Health Brief Writer, WP Intelligence

Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking a senior health care journalist to anchor and help relaunch our Health Brief newsletter, reporting on the business of health care and health policy for our readers.

As the anchor for The Washington Post’s essential guide to health industry news for insiders, you’ll be responsible for writing the newsletter Monday through Friday, bringing original reporting, analysis and curation to the brief, while engaging with readers through chats, briefings and events.

In this role, you’ll build upon the success of the Health Brief newsletter as it relaunches under WP Intelligence — The Washington Post’s newest suite of services providing senior executives with the insights and connections they need to navigate critical issues. The ideal candidate will help us shape this newsletter for an executive audience that is very engaged in the business of health care and policy decision making.

The writer will be comfortable experimenting with different formats and features to keep the newsletter fresh and relevant as the news changes, and with using analytics and data to inform decisions. You will regularly be called on to host live and virtual briefings for health industry thought leaders, interviewing newsmakers for our most engaged readers.

This role requires strong reporting, scoops, original analysis, curation, production and fact-checking skills. The ideal candidate for this job will have experience in health reporting and writing for newsletters or other habit-building products.

Motivation

• You’re driven to make complex health policy and business news accessible and actionable for a deeply engaged, professional audience.

• You take pride in identifying not just what happened, but why it matters — and what comes next.

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where curiosity, clarity, and urgency are key to building habit with readers.

• You enjoy shaping a product that people rely on daily — and you understand how voice, format, and timing all contribute to that trust.

• You are energized by live conversations with thought leaders and the opportunity to elevate your reporting through events and audience engagement.

• You see experimentation as a core part of journalism today and are eager to learn from data, feedback, and iteration.

• You care deeply about accuracy, fairness, and delivering a high-quality experience, every day.

Responsibilities:

• Report, write and help shape the direction of the Health newsletter.

• Deliver ambitious original reporting, sharp analysis and smart curation.

• Write clearly and concisely for a professional audience that already has some expertise and experience in the health arena.

• Stay on top of the latest policy developments and market moving business trends.

• Work on deadline with an abiding commitment to accuracy.

• Write a Monday - Friday newsletter 

• Engage with readers via chats, interview, host live and virtual briefings. 

Preferred qualifications:

• A track record of reporting on health care policy and delivering impactful stories.

• Proven ability to write newsletters or other habit-building products.

• Self-starter who can generate ideas and work in a constantly changing environment.

• Exceptional communication skills and a commitment to collaboration.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., offices, reporting to WP Intelligence management.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by June 30 will be prioritized.. The cover letter should be addressed to Newsletters Director Elizabeth Whitmire and WP Intelligence General Manager Martin Kady.

The Washington Post’s policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays and two personal days

• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

• Robust mental health resources

• Backup care and caregiver concierge services

• Gender affirming services

• Pet insurance

• Free Post digital subscription

• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed. 

The innovation doesn’t end in the Newsroom – dozens of teams power The Washington Post.  We are now hiring the next innovator – how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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