First Thing Newsletter Writer

The Guardian is a global, reader-funded news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences’ understanding of America and the world.

The Guardian’s US edition – headquartered in New York City, with growing bureaus in Washington DC and Los Angeles – is an entirely digital operation that combines the best of the Guardian’s international reporting with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, wellness, culture, digital privacy and sports – all highlighting the Guardian’s distinctive role within the US media landscape: journalism that’s global, independent, and free.

The talent, energy and commitment our people bring to the Guardian make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award-winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

We are looking for a lead writer for our flagship US newsletter, First Thing, which reaches hundreds of thousands of highly engaged Guardian readers every weekday morning. We are seeking a skilled stylist with a global perspective and excellent news judgment to develop a distinctive voice for the newsletter and build a following in a crowded newsletter landscape. The role requires creativity, range and deep understanding of both US and international affairs in order to explain and contextualize the day’s most important stories. It involves quick-turn interviews with Guardian journalists and other experts, incisive analysis, and a willingness to experiment with new formats. The ideal candidate has a strong news reporting background with clips that demonstrate clear, accessible and personality-driven writing.

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Senior Editor, US Newsletters

Location: Flexible

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid

Terms and conditions: Permanent full-time role. News Media Guild position

Salary range: $130,000-$140,000

About the role

Stay abreast of the big news events of the day and identify compelling angles and storylines that will help readers make sense of what’s happening in the world around them.

Write timely analysis and explainers with accuracy, flair, originality and knowledge of Guardian style and tone

Interview Guardian journalists and external sources about a range of topics

Summarize published work clearly and concisely

Experiment with new formats, using creative as well as data-informed approaches

Collaborate across desks and teams in a digital-first, fast-paced, global newsroom

Make decisions that incorporate a wide variety of inputs including news judgment, input from colleagues and audience data

The newsletter is sent every weekday at 6am EST/3am PST/11am GMT. The writer will need to file the newsletter a few hours before this time, and may need to be available for edits. Please note that this entails working on Sundays.

About you

At least 5 years of experience covering the news quickly and accurately

Strong track record of audience-centered journalism and voice-driven writing

Wide-ranging interests – you should be able to explore abortion bans, conflict in the Middle East and a Super Bowl halftime show with curiosity and sensitivity

Comfort with and respect for a diverse perspectives

Compensation and Benefits

25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays

Employee Assistance Programs

401(k) Match

Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental

Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous parental leave with 100% pay

Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance

Life insurance

Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including access to Employee Assistance Programs.

Learning & Development
We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability
Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.

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