About Our Organization: Punchbowl News is a news content company founded by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, John Bresnahan, and Rachel Schindler, focused on power, people, and politics in Washington. 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, 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 Biden 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 congressional reporter to join our editorial team. The best candidate will have extensive reporting experience, is well sourced on Capitol Hill and will thrive in a startup-oriented newsroom. Most importantly, this person should have a deep understanding of the congressional leadership and how it operates.

Punchbowl News was founded in 2021 with the simple goal of owning the coverage of congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. The New York Times calls Punchbowl News’ coverage “aggressive.” The Washington Post says that Punchbowl News’ three daily editions are an “all-day EKG graph of Congress.”

The ideal candidate for this job will be a self starter who is obsessed with breaking news and owning their beat. The reporter will work closely with the entire editorial team to own coverage of the power, people and politics shaping legislation.

Responsibilities:

• File alerts multiple times a week on key policy debates shaping Capitol Hill.
• Contribute to our flagship newsletters, AM, Midday and PM.

Qualifications:

• Washington and Capitol Hill reporting experience
• A deep understanding of the policy conversations driving Washington
• Two or more years of congressional reporting experience
• Ability to write clean, concise copy
• A record of breaking news and high-value enterprise

Work Experience:

• Two-plus years experience in a newsroom is preferred but not required.
• An understanding of and ability to navigate content management systems, particularly WordPress, is also a plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

The starting salary for this role is in the range of $95,000- $150,000. Final compensation will be based on scope, work experience and relevant skills.

• Punchbowl News offers a 401K plan and employer-matching contributions after six months of employment.
• Punchbowl News offers robust health insurance (medical, dental and vision).
• Punchbowl News covers health insurance premiums for individuals and any qualified family members.
• Punchbowl News offers a generous and fair vacation policy with 20 days of vacation (excluding federal holidays and office-wide closures).
• Punchbowl News offers an additional two weeks of Punchbowl News wide-office vacation (end of August, end of December).
• Punchbowl News offers birth parents up to five consecutive months (20 weeks) of paid leave at full salary. Partners or non-birth parents are eligible for a total of 12 weeks of paid leave.
• Punchbowl News offers opportunities for learning and development through programs, classes and regular internal training sessions.

This job is based in Washington, D.C.

Punchbowl News is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. We understand the importance of fostering a workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and can contribute their best work. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to hiring the best talent for the role and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. Our commitment to inclusion drives our innovation and success.

Duration: Mid-May to early August 2025

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, up to 24 hours per week

Compensation: $23 per hour

Summer: May. 27 – August 7, 2025

Fall: Sept. 9 – Dec. 4

Hours:  Tuesday – Thursday, up to 24 hours per week

Compensation: $23 per hour 

Punchbowl News is hiring editorial interns for summer and fall 2025 in Washington, D.C. We’re looking for ambitious journalism and media students interested in learning the ropes of covering the power, people and politics surrounding Congress. 

Our internship program is an exciting opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain first-hand Washington reporting experience, hone the skills they’ve learned in school and launch their careers in journalism.

This internship will be in person in Washington, D.C. Interns can expect to spend much of their time on Capitol Hill, reporting and interviewing lawmakers and collaborating with the rest of the editorial team.

What to expect:

• Hands-on coaching on the basics of covering Congress, Washington and the election, including following the most important legislative efforts moving on Capitol Hill
• Opportunities to pitch stories and break news on key people and issues driving the day in Washington
• One-on-one weekly coaching and mentorship with Punchbowl News’ seasoned editorial staff
• The intern will report to work three days a week from Tuesday through Thursday. Students can be enrolled in classes with their respective colleges on Mondays and Fridays.
• Expect to contribute to multiple items each week for our flagship newsletters, Punchbowl News AM, Midday and PM
• Pitch in on Punchbowl News’ editorial projects, including researching, reporting and writing

Qualifications:

Internship candidates must:

• Be at least juniors, seniors or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college for the duration of the internship. Proof of enrollment will be required.
• Have a keen interest in pursuing a career in journalism and media
• Be willing and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Be willing to learn and grow with the guidance of Punchbowl News staff
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

How to apply

Please email your complete application materials to internship@punchbowl.news.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis although we advise that applicants for the summer internship submit by March 28, 2025. Applications will close when the roles are filled.

Your application must include:

• A resume 
• Cover Letter
• Proof of college enrollment 
• A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor or previous internship manager 
• 3-5 story clips that showcase your best work

Prospective applicants must be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in person for the duration of the internship.

About Punchbowl News

Punchbowl News was founded by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, John Bresnahan and Rachel Schindler in 2021. We focus on covering power, people and politics in Washington. We’re committed to building a diverse and collaborative workplace.