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Senior Journalist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Whitman Associates, Inc.

Senior Copywriter

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or related field. * Ability to travel onsite to events and work flexible hours as needed. Rate: $30 an hour while temping. Salary: $80,000 ...

ADC Management Services

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Master's Degree (Senior) in English, Journalism, or a technical field. Experience: 10+ years for Senior with supervisory and project management experience. Transportation experience, especially in ...

ADC Management Services

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$126 - $154/hr

Master's Degree (Senior) in English, Journalism, or a technical field. Experience * 10+ years for Senior with supervisory and project management experience. * Transportation experience, especially in ...

ADC Management Services

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Master's Degree (Senior) in English, Journalism, or a technical field. Experience: 10+ years for Senior with supervisory and project management experience. Transportation experience, especially in ...

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Senior Journalist information

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How much do senior journalist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior journalist in Reston, VA is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $36.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior journalist do?

A Senior Journalist is an experienced professional responsible for researching, writing, and editing news stories, features, and reports. They often cover complex topics, conduct high-profile interviews, and may specialize in specific beats or areas of expertise. Senior Journalists also mentor junior staff, contribute to editorial decision-making, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of published content. Their work plays a crucial role in informing the public and shaping public opinion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior journalist?

To thrive as a Senior Journalist, you need advanced reporting, investigative skills, strong writing abilities, and a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with digital content management systems, multimedia tools, and data analysis platforms is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, editorial judgment, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing news environments help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of accurate, compelling stories while maintaining journalistic integrity and meeting tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges senior journalists face when managing investigative projects?

Senior Journalists often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, maintaining source confidentiality, and verifying complex information across multiple channels. Balancing editorial independence with organizational priorities can also be demanding, especially when handling sensitive or high-impact stories. Additionally, leading project teams requires strong coordination and mentorship skills to ensure accuracy and ethical standards are upheld throughout the investigative process.

What is the difference between Senior Journalist vs Reporter?

AspectSenior JournalistReporter
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; extensive experienceSimilar educational background; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch, writing, editing, often in newsrooms or media outletsOn-the-ground coverage, field reporting, live updates
Employer & Industry UsageMajor news organizations, magazines, online mediaNews agencies, local and national media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding seniority, experience, and rolesFocus on reporting duties, fieldwork, and coverage scope

Senior journalists typically have more experience, handle complex stories, and may oversee other reporters, while reporters focus on gathering news, conducting interviews, and live coverage. Both roles are essential in news production, but senior journalists often have leadership responsibilities and broader editorial input.

How much do senior journalists get paid?

Senior journalists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. They often have advanced reporting skills and may work under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

Is journalism a declining field?

Journalism as a profession has faced challenges due to digital transformation, declining print circulation, and changing advertising revenue, leading to job reductions in some areas. However, opportunities remain in digital media, data journalism, and multimedia reporting, requiring skills in digital tools and content creation.

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 are popular job titles related to Senior Journalist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Journalist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Journalist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Journalist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Journalist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Journalist job openings:

Senior Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Journalist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 68% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 31% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,430 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Senior Politics Editor - White House, Congress and Elections

gannett

Washington, DC • On-site

$103K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 76 rated media

Job description

Overview
 
USA TODAY is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Politics Editor to lead high-impact coverage of the White House, Congress and national elections for a fast-paced, competitive news environment. This editor will shape our most consequential political journalism, ensuring it is authoritative, distinctive and indispensable to USA TODAY’s audience.
 
This position reports directly to the Managing Editor for Politics, World and Legal Affairs and works closely with politics reporters and editors across USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network.
 
This position will be based in the USA TODAY newsroom in Washington, DC.
 
What We're Looking For
  • A newsroom leader with deep knowledge of U.S. politics, campaigns and governance.
  • An editor with proven sources within government and politics and demonstrated skill at helping reporters build deep source networks.
  • An editor with strong news judgment, overflowing with ideas and the knowledge of how to help reporters develop interesting and impactful stories.
  • A coach who can elevate reporters’ work, sharpen angles and push for ambitious coverage.
  • A calm, organized editor who thrives under the deadline pressure of breaking news and can also plan coverage for known events.
Job Purpose
 
The Senior Politics Editor will lead coverage of the White House, Congress and national elections, working with a team of reporters to break news, deliver scoops and explain why developments matter to our audience. This editor will help reporters build and strengthen sources, identify exclusive lines of reporting and frame stories with sharp, clear angles across platforms.
 
The ideal candidate combines superb news judgment with strong editing skills, an instinct for accountability journalism and a knack for turning complex policy and political maneuvers into engaging, accessible storytelling. This role requires the ability to move quickly in high-pressure moments while maintaining accuracy, fairness and ethical rigor.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Lead, coach and mentor reporters covering the White House, Congress and national elections, with an emphasis on exclusives, scoops and creative coverage angles.
  • Help reporters build robust source networks and identify original, high-impact lines of reporting.
  • Sharpen story ideas and angles to ensure coverage is focused, timely and essential to USA TODAY’s unique audience.
  • Provide rigorous editing and guidance in shaping clear, compelling narratives and strong digital headlines.
  • Respond quickly to breaking political news and guide follow-up coverage that adds depth, context and accountability.
  • Collaborate closely with visuals, audience, data and video teams to tell politics stories in multiple formats.
  • Maintain excellent planning and organization around major political events, including elections, primaries, debates and key legislative battles.
  • Uphold USA TODAY’s standards for accuracy, fairness, ethics and audience relevance in all political coverage.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • At least 10 years of newsroom experience as an editor or newsroom leader, preferably on politics or national affairs.
  • Demonstrated success leading high-impact political coverage and delivering distinctive stories in a competitive news environment.
  • Proven ability to coach reporters, strengthen their sourcing and generate scoops and exclusives.
  • Exceptional news judgment, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to work calmly in fast-paced, high-pressure cycles.
  • Strong editing skills and experience shaping story structure, angles and presentation across digital platforms.
  • Experience collaborating with visuals and audience teams and comfort with digital tools and analytics.
  • Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism 

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job. 

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $103,000 and $160,938. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. 

 

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