The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

We're seeking an experienced newsroom leader to drive our coverage of politics in the United States. We’re looking for an editor who loves to coach journalists to compete for scoops, to win on breaking news and produce distinctive, digital-first enterprise from Washington and around the country.  

Responsibilities: Reporting to the deputy Washington bureau chief for reporting teams, you will be based in Washington and play an integral role in AP’s coverage of the 2026 U.S. midterms and the 2028 presidential election. First and foremost, you’ll lead, guide and support a team of journalists around the country and be responsible for stories at the heart of our political news report. You’re comfortable editing both urgent breaking news and deeply reported enterprise, and you can spot emerging political themes and trends and help reporters to do the same.

While the focus of your work is presidential and national party politics, you’re also an editor who will oversee our coverage of races up and down the ballot, including for Congress, governor and mayoral contests in big cities. You also will lead our coverage of milestone political events including debates, conventions and elections, including primaries and general elections. As politics editor, you will shepherd AP’s nonpartisan, fact-based approach to political journalism that puts voters and the issues they care about at the center of our coverage.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least five years of full-time work as an editor, reporter or social media producer at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, digital news outlet or AP bureau.
• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications: You are a talented editor with a strong record of creating and/or guiding exclusive and distinctive news from inception to publication – and doing so on deadline. We’re looking for someone who knows all about U.S. politics but is insatiable to learn even more. You’re a collaborator who knows how to work alongside visual, data and interactive journalists to identify opportunities for engaging stories, who thrives when working under tight deadlines and enjoys planning for daily news and projects alike.

We’re looking for an editor who has a great news sense and the ability to communicate digital-first stories that drive the news report, and that people want to share on social media and other platforms. You’re eager to pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity. You have the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines. You must be able to and willing to work at night and on weekends as coverage demands.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

The application period will expire at 11:59pm on September 8, 2025.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.