WSJ seeks hedge fund reporter

Justin Baer, the investing editor at The Wall Street Journal, sent out the following announcement to the staff on Monday morning:

The Wall Street Journal is seeking an aggressive reporter to cover the hedge-fund industry, a core beat in the Money & Investing section and an area of keen interest to our readers, especially in these volatile market times when global tumult is reshaping the industry. From George Soros and John Paulson to Steve Cohen and Ken Griffin, the industry boasts some of Wall Street’s biggest names, brightest minds and most powerful players—many of whom also happen to draw some of the world’s biggest paychecks. These managers can move markets either by succeeding or failing and, as we witnessed during the financial crisis, can seal the fate of even the largest securities firms. With tens of billions of dollars in new money flowing into hedge funds every year, their influence should only increase. The power and vast personal fortunes these managers have compiled have also brought more scrutiny to a corner of Wall Street largely unaccustomed to, and uncomfortable with, such attention.

The successful candidate must know finance, with a proven ability to break news as well as a track record of identifying conceptual trends that drive larger stories. Good writing is also a must, given the vivid cast of characters that inhabit the hedge-fund world.

The job is based in New York. Interested candidates should contact Francesco Guerrera, Rick Brooks or Justin Baer.