Overview
USA TODAY, a digital-first news organization, is seeking a dynamic and driven Pentagon and World Affairs Correspondent to join our national team. This role is ideal for a journalist who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exclusive, high-impact stories that inform and engage a broad audience.
Job Purpose
The correspondent will cover the Pentagon, global conflict and U.S. national security, producing fast-turn news updates and deeply reported enterprise journalism. This beat demands urgency, accuracy, and a human-centered approach to storytelling that brings clarity to complex global issues.
Responsibilities:
- Stay on top of big breaking news concerning national security and world affairs and write a steady stream of distinctive enterprise features.
- Illuminate how the Trump administration is overhauling the Defense Department.
- Cover the impact of war and overseas deployments on U.S. service members and their families.
- Report on health care for military veterans and the unique nature of military life.
- Develop and maintain robust sourcing across the military, national security agencies, Congress and experts.
- Deliver exclusive reporting and scoops that reflect USA TODAY’s commitment to original journalism.
- Collaborate across the USA TODAY Network to elevate national political coverage.
- Utilize digital tools and platforms (live blogs, explainers, SEO, social media) to maximize reach and engagement.
- Apply audience metrics to guide story selection and presentation. The correspondent will know our audience and will be dedicated to our mission of accountability journalism.
- Contribute to multimedia storytelling across formats including video, newsletters and social platforms.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 4 years newsroom experience, preferably in national or international reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to file quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
- Strong news judgment and understanding of USA TODAY’s audience.
- Proficiency in digital storytelling tools and SEO best practices.
- Experience with live coverage, listicles, and explanatory journalism.
- Commitment to ethical reporting and sourcing standards.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid team environment.
- Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
Desired Attributes:
- Finds distinctive and interesting angles in national security and global affairs and writes with flair for an audience that spans the country.
- Dislikes following the pack and knows how to find and develop the nuggets that will draw attention to a national issue.
- Ability to juggle multiple assignments at various stages of development.
- A storytelling style that is both informative and engaging.
- Passion for shoe-leather reporting and clean, fast turns.
Application Instructions
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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