Associate Editor

Job Description

Talking Points Memo, the respected pioneer of online political news, is looking to fill a position for an associate editor who will help with all aspects of getting our journalism in front of audiences, a task that begins as soon as a reporter begins work on a story. This will include thinking about and working on newsletters, social video and traditional social media sites, but will go beyond that to include making sure our audience — and especially our members, who support our organization — are aware of our work and understand the significance of the various storylines we are covering. The associate editor will both shape our stories and ensure they find readers, listeners, viewers.  

The ideal candidate will be an editor with newsroom experience who has a firm grasp on American history and, in particular, the forces and people that have shaped our politics over the last quarter decade. They may in the past have reported or edited stories related to voting, election administration, political extremism, or broader issues that relate to the health of American democracy. Experience parsing and writing or editing news based on legal documents will be a plus. 

The person in question should also have multiple years of experience coming up with ideas to distribute journalism in new and creative ways based on the needs of a publication and its audience. Demonstrated comfort across written word, audio, video and social media, and experience distributing journalism through each channel, will be essential.

They will be a precise thinker with impeccable attention to detail and the ability to edit — and, when needed, write — quickly and concisely. They will be knowledgeable about American law and government, eager to uncover news wherever it might be, and comfortable being a sounding board for reporters as they work through the thorny issues that can arise through investigative journalism. Above all, they will be able to understand where our audience is, and meet it there. They’ll be able to see both the forest and the trees. 

This position is in New York City or Washington, D.C.

The salary for this position is $70,000–$90,000 annually. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), three weeks paid vacation per year, and eligibility for additional time off, including a sabbatical.

This is a position covered under the Writers Guild of America East Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to jobs@talkingpointsmemo.com (include the subject line: “Job App: Political Reporter”). 

Candidates may be asked to take a writing test.

Founded during the 2000 Florida recount by Josh Marshall, TPM brings a scrappy, smart, and sophisticated approach to covering American politics. It has long had an outsized influence on national political coverage and public discourse. With a membership-based business model, TPM has enjoyed financial stability, resilience, and growth despite the turmoil in journalism and publishing.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will be an editor with newsroom experience who has a firm grasp on American history and, in particular, the forces and people that have shaped our politics over the last quarter decade. They may in the past have reported or edited stories related to voting, election administration, political extremism, or broader issues that relate to the health of American democracy. Experience parsing and writing or editing news based on legal documents will be a plus. 

The person in question should also have multiple years of experience coming up with ideas to distribute journalism in new and creative ways based on the needs of a publication and its audience. Demonstrated comfort across written word, audio, video and social media, and experience distributing journalism through each channel, will be essential.

They will be a precise thinker with impeccable attention to detail and the ability to edit — and, when needed, write — quickly and concisely. They will be knowledgeable about American law and government, eager to uncover news wherever it might be, and comfortable being a sounding board for reporters as they work through the thorny issues that can arise through investigative journalism. Above all, they will be able to understand where our audience is, and meet it there. They’ll be able to see both the forest and the trees. 

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