DC Reporter (US-Africa/Gulf )
SemaforWho we are
Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on.
About This Role
We're looking for a proven, news-hungry reporter to join the Semafor DC team working closely with the Africa, and Gulf teams. You would be writing agenda-setting stories covering all aspects of the Trump administration’s evolving foreign policy and relations with a particular focus on Africa and the Gulf. The successful candidate will cover everything from economic, trade, and international development policy to global health and tech stories. We’re looking for someone who has a track record of developing high-level sources across the White House, Capitol Hill, embassies, think tanks, and the wider foreign affairs community. The right person will understand how to situate DC political stories in the context of rivalry with China, and how US policies interact with other rising middle powers in the Global South.
Ideal candidates will be self-starters, keen to get involved in a growing newsroom, and contribute in any and all ways. Experience living or working in different countries relevant to the beat is a plus, as are key language skills.
Candidates must retain the right to work in the United States.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Break news and deliver definitive analysis for Semafor’s Africa, Gulf, and DC coverage.
- Build and maintain key sources in the White House, State Department and Washington’s wider foreign policy community.
- Help plan editorial content for and otherwise contribute to Semafor’s live journalism events, a slate led by the Next 3 Billion and World Economy Summits.
- Collaborate closely with the rest of editorial work across Semafor, contributing to other products as they are developed.
What Makes You Qualified
- A demonstrated interest in high-quality, global journalism
- Three or more years of relevant hard news experience covering topics such as politics and business.
- Proven ability to source deeply in complicated organizations and deliver stories that blend insider knowledge with authoritative writing.
- A passion for world events and issues with a broad interest in a wide range of subjects
- Proven understanding and ability to explain complex financial and economic stories.
- Passion for, and experience with, moderation of live interviews.
- Experience in scrappy and/or dynamic environments and willingness to jump in wherever needed to help the team succeed.
- Prior experience living or working in different countries, or speaking different languages, is an advantage
- A passion for news in all its forms.
Additional Job Details
This position is based out of our Washington, D.C. office.
Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and frequently travel domestically and internationally as needed.
base salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 annually
Comprehensive employee benefits: unlimited PTO, medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life insurance, 401(k), pre-Tax commuter benefits, and paid parental leave.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Additional job details
Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.