Freelance Reader Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times is looking for an experienced journalist to helm the Mid-Atlantic Region as its bureau chief.

You understand the issues that are playing out across the coverage zone - which includes DC, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. You see news moments as opportunities to show off your expertise through clear and vivid writing.

As the authority on your region and a leader among peers, you will conceive and direct coverage plans and identify revelatory follows and deeper work on breaking news.

You will come brimming with ideas for engaging stories in many formats that help to explain and visualize the region for our readers, driving the conversation on topics of import to the region and the country.

You must be able to write quickly, clearly and accurately on deadline. Willingness to embrace a variety of formats and embracing new forms of storytelling is essential. You must be collaborative with colleagues.

This position may be based in-office in Washington D.C or remote in the region, pending business needs. In-office would include regular attendance in the office, four days per week.

Responsibilities:

• You will drive a sense of what is coming next, both by watching themes in their region and a calendar of what news and events are coming.
• You will oversee what is happening in your region on a constant basis, by scanning competition and guiding editors on the relevance of stories coming from their region.
• You will be the Times' ambassador to your region or bureau; demonstrate and share your authority and expertise with colleagues looking for knowledge on your region. Be a leader to fellow regional reporters with questions.
• You will cultivate a deep source network of authorities, politicians, sheriffs, union reps, cultural figures, law enforcement, agency representatives and beyond - positioning yourself to tap a source in a given news moment, from scoops to interviews and real-time updates. Discern which stories to write to further develop and engage your sources.
• You will develop relationships with the stringers and freelancers in your region, adding new talent, assessing their performance in those assignments and identifying contributors for stories when they break.
• You will brainstorm and develop ideas with colleagues in your region or on adjacent beats. Initiate collaborations when opportunities arise. Keep in regular contact with your colleagues.
• Your daily life will range from breaking news stories to enterprise, accountability pieces and scoops, and embrace a variety of story formats and collaborations - that as a body of work help readers understand your region.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
• You will report to an editor on the National Desk.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years' experience at a journalism or media company
• 5+ years of experience of reporting from a region for a national and global audience
• Writing skills that demonstrate mastery of journalistic style and standards, including ethical and superb news judgment
• A portfolio that includes politics, news, enterprise and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with nontraditional story formats

REQ-020541

Additional Compensation and Benefits

For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.