Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.
We are looking for a London-based 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 writer with strong style and prose, 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 contextualise 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.
This is a permanent full-time position.
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
- Summarise 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 will need to be available for edits
About you
- Demonstrable experience covering the news quickly and accurately
- Strong track record of audience-centered journalism and voice-driven writing
- Deep familiarity with US news landscape and culture
- Wide-ranging interests – you should be able to explore diverse subjects – such as abortion bans, conflict in the Middle East, and a Super Bowl halftime show – with curiosity and sensitivity
- Ideally, you’ll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role
We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.
We operate in a hybrid environment working at least three days a week from our offices in King’s Cross in London.
The starting salary for this NUJ position is a minimum of £54,239, with the final offer determined by the successful candidate's skills, experience, and responsibilities.
How to apply
To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 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 - use the 'additional attachment' function on the application form for this.
We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. Thank you for bearing with us during the screening process.
The closing date for applications is Thursday September 3 2026.
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 help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs.
Benefits at the Guardian
You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.
You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.
We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.
Culture and wellbeing
We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.
We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.
Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Learning and 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.
