US Bureau Manager

Role purpose and overview

The US Bureau Manager is the operational heartbeat of the Washington D.C. News Bureau, providing end-to-end logistical, administrative and financial processing for the US team and our network of reporters.

This role requires a proactive approach, the ability to manage competing priorities with ease and strong communication skills. The Bureau Manager plays a critical role in ensuring our US operation runs smoothly and efficiently, enabling journalists to focus on delivering high-quality journalism.

Acting as a vital bridge between our US operations and London, you will work collaboratively with the Managing Editor’s Office, Payroll, HR and the Finance departments to ensure all administrative workflows are executed with precision and are aligned with organizational standards.This role is ideal for a career administrator with a passion for operational excellence who is committed to the smooth running of all editorial processes.

Key responsibilities

Operations & Office Management

• Manage DC office operations and landlord relations to ensure a high-functioning workspace. Responsibilities include vendor oversight, invoice verification (excluding direct payment), and general facilities problem-solving.
• Oversee the daily management of US rota and cover the UK Foreign Desk rota during periods of annual leave.
• Monitor and record holidays and absences to support effective rota planning.
• Monitoring and distributing News Tips via central inbox alongside other Desk Managers.

Personnel & Payroll

• Oversee the logistics of US employee onboarding, managing visa and residency workflows in collaboration with professional advisors to ensure full local and tax compliance.
• Manage the end-to-end monthly payroll cycle for all US-based staff and contractors in coordination with the Finance department.
• Anticipate the needs of the rota, arranging freelance cover as required, managing onboarding and ensuring weekly payments are processed accurately, all in line with agreed spend and budget.

Financial Oversight

• The role is responsible for fielding financial queries, forward planning expenditure, providing accurate project costings and explaining any variances in monthly spend with clear and informed commentary, working alongside UK based Editorial Finance team.
• Manage the verification and processing of expenses for all US-based staff and contributors, serving as the primary gatekeeper for strict policy compliance and financial accuracy.
• Coordinate the flow of tax inquiries by triaging requests and managing the escalation process to internal and external tax specialists.

Newsroom Logistics

• Lead travel coordination for correspondents in a fast-moving news environment, balancing urgent logistical needs with proactive financial monitoring to ensure all travel aligns with global policies and is reported back to HQ with speed and accuracy.
• Facilitate press passes and security clearances for correspondents, coordinating directly with government agencies and event organizers for entry to major political venues and summits.

This is an office-based role requiring a consistent five-day-a-week presence to maintain desk stability and support.

Key skills

• Operational & Rota Management: Experience providing high-quality administrative support in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage rotas and anticipate staffing needs.
• Financial Accuracy & Oversight: Experienced in following business processes with precision, specifically regarding invoice verification, expense processing and identifying ways to improve financial efficiencies.
• Payroll & Compliance Knowledge: Practical understanding of US payroll cycles, local employment regulations and tax compliance to support onboarding and residency workflows.
• Specialized Logistics: Ability to manage high-pressure logistics, such as urgent travel coordination and government-level security clearance applications.
• Communication & Relationship Building: The ability to build relationships and alliances with internal teams, external advisors and government agencies, both verbally and in the written word.
• Budgetary Commentary: Capable of providing clear and informed commentary on project costings and expenditure variances to the Finance department.
• Autonomy & Proactivity: Self-motivated and able to work under your own direction with a forward-thinking approach to anticipating the needs of the desks.
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of Google Workspace (G Suite) and its applications for office and financial management.
• Editorial Environment: Prior experience in an editorial or newsroom environment is preferable but not essential.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.