Assistant Editor at the White House

The New York Times is committed to pursuing truth and helping people develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Independent journalism remains the foundation of the company’s work and mission. With a globally recognized newsroom reporting from nearly 160 countries, the organization delivers high-quality journalism across print, audio, digital platforms, and mobile applications.

Its business model is built around producing exceptional journalism that audiences consider valuable enough to support through subscriptions.

The Assistant White House Editor will be a key member of the Washington Bureau, helping shape its daily coverage while supporting the White House Editor and working closely with other newsroom teams.

The successful candidate will oversee reporters, help develop and edit breaking news and enterprise coverage involving the President, and coordinate reporting across multiple platforms.

Working in a demanding, rapidly changing news environment, this editor will track developments across several major storylines and assist with editorial planning, assignments, story editing, and innovative approaches to strengthening coverage for readers.

The position requires close collaboration with newsroom departments and stakeholders, as well as responsibility for monitoring daily and weekly priorities, coordinating story budgets, launching reporters on assignments, and conducting first- and second-round edits.

When the White House Editor is unavailable, the Assistant Editor will oversee the team and share responsibility for coordinating coverage during evenings and weekends.

As breaking news and editorial priorities evolve, the role may also involve supporting other coverage teams, responding to emerging developments, and contributing to live reporting.

The ideal candidate must be capable of moving efficiently between multiple news developments while maintaining accuracy, editorial quality, and consistent journalistic standards.

Previous experience managing reporters or editors is essential, alongside strong editorial judgment and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Experience covering the White House would be an advantage.

This position is based in Washington, D.C., with potential evening and weekend responsibilities.

Employees are expected to work from the office four days per week, with limited remote-work flexibility subject to departmental guidelines.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant White House Editor will report directly to the White House Editor.

Responsibilities

• Support Editorial Leadership: Serve as a deputy first editor for the White House team, providing editorial leadership and stepping in for the White House Editor when necessary. Assign and oversee initial edits of breaking news, live coverage, and selected enterprise stories while maintaining consistent direction for reporters across different beats.
• Edit Diverse Content: Edit a wide range of news formats, including quick updates, developing stories, live coverage, daily reports, and lead-alls, depending on newsroom priorities.
• Coordinate Weekend and Off-Peak Coverage: Help organize Washington coverage during weekends and quieter periods by assigning and editing stories, coordinating with the News Director, live and breaking news editors, and staff editors, and providing support for developments that emerge overnight, on weekends, or during holidays.
• Adapt to Changing News Priorities: Demonstrate flexibility in responding to new developments, supporting other reporting teams, and contributing to coverage across different platforms.
• Support Live and Alternative Story Formats: Help determine whether emerging developments are best presented through live updates or traditional news articles, collaborating with relevant editors to make effective editorial decisions.
• Manage Editorial Planning: Work closely with bureau editors to prepare and update daily and weekly story budgets, anticipate important developments, and organize future coverage priorities.
• Resolve Editorial Challenges: Identify potential obstacles early, respond effectively to unexpected developments, and develop practical solutions to keep coverage on track.
• Identify New Story Opportunities: Help uncover promising news angles and develop alternative storytelling approaches, including visual journalism, service-oriented reporting, and explanatory content.
• Coordinate Publishing and Audience Engagement: Partner with editors and the audience team to establish publication and promotional strategies, including collaborative headline development and story promotion planning.
• Maintain Editorial Continuity: Work closely with the Weekend Editor to coordinate coverage handoffs at the beginning and middle of each week, ensuring consistency across ongoing storylines. Collaborate with other editors to identify, assign, and edit daily coverage.
• Uphold Journalistic Values: Demonstrate a clear understanding of The New York Times’ commitment to editorial independence and maintain a strong dedication to pursuing truth and helping audiences understand the world.

Basic Qualifications

• At least 10 years of professional experience with a journalism organization, media company, or another relevant institution.
• Exceptional editing abilities and a thorough understanding of journalistic writing conventions, editorial standards, and ethical practices.
• Strong and well-established news judgment.
• Previous experience supervising reporters and managing editorial responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple developing stories while maintaining accuracy, discipline, and sound editorial judgment.
• Experience covering areas such as government, public policy, or politics.
• Willingness to embrace evolving storytelling formats, live journalism, and new newsroom practices as organizational needs change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in people management and team leadership.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, respond to unexpected situations, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong familiarity with The New York Times’ editorial style, policies, and journalistic standards.
• Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues across the newsroom.
• Demonstrated success in managing and advancing coverage across multiple subject areas.

Compensation & Employee Benefits

For positions based in the United States, employees may qualify for additional compensation depending on their role, including annual performance bonuses and restricted stock awards.

The benefits package may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Professional development and career advancement programs.

For positions located outside the United States, applicable employee benefits will be discussed during the recruitment and interview process.

Job Reference: REQ-020853

Annual Salary

$175,000 – $195,000 USD

The advertised annual base salary range for this position is between $175,000 and $195,000.

Candidate Use of Generative AI Tools

The New York Times values authenticity and fairness throughout its recruitment process. Applicants are expected to submit original work that accurately reflects their individual abilities and professional experience.

Candidates are therefore asked not to use generative AI tools to produce substantive materials for their applications or interview assessments.

Engineering applicants will receive specific guidance on which generative AI tools, if any, may be used during their technical evaluations.