Senior Staff Writer

Slate is hiring a Senior Staff Writer. We're looking for a standout voice whose work crackles with verve and insight, and whose ideas and reporting result in fascinating stories that challenge and surprise readers. The writer will be part of our culture and human interest sections, which means there is wide latitude to define a beat, niche, or approach: Those sections cover everything from the arts to relationships/family to political culture. We are particularly interested in candidates who are seasoned in writing incisively about the events of the day-whether that's the latest news or a conversation just beginning to bubble-and who are also comfortable stepping back to write sharp, confident, longer-form reported essays when the subject calls for it. An interest in television is also a plus. Our main requirement is that you have an unsurpassed ability to make what you're interested in interesting to readers, and that you are hungry to be the definitive voice in your area of coverage. 

Slate has offices in New York and D.C., though exceptional remote applicants will be considered.

To apply, please upload a resume and short cover letter explaining what you'd like to cover in this job, and how you'd do it

 

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly start conversations on your beat
• Generate ideas for quick analysis, targeted interviews, essays, and both critical and reported features
• Collaborate with a team of writers and editors across the magazine on sitewide initiatives

Requirements

• A sharp, funny, decisive mind and style, including the ability to form not only opinions but persuasive arguments
• At least five years' experience working as a writer
• A deep well of story ideas and a constant drive to pitch (most Staff Writers are expected to write about twice a week)
• Top-notch organizational and communication skills

$80,000 - $100,000 a year

Slate offers a comprehensive benefits program that gives eligible employees the flexibility to choose the right benefits for themselves and their families. There are three subsidized medical plans and two dental plans, provided by Aetna, which can be paired with flexible spending accounts.

Slate, founded in 1996, is a daily online magazine and podcast network that helped invent the voice of the web. Our strong editorial voice and witty take on current events & culture have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence Online. Our podcast network, established in 2005, produces more than 20 podcasts, including Slow Burn, What Next, Decoder Ring, and more.

Slate is an affiliate of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC). GHC is a diversified holding company whose operations include educational services; home health and hospice care; television broadcasting, online, print, and local TV news; automotive dealerships; manufacturing; hospitality; and consumer internet companies.