Washington Editor

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

The Role

We're looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, and scoop-driven editor for the Semafor DC team. You would be assigning, writing, and polishing a mixture of content — from incisive coverage of the Trump White House to agenda-shaping newsletter items for our morning newsletter.

We’re looking for a highly organized and broad thinker who devours information, from policy papers to our competitors’ coverage, and someone with an impeccable grasp of grammar and style. While we would likely favor candidates with previous editing experience, we’re very open to an experienced reporter who’s ready to make the jump. Most importantly: We want someone passionate about all corners of Washington, not just one branch of government, and someone with the drive that’s required to make our team’s coverage stand out from the pack. We’re looking for an experienced journalist who has a proven record of thinking beyond the story of the day, who can spot and explain bigger themes, and has the drive necessary to thrive in a new, ambitious environment.

This is a role that will also be asked to play a major part in our live journalism business, moderating and helping with editorial planning and recruiting guests for event tentpoles that include our annual World Economy Summit. 

Your Responsibilities

• Edit daily stories and newsletter items that run the gamut of Washington coverage, from the White House to agencies to the Hill;
• Assign and manage longer-term editorial projects, including for our thriving events team;
• Collaborate across the DC and Wall Street team and the rest of Semafor to break stories across multiple beats.
• Help plan editorial content for and otherwise contribute to Semafor’s live journalism events, a slate led by the annual World Economy Summit.

What Makes You Qualified

• 5 or more years of relevant experience in Washington journalism, with previous editing experience a plus;
• Demonstrable skill line editing and prepping copy on tight deadlines;
• Experience in scrappy and/or dynamic environments and willingness to jump in wherever needed to help the team succeed;
• Passion for, and experience with, moderation of live interviews;
• A passion for news in all its forms.

Additional Job Details

This position is based out of our Washington, D.C. office. This role is in office Monday - Thursday and Work From Home on Friday.

Base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $180,000. 

Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and frequently travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.