Editorial Fellow

Job Description

The Atlantic is seeking recent college graduates or early-career journalists to join our newsroom in a role that combines editorial work and tailored learning and mentoring opportunities. In this role, the fellow will develop an understanding of The Atlantic’s journalism, as well as the larger American journalism industry. 

Fellows will also embed in key editorial departments to learn about the inner workings of the newsroom and gain experience working within sections; develop journalism and research skills; support the creation and production of our stories, including research and editing support; participate in professional development opportunities; and be mentored by senior Atlantic staff. Each fellow will be initially assigned to one of the following sections:

• Culture/Family/Books,
• Science/Technology/Health,
• Accountability/National Security,
• Politics/Global/Ideas,
• Print and Fact-Check; or
• Audio

The fellows will be part of a cohort and managed by the Managing Editor for Operations.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Support editors with fact-checking, research, and transcriptions;
• Assist editors with production and layout of stories in The Atlantic’s content management system;
• Participate in editorial meetings;
• Aid department heads with managing team operational needs;
• In consultation with editors, evaluating submissions and/or being the first line of communication on responding to pitches;
• Identify and produce book excerpts with oversight from an editor;
• Pitching stories; and
• Taking on research or operations projects as time allows.

*Audio fellow responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Support editors with fact-checking, research, and transcriptions;
• Help producers with laying up audio sessions and producing episodes in The Atlantic’s content management system;
• Assist producers with booking;
• Participate in editorial meetings;
• Aid department heads with managing team operational needs;
• Shadow-editing; 
• Pitching ideas; and
• Taking on research or operations projects as time allows.

Learning Opportunities:

• Participate in fellowship magazine journalism trainings and professional development workshops;
• Learn the structure and workflows of The Atlantic’s newsroom, including the pitching process; assignment process; reporting process; and digital and/or print production process;
• Receive training on copy-editing, editing, fact-checking, research skills, reporting, audience engagement, social platforms, using The Atlantic’s CMS, standards, and operations to build independence and competency; and
• Participate in a structured mentorship program with Atlantic senior editors.

Qualifications: This position is intended for early-career professionals with a demonstrated interest in journalism who possess:

• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills;
• A high level of enthusiasm for working hard and in a collaborative environment;
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment, juggling various projects and deadlines;
• Organizational skills and resourcefulness; 
• Commitment to accuracy and meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Keen editorial judgment; and
• A genuine love of journalism and belief in The Atlantic’s mission.

*In addition to the above qualifications, the audio fellow should possess:

• Experience with audio editing software; and
• Skill identifying audio clips for distribution on social media. 
• Experience working with music libraries and scoring, as well as video editing skills, are a plus.

Employment Type and Location: This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-Guild position lasting approximately 12 months from July 2026-June 2027.

This position is based in Washington, D.C., and will be expected to work from the office up to five days a week. The job will at times include night, early-morning, and weekend work.

Salary: $60,000 (hourly)

Applications are due on January 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT. Late applications will not be accepted.

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About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

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The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.  

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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