Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
  • Robust mental health resources
  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services
  • Gender affirming services
  • Pet insurance
  • Free Post digital subscription
  • Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!
Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.

Apply