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 

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter; please also provide a published work sample (no longer than 1000 words) with a brief explanation (no longer than 300 words) of how you think it best showcases your ability to anchor a newsletter.  
 

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and Benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• 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
• Commuter benefits
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & Wellbeing

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.