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Freelance Journalist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Stand Together

Editor in Chief

Arlington, VA

$200K - $300K/yr

You'll lead a forward‑thinking team that blends journalistic excellence with AI‑powered tools ... freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to ...

Stand Together

Editor in Chief

Arlington, VA · On-site

You'll lead a forward-thinking team that blends journalistic excellence with AI-powered tools to ... freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to ...

Dc-Aapor

Head of Video

Washington, DC · On-site

$117 - $143/hr

The Head of Video will oversee video production staff (including two video producers and freelance ... Experience working with data-driven research or journalistic content* Deep understanding of multi ...

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All JobsJournalist JobsFreelance Journalist JobsFreelance Journalist Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Journalist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$63.4K

$136.3K

How much do freelance journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance journalist in Reston, VA is $63,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $82,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Journalist vs Staff Journalist?

AspectFreelance JournalistStaff Journalist
CredentialsTypically a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldSame as freelance, often with additional in-house training
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, or varied locationsIn-office or newsroom setting
EmployerMultiple clients, media outlets, or agenciesSingle employer, media organization
Work StyleSelf-managed, flexible deadlinesStructured schedule, team collaboration

Freelance journalists work independently with multiple clients, offering flexibility and diverse assignments. Staff journalists are employed by a media organization, working within a team with a fixed schedule. Both roles require journalism credentials, but their work environments and employment structures differ significantly.

What is a freelance journalist?

Freelance journalists are independent writers or reporters who are not employed by a single news organization but instead sell their work to various publications, websites, or media outlets. They pitch story ideas, conduct research and interviews, and write articles or produce multimedia content on a wide range of topics. Freelance journalists have the flexibility to choose their assignments and work schedules, but they are also responsible for finding their own clients, managing contracts, and handling their own business affairs. This career path allows for creative freedom and variety, but can also involve uncertainty regarding steady income and ongoing work.

What does a freelance journalist do?

As a freelance journalist, your job is to uncover the news, write the story, and pitch content suggestions to an editor. Freelance journalists frequently network with other professionals to get interviews and find stories, research topics through a credible website, and maintain a portfolio of sample content that's ready to publish at any time. You may specialize in particular areas, such as technology or the beauty industry, but your duties in this job are functionally identical regardless of specialization. However, some freelance journalists produce videos instead of writing stories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Journalist, you need strong writing, research, interviewing, and storytelling skills, often supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, content management systems, social media, and multimedia tools like photo and video editing software is typically required. Standout freelancers excel in self-motivation, time management, networking, and adaptability to different topics and deadlines. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality, engaging content while managing multiple assignments and building a reputable portfolio in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges freelance journalists face when managing multiple assignments?

Freelance journalists often juggle several assignments with different deadlines, editors, and subject matter, which can make time management and organization particularly challenging. Balancing the need to pitch new stories while delivering quality work on current projects requires strong self-discipline and adaptability. Additionally, freelancers must proactively build and maintain relationships with editors and sources to ensure a steady workflow and access to information. Staying up-to-date on industry trends and maintaining a diverse portfolio also help in standing out in a competitive market.
More about Freelance Journalist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Journalist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Journalist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Journalist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Journalist job openings:
Freelance Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Journalist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,440 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Sr. Manager, Communications & Public Relations - Remote

Autism Speaks

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

Autism Speaks is looking for a dynamic Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to join our remote team. The role is remote.  This is an exciting opportunity for a strong writer and media relations professional to help elevate our voice, build meaningful media connections, and support mission-driven storytelling.

The Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations is a creative, highly motivated, and strategic communications professional that must be comfortable supporting rapid response communications efforts and building strong relationships with contacts at journals, publications, and outlets relevant to the mission of the organization.  Supports the execution of strategic communications initiatives that advance Autism Speaks’ mission, strengthen organizational visibility, and support media engagement across national, regional, and trade outlets.
Reporting to the Vice President Communications & Public Relations, this role supports proactive media relations efforts, executive communications, organizational messaging, and high-profile campaigns, partnerships, and events. The Senior Manager will actively pitch, secure, and coordinate media opportunities while collaborating across teams to help elevate Autism Speaks’ visibility and storytelling efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strong writer and media relations professional with sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Media Relations & Public Relations
  • Support proactive media strategies tied to organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and major announcements.
  • Actively pitch, secure, coordinate, and staff national, regional, local, and trade media opportunities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and freelance writers.
  • Draft and edit communications materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
  • Support media interview preparation for executives, spokespeople, self-advocates, families, researchers, partners, and ambassadors.
  • Monitor news cycles, identify timely opportunities for media engagement, and support rapid-response communications and sensitive media inquiries as needed.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to identify stories, spokespeople, and community perspectives that support communications priorities and help identify gaps in available stories, voices, or subject matter relevant to proactive communications efforts.
  • Help maintain consistency across external communications materials and public-facing messaging.
  • Help manage media lists, coverage tracking, reporting, and communications resources.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate across departments to support integrated communications efforts and ensure alignment in public-facing messaging.
  • Coordinate with external PR agencies, consultants, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders as needed.
  • Support internal communications processes and help manage communications approvals and workflows as needed.
  • Serve as a communications resource for regional teams, helping support local visibility opportunities and messaging alignment.
Partnerships & Campaign Support
  • Assist with communications tied to corporate partnerships, fundraising campaigns, organizational initiatives, and community events.
  • Assist with communications support surrounding celebrities and other high-profile supporters, and select organizational events as needed.
(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive.  Other duties may be assigned by supervisor/s.  As outlined in your performance goal setting forms, you will be responsible for achieving the goals provided by and agreed upon with your manager).
Requirements:
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field preferred. 6-8 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or a related communications role.
Skills and Knowledge:
  • Track record of pitching and securing media coverage.
  • Experience drafting and editing media materials such as press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
  • Experience working with media monitoring, distribution, or reporting platforms.
  • Experience working in nonprofit, advocacy, healthcare, disability, and mission-driven communications environments (preferred).
  • Availability for occasional travel, generally a few times per year and time-sensitive evening or weekend assignments.
  • Commitment to respectful, community-centered communications and Autism Speaks’ mission.
  • Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling messaging.
  • Strong news judgment, media instincts, and the ability to identify timely story opportunities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and communications needs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Sound judgment, professionalism and commitment to respectful, community centered communications and Autism Speaks mission.
  • Experience using new tools and technologies, including AI, to improve workflow, efficiency, and productivity while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
Core Competencies:
  • Building Collaborative Relationships
  • Professional Behavior
  • Results Driven
  • Customer Orientation
  • Flexibility
     
You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all Autism Speaks data and information to which you have access.
Autism Speaks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, evaluate, employ, and promote candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, protected veteran or military status, disability or other legally protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for job openings. Reasonable accommodations will be provided. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
About Autism Speaks:
At Autism Speaks, our mission is to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Together with our broad and diverse community, we strive every day to achieve our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. This mission and vision drive every member of our staff; our employees are inspired, energized and motivated by the impact we can collectively have on behalf of the autism community.
Autism Speaks celebrates every success achieved to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism, and we work collaboratively across departments to find solutions that will do the most good for the most people. 
Just as we strive to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow for people on the spectrum, we also aim to enhance the lives of our dedicated employees, through thick and thin.
Salary & Benefits:
Autism Speaks offers a competitive compensation, benefit and vacation package. We also provide flex work hours, weekly training sessions, tuition reimbursement and summer bonus Fridays in addition to a creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind and fun work environment.
For consideration, please forward your resume and cover letter.
Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000
Autism Speaks is an employer that participates in E-Verify
 

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