Deputy National Security Editor

The Wall Street Journal; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The Wall Street Journal seeks an experienced Deputy National Security Editor in Washington, D.C. to lead the coverage of U.S. foreign policy and global geopolitics.

This role involves overseeing daily news flow, coaching reporters, and setting coverage priorities with senior editors. The ideal candidate has at least 4 years of high-level journalism experience and a deep understanding of national security issues.

Compensation ranges from $150,000 to $175,000, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Mastery of narrative structure to transform complex geopolitical content.
• Experience producing journalism across various mediums.
• Deep understanding of the Defense and State departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee news flow on national security, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Work closely with reporters to develop compelling stories.
• Act as a hands-on editor and coach for a team of reporters.
• Coordinate with senior editors to set coverage priorities.
• Champion new storytelling formats to engage global audiences.

Skills

Narrative structure expertise

Understanding of U.S. geopolitics

High-level journalism experience

Strong editing skills

Job description

Deputy National Security Editor

Location: Washington, D.C. (Full time)

Job Description

The Wall Street Journal is seeking an experienced editor to join our Washington bureau as Deputy National Security Editor. In this role, you will help lead coverage of U.S. foreign policy, defense, and global geopolitics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily news flow on the national security beat, ensuring fast, accurate reporting on the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence community.
• Work closely with reporters to sharpen their storytelling and develop must‑read stories about U.S. geopolitics.
• Act as a hands‑on editor and coach for a seasoned team of reporters, providing guidance on narrative structure and investigative techniques.
• Coordinate with senior editors in Washington, New York and the World team to set coverage priorities and craft a seamless global narrative.
• Champion new storytelling formats and use digital‑publishing tools to reach a sophisticated global audience.

Qualifications

• Mastery of narrative structure and the ability to transform complex geopolitical content into clear, compelling prose.
• A keen sense of the Journal’s audience and a strong desire to work across coverage areas and mediums—including video, graphics, and data—to produce top‑notch journalism.
• Deep understanding of U.S. geopolitics and the inner workings of the Defense and State departments and the intelligence community.
• Impeccable judgment and the ability to exercise it under intense deadline pressure.
• Minimum of 4 years of high‑level journalism experience, with a significant portion covering or editing national security or foreign policy.

Compensation & Benefits

Base pay range: $150,000–$175,000. Benefits include health, retirement, wellbeing, and additional optional benefits tailored to employee needs.

Application Deadline

Submit a resume and a cover letter explaining how your skills align with the Journal’s mission and your approach to leading a national security team by July 28th.

Equal Opportunity Employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.