Senior Washington DC Editor

Location: Washington, DC
Reports to: Central Newsroom Managing Editor (Prague-based)

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) delivers independent, fact-based journalism to audiences living under censorship, disinformation, and pressure on free media. Millions rely on our reporting to understand the events shaping their countries, regions, and the wider world.

We are seeking an experienced editor to strengthen and expand RFE/RL's coverage of U.S. politics, foreign policy, and international affairs from Washington, DC. This is a senior role for a journalist with exceptional news judgment, expertise in U.S. politics, foreign policy, and international affairs, and a passion for international reporting.

The Opportunity

As Senior Washington DC Editor, you will commission, edit, and shape coverage of U.S. politics and foreign policy for audiences across RFE/RL's broadcast regions. Working closely with colleagues across the Central Newsroom and Language Services, you will identify stories that matter, provide editorial leadership, and deliver journalism that is accurate, timely, and relevant.

You will help connect developments in Washington to audiences around the world, ensuring RFE/RL's reporting provides both breaking news and the context needed to understand its significance.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape RFE/RL's coverage of U.S. politics, foreign policy, national security, and international affairs.
• Commission, edit, and develop stories that are accurate, insightful, and relevant to audiences across our broadcast regions.
• Work with Language Services and journalists across the Central Newsroom to identify, elevate, and adapt stories with regional significance for wider audiences across web, mobile, social, and other digital platforms.
• Mentor and support journalists, providing editorial guidance from story development through publication.
• Leverage and expand a network of sources, experts, policymakers, and journalists in Washington, DC.
• Ensure all content meets RFE/RL's standards of accuracy, fairness, balance, and editorial integrity.
• Respond quickly to breaking news and help deliver timely, high-impact journalism across platforms.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of journalism experience, including 8 years in an editorial leadership role.
• Proven experience commissioning, editing, and shaping journalism from idea to publication.
• Strong background in international journalism and global affairs.
• Deep understanding of U.S. government institutions, policymaking processes, and key foreign policy issues.
• Experience overseeing digital journalism across web, mobile, and social platforms.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and news instincts.
• Experience mentoring and guiding journalists.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound editorial decisions in a fast-moving news environment.
• Commitment to the principles of independent, fact-based journalism.
• Ability to work effectively across teams, cultures, and time zones.
• First language proficiency in English.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Knowledge of a language spoken in RFE/RL's broadcast regions is a plus.
• Familiarity with CMS platforms and multimedia storytelling tools is desirable.

To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter (both in English), and at least five examples of journalistic work that best demonstrate your qualifications for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To learn more about us please refer to our web pages:

https://pressroom.rferl.org/about-us

https://www.rferl.org/

RFE/RL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Positions at RFE/RL are considered Public Trust Positions, with appointment contingent upon the positive outcome of a background investigation.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Journalism: 10 years (Preferred)
• editorial leadership: 8 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20036 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20036