Extremism Researcher/Writer

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Middle East Broadcasting Networks is seeking an Extremism Researcher/Writer in Arlington, Virginia. This role involves researching, analyzing, and producing content on extremist movements, online radicalization, and disinformation for various platforms.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, along with 3+ years of relevant experience. Fluency in Arabic and English is required. The position is pivotal in maintaining high editorial standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in journalism, research or investigative reporting.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and fact-checking skills.
• Ability to assess source credibility and identify misinformation.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze extremist movements and online narratives.
• Produce well-sourced multimedia content like articles and reports.
• Verify information and ensure factual accuracy.

Skills

Research

Writing

Editing

Fact-checking

Fluency in Arabic

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field

Job description

Overview

The Extremism Researcher/Writer is responsible for researching, analyzing, and producing digital-first reporting on extremist movements, online radicalization, disinformation, and related trends. This role combines open-source investigative research with clear, accurate, and audience-focused storytelling across web, social, newsletter, and other MBN platforms. The position works closely with editors, reporters, and other newsroom teams to monitor emerging developments, verify information, and create timely explanatory and enterprise content that meets high editorial, ethical, and factual standards in a fast-paced digital news environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:


• Research, monitor, and analyze extremist movements, ideologies, online narratives, and related sociopolitical developments across digital platforms and open-source channels.


• Produce accurate, well-sourced multimedia content, including articles, videos, explainers, backgrounders, research briefs, and investigative reports.


• Track emerging trends in online extremism, disinformation, radicalization, hate movements, and digital propaganda.


• Conduct open-source intelligence research using public records, social media, digital archives, databases, and multimedia sources.


• Verify information, assess source credibility, and ensure factual accuracy in all published materials.


• Translate complex research findings into clear, accessible content for digital audiences.


• Collaborate with editors, reporters, analysts, and multimedia teams.


• Monitor breaking developments related to extremism, terrorism, hate groups, and online influence campaigns to support timely coverage.


• Contribute to MBN newsletters, website, social content, and other platform initiatives as needed.


• Ensure all reporting and research adhere to journalistic ethics, legal standards, and organizational safety protocols.

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, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.


• 3+ years of experience in journalism, research, investigative reporting, digital media, intelligence analysis, or related fields.


• Demonstrated knowledge of extremism, radicalization, hate movements, disinformation, online communities, and related issues.


• Strong research, writing, editing, and fact-checking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and accurately.


• Experience conducting open-source intelligence and digital investigations using public records, social media platforms, databases, and online research tools is preferred.


• Ability to assess source credibility, verify information, and identify misinformation or manipulated content.


• Strong understanding of journalistic ethics, legal considerations, and responsible reporting practices related to sensitive topics.


• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.


• Fluency in Arabic and English.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.