American University

Senior Reporter, D.C. Politics

Closes: Oct 19, 2026

Salary: $55 – $57 per hour

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Audio Editing

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Job Description:

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Reporters in WAMU’s newsroom help carry out our regional news initiatives across broadcast and digital platforms. In consultation with newsroom editors, reporters develop sources and deepen and shape coverage for their assigned beats. Coverage will include narrative-driven, sound-rich breaking news, day-turn stories, explainers, two-ways, features and other enterprise work for audio and the web.

The Senior Reporter, DC Politics must have a passion for and deep expertise in politics in D.C. and the surrounding region as well as an extensive network of political sources. The Senior Reporter must have strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and contextualize often complex political narratives. The position will lead coverage initiatives and be the primary backup for the Politics Hour host, and Senior Editor. The Senior Reporter will regularly share their knowledge with other staff members, particularly serving as a mentor and resource for less experienced reporters or those new to regional coverage.

This position focuses primarily on D.C. politics, playing a leading role in coverage of the mayor, D.C. Council, and other local institutions that shape life in this city. As part of the politics team, the Senior Reporter will also occasionally assist in coverage and projects about politics beyond the District.

The position requires curiosity, motivation, and a deep professional interest in local news. The Senior Reporter, DC Politics should have strong editorial judgment and the ability to write quickly, clearly, and with a distinctive and appealing style. In addition to beat coverage, all reporters will maintain regular breaking news shifts.

Essential Functions:

1.) Report and Write Political-based Stories for On-Air and Online

Evaluate leads, monitor major news developments, and contribute story ideas, or receive assignments from an editor.

Determine a web and/or broadcast story's emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly.

Report both at a desk and in the field; collaborate with other reporters, as needed.

Write 3-5 broadcast/newscast and web pieces per week, and regularly contribute features and enterprise work.

Cover at least one breaking news shift per week.

Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.

2.) Serve as a Back-up Editor for Audio, Digital, and Politics Hour

Serve as the primary back-up host and editor for our weekly program, the Politics Hour.
When needed, help edit stories, or fill in for editors’ shifts.
Lead coverage initiatives, particularly as they relate to regional politics.

3.) Produce Stories

Produce web stories in WAMU’s CMS, including finding images, writing headlines (with the help of an editor), and doing SEO work.
Write tweets and Facebook posts for stories, as needed.
Produce audio, utilizing field sound to create a sense of place and weaving appropriate sound bites together to paint a holistic portrait.

4.) Engage Audiences

Engage with reader questions and feedback across platforms including social when necessary and as time allows.
Participate in events, both internal and external, as a representative of the station and subject matter expert.

Competencies:

Championing Customer Needs.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Developing Plans.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Building and Supporting Teams.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time.
35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

$55.21 - $57.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in journalism or related field.
At least 8 years of relevant experience in reporting for radio, TV, or online.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Effective and imaginative storyteller with a keen sense of how to shape content to suit different audiences--both as a reporter and an editor in both of our primary mediums (audio and digital).
Top-notch writing and reporting skills.
Established reputation for covering politics in D.C. and the region.
Journalistic agility, or the ability to shift comfortably between writing radio scripts, online news articles, explainers, short and longer pieces.
Sharp interview skills.
Strong journalistic ethics.
Experience building audience connections using social media and mining platforms for story ideas, angles, and sources.
Willingness to try new storytelling methods and adapt to changing platforms and audience needs.
Ability to work collaboratively with others.
Commitment to building and fostering an inclusive, encouraging, and diverse workplace.
Creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
Must be an effective and imaginative storyteller with a keen sense of how to shape content to suit different audiences--both on air (via local newscasts, live two-ways, feature stories, etc.) and online (via WAMU.org and social media platforms).
Must have a well-developed sense of how to create digital content that is compelling, sharable, visual, and impactful.
Hands-on audio and digital editing skills.
Deep knowledge of the D.C. region, particularly local politics.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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About the employer

American University

3.5 Star Employer Ranking

At American University, we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving American University community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail. Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

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