Extremism Desk Lead

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Middle East Broadcasting Networks is looking for an Extremism Desk Lead in Arlington, Virginia. This pivotal role involves designing and managing a cross-platform team of journalists focused on terrorism and organized extremism. The ideal candidate will oversee multimedia reporting, maintain high editorial standards, and develop engaging content.

The successful candidate should have at least 7 years of journalism experience and a strong understanding of the geopolitical landscape affecting the Middle East and beyond. Proficiency in English is essential, and Arabic skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in journalism or related media work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of terrorism and organized extremism.
• Ability to handle sensitive topics with accuracy and balance.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and manage a cross-platform editorial team.
• Lead coverage of extremism and security developments.
• Develop multimedia series related to the 9/11 anniversary.

Skills

Journalism

Editorial leadership

Investigative reporting

Conflict reporting

Understanding of terrorism

Project management

Cultural awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field

Job description

About MBN

Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier Arabic‑first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.

We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America’s engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short‑form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.

Our target audience is decision‑makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.

Job Announcement: Extremism Desk Lead

About The Role

The Extremism Desk Lead will design, build, recruit, and manage a cross‑platform team of journalists focused on rigorous, field‑rooted coverage of terrorism, jihadist movements, organized extremism, and the security structures created to combat them across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

This role will oversee major editorial projects and products related to extremism, including multimedia reporting, documentaries, short‑form video, social content, newsletters, and podcasts. The position requires strong editorial judgment, regional knowledge, leadership ability, and experience managing sensitive journalism with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, build, recruit, and manage a cross‑platform editorial team focused on terrorism, jihadist movements, organized extremism, counterterrorism, and regional security issues.
• Lead field‑rooted and audience‑focused coverage of extremism and security developments across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Oversee journalistic work produced by the team across digital, video, audio, newsletter, podcast, and social media platforms.
• Develop and manage a multi‑part multimedia series focused on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, including a documentary, short‑form web videos, and social media content.
• Ensure the 9/11 anniversary series examines the region’s lived experience of the “War on Terror” and explores where extremism stands today.
• Develop and oversee an extremism‑focused newsletter product that provides timely, clear, and analytical coverage for MBN audiences.
• Create and manage a bi‑weekly English‑language podcast focused on extremism, terrorism, counterterrorism, security policy, and affected communities.
• Work closely with reporters, editors, producers, digital teams, and social media staff to plan, produce, edit, and publish high‑quality journalism.
• Review stories, scripts, podcast outlines, newsletters, and social media content for accuracy, fairness, tone, sensitivity, and compliance with MBN’s editorial standards.
• Identify important trends, story ideas, interviews, investigations, and explainers related to extremism, political violence, radicalization, and counterterrorism.
• Develop and maintain relationships with credible sources, experts, analysts, academics, civil society voices, and regional contributors.
• Ensure coverage avoids sensationalism, stereotypes, propaganda amplification, and unverified claims.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Perform additional job‑related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, International Relations, Political Science, Middle East Studies, Security Studies, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of professional experience in journalism, editorial leadership, investigative reporting, conflict reporting, international news, or related media work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of terrorism, jihadist movements, organized extremism, counterterrorism, political violence, or regional security issues.
• Strong understanding of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and related geopolitical developments.
• Proven ability to lead editorial teams and manage cross‑platform journalism projects.
• Experience working across digital, video, audio, newsletter, podcast, and social media formats.
• Excellent editorial judgment, writing, editing, story‑framing, and project‑management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive topics with accuracy, balance, cultural awareness, and professionalism.
• Strong understanding of journalistic ethics, source verification, fact‑checking, legal risk, and editorial standards.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast‑paced, digital‑first newsroom environment.
• Professional fluency in English is required.
• Arabic language skills are strongly preferred.
• Experience covering Middle East affairs, international security, terrorism, counterterrorism, or conflict is highly desirable.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.