About Our Organization: Punchbowl News is a news content company focused on power, people, and politics in Washington. We are seeking a Health Policy Reporter to join our growing team. Punchbowl News’ primary focus is breaking news about power, the nation’s political leadership and explaining to our audience of political junkies how Washington works. We produce (at least) three newsletters each day, weekly policy newsletters, a daily podcast, dozens of events and more across our growing product suite. Punchbowl News’ theory is that power in Washington emanates from the Capitol – and that’s the center of our focus. Our audience includes members of Congress, high-ranking members of the Trump administration, lobbyists, top-level reporters, media executives, Wall Streeters, tech and Hollywood executives and everyday political fans.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-time Regular
Primary Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: Punchbowl News is looking for a reporter to join our growing editorial team and cover the health policy beat where they would team up with a second reporter. They should have the ability to thrive in a startup-oriented newsroom.
Most importantly, this person should have a proven track record of breaking news. Previous experience covering health is not required, but knowledge of how Congress works is needed.
Health policy debates are a major part of the congressional agenda each year and touch on a variety of topics important Punchbowl News readers. This list includes congressional oversight of Medicare and Medicaid, debates over the Affordable Care Act, funding for health research and changing dynamics around public health policy. Punchbowl News readers want to know the ins and outs of health policy debates.
The ideal candidate for this job will want to cover not only the policies – but the personalities that drive decision making in the Capitol, the administration and industry.
There are great stories to be told on this beat and we want an aggressive and smart reporter to write them for Punchbowl News.
Interested candidates should apply AND email a one to two page beat memo to Policy Editor Dave Clarke (daveclarke@punchbowl news) with the subject line: Health Policy. This memo should describe how you would cover health policy and politics, including the major story lines you would follow, the key players you would chronicle and how Punchbowl News can beat the competition and provide distinctive coverage for our core audience.
Responsibilities: The Punchbowl News health reporter will work closely with the entire editorial team to own coverage of the power, people and politics in the health world.
Key responsibilities include:
- Filing several dispatches each week for our flagship newsletters: Punchbowl News AM, Midday and PM
- Co-anchoring a new health newsletter each week
- Breaking market-moving news and produce thought-provoking enterprise and analysis
- Hosting live newsmaker events
- Representing Punchbowl News on television, radio and other promotional activities
Qualifications:
- 2 + years of Washington and Capitol Hill reporting experience
- An understanding of health care policy conversations driving decisions in Washington and/or an understanding of how policy is made in Congress
- Ability to write clean, concise copy
- A record of breaking news and high-value enterprise
Compensation & Benefits:
The salary for this role is in the range of $95,000 - $110,000. Final compensation will be based on scope, work experience, and relevant skills.
In addition to salary, Punchbowl News is pleased to offer other benefits:
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of premiums covered by Punchbowl News for employees and eligible family members.
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer-matching contributions, available after six months of employment.
- Paid Time Off: 20 days of paid vacation annually, in addition to most federal holidays.
- Office-Wide Breaks: Two additional weeks of paid company-wide time off—end of August and end of December.
- Parental Leave: Up to 20 weeks of fully paid leave for birth parents. Non-birth parents or partners are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave.
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning opportunities through internal training, programs, and external classes.
Employment Eligibility & Equal Opportunity Statement
Punchbowl News celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
In accordance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required Form I-9 upon hire.
