Senior Writer, Tech & Politics
WIRED is seeking an experienced writer to join our Politics team, which will focus on the intersection of politics and technology. In particular, WIRED is interested in covering politics through a digital lens: disinformation, the influence of AI, online extremism, and the role of online platforms in shaping political beliefs, are all vital aspects of our coverage. WIRED’s politics coverage is also oriented around news and original reporting. Our goal is to unearth new information and break high-impact stories that help our audience understand how lawmakers and political actors leverage technology to achieve their goals – whether benevolent or otherwise. We’re less interested in the horse-race aspects of politics; we care about how legislative and regulatory decisions at local, national, and international levels come about, and how they affect people’s lives in ways both overt and insidious.
To do well in this job you’ll need to be both a politics and a tech junkie, and someone who understands and thinks creatively about how vital technology is to political campaigns, policy, and voter behaviors today. You should be driven by news and a deep desire to break stories and come up with engaging enterprise work that makes a mark. You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but specialization and a wealth of ideas in one of the following areas (as it intersects with politics) is a must: disinformation, online extremism, digital platforms and communities, political campaigns and lobbying.
Looking ahead to the 2024 U.S. election, WIRED’s politics team will be tasked with executing on a focused report that’s primed to break through and move the needle next year. We’re interested in how politicians and political campaigns use technology and interact with digital platforms to shape their narratives and inform the electorate – and how technology can lead the political process astray. Your primary responsibility in this role will be iterative reporting and newsmaking on a core beat, but you may also write deeply reported narrative features, or have the opportunity to take part in our podcasts, video series, or live events.
This role is fully remote based in Washington D.C.
Primary Responsibilities:
Pitch, report, and write breakthrough stories at the intersection of politics and technology, balancing news with original investigative reporting and enterprise stories.
Write/publish 2 to 4 stories per week, totaling 8 to 16 pieces published per month.
Rigorously report, fact-check, and edit all drafts before filing them to the top editor.
Produce original writing and reporting as well as adapt or update previously published content for a variety of WIRED newsletters, as assigned.
Maintain your editorial slate and lineup with realistic deadlines and publish dates.
Use analytics to hone your editorial strategy. If something isn’t working, you’ll try something new.
Collaborate with members of other WIRED teams on cross-functional reporting projects that further our overall politics coverage.
Collaborate with audio, video, events, and social media teams as needed to develop ways of telling stories on other platforms.
Brainstorm and write copy for larger initiatives and projects, as assigned.
Assist in sourcing and identifying new freelance contributors and voices to expand WIRED’s reach, as needed.
Work collaboratively with global markets on all relevant stories or packages.
Represent the brand in a public-facing way as necessary, such as in press opportunities, panels and speaking engagements, and internal company presentations.
Additional projects/stories as assigned.
Desired Qualifications:
At least 7 years experience as a technology and politics journalist/reporter, with a track record of original, scoop-driven reporting in these areas
An established network of legal and political connections with proven ability to obtain vital access to lawmakers that will generate scoops in Wired’s wheelhouse
A clear, engaging, jargon-free writing style
A thorough understanding and literacy within the tech and political landscape, including knowing what evidence, sourcing, and fact checking are necessary to write accurate, conversational articles about complex topics.
Ability to write flawless copy on deadline in a fast-paced environment
Experience using content management systems and social media platforms
Knowledge of SEO best practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
The expected base salary range for this position is from $94,000- $140,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.