The Washington Post is seeking an accomplished, creative and ambitious journalist to lead the investigative unit’s long-term reporting team, guiding high-impact journalism that holds powerful institutions to account.

This editor will work with an award-winning group of reporters focused on deeply reported, revelatory investigations into issues of the greatest public importance. The role is central to The Post’s mission — driving ambitious accountability journalism that combines rigorous reporting, sharp storytelling and broad audience reach.

We are looking for a leader with exceptional editorial judgment, strong conceptual and line-editing skills and a proven ability to deliver high-stakes investigations in a competitive environment. The ideal candidate is both strategic and nimble: able to deliver long-term projects while being able to pivot and shepherd stories into publication quickly when circumstances warrant it. This editor will collaborate across desks and disciplines to ensure investigations are presented in compelling, innovative formats that resonate with a wide audience.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom. 

What Motivates You: 

• You are driven to produce revelatory journalism that holds powerful institutions accountable. 

• You enjoy developing ambitious investigative ideas and guiding them to impact. 

• You thrive in a competitive environment and are motivated to break news and set the agenda. 

• You are curious about how to reach audiences in new and compelling ways. 

• You value collaboration and are energized by working across teams to elevate storytelling. 

How You’ll Support the Mission: 

• Lead and manage a team of investigative reporters focused on long-term, high-impact accountability journalism that resonates with readers 

• Identify and develop ambitious investigative projects in collaboration with journalists across the newsroom. 

• Edit stories to the highest standards, sharpening reporting, framing and narrative while ensuring accuracy, fairness and rigor. 

• Guide reporters through complex sourcing decisions and uphold the highest ethical standards. 

• Drive a steady pipeline of scoops, enterprise and accountability reporting, ensuring investigations deliver both depth and urgency. 

• Partner with visual and data journalism teams to tell investigative stories in innovative and engaging ways. 

• Collaborate across desks to combine investigative expertise with beat reporting and subject-matter knowledge. 

• Ensure projects move efficiently from conception to publication, balancing ambition with execution. 

• Use audience data and performance insights to help guide story selection and maximize impact. 

• Foster a supportive, high-performing team culture that prioritizes development, collaboration and excellence. 

The Skills and Experiences You Bring: 

• A demonstrated record of editing revelatory, high-impact investigative or accountability journalism. 

• First-rate conceptual and line-editing skills, with the ability to bring clarity and authority to complex stories. 

• Experience managing reporters and guiding long-term projects to successful publication. 

• Experience collaborating across formats, including social video, data, audio or other storytelling approaches. 

• Deep understanding of investigative reporting techniques, including sourcing, public records and legal considerations. 

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, respectful management style. 

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter outlining their qualifications and vision for the role, along with a résumé and three clips, to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 26 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Investigations Editor David Fallis and Deputy Editor for Investigations Eric Rich. 

The salary range for this position is $137,300 — $228,900. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the newsroom's recruiting team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.