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The National Press Club Journalism Institute hosted its third virtual Career Office Hour of the year on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The event focused on how journalists can build careers and thrive in politically focused newsrooms and news teams.
The webinar featured Coy Draytona, editorial recruiter for Axios, and Dave Clarke, policy editor for Punchbowl News, who shared insights into their newsrooms’ operations and what they look for in job applicants and potential colleagues. Attendees learned what types of jobs exist within the broad spectrum of political journalism, how to stay motivated among trends in hiring, and which skills are worth gaining or adapting to match real-world opportunities.
About the speakers:
Coy Draytona is the editorial recruiter at Axios, where she works closely with editorial leadership to hire journalists and editors for a wide range of newsroom and digital roles across the country.
Dave Clarke is the policy editor at Punchbowl News and has spent two decades covering Washington, D.C., with much of that time spent on Capitol Hill.
About the NPCJI office hour series:
The National Press Club Journalism Institute is hosting free monthly office hours for job seekers, those interested in networking, and media professionals hoping to boost their job-search skills throughout 2026.
On the first Tuesday of each month, the Institute will host media employers, recruiters, or editors who will share tips on what makes a strong candidate and answer job seekers’ questions.
Monthly topics explore careers in social media and engagement, business and tech journalism, sports journalism, and more — and topics will be shared as guest speakers are confirmed. The hour-long sessions will take place via Zoom and will offer community, encouragement, and practical advice for job-seekers at all career levels.
If you have questions or would like to suggest a recruiter or hiring manager, please contact NPCJI Training Manager Elliot Williams.