Senior Editor, China

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Middle East Broadcasting Networks is seeking a Senior Editor to lead coverage on China, a crucial player in the Middle East narrative. This role will involve setting editorial direction, connecting key geopolitical stories, and maintaining high journalistic standards.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in journalism or editorial leadership and deep expertise in China’s political economy. Strong analytical and narrative structure skills are essential.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism, editorial leadership, or geopolitical analysis.
• Deep expertise in China’s political economy and global positioning.
• Strong experience in long-form or analytical journalism (FT, The Economist, Bloomberg, or equivalent preferred).

Responsibilities

• Set the editorial direction for MBN’s China coverage, focusing on economy and geopolitics.
• Connect developments across military, economy, diplomacy, and technology into coherent analysis.
• Commission, shape, and approve high-impact stories.

Skills

Mandarin or Arabic language proficiency

Expertise in geopolitics

Analytical journalism skills

Editorial judgment

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.

Job Announcement: Senior Editor, China

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.

About The Role

China is one of the most consequential stories in the Middle East today, and MBN already leads in covering it. With our China Tracker established, we’re looking for a Senior Editor to take that coverage to the next chapter.

In this role, you’ll help set the direction for how MBN covers China across the region, and you’ll connect the dots between developments that often get reported in isolation. Your job is to turn a steady stream of events into coverage that explains what’s actually happening — and why it matters across the Arab world.

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:

• Set the editorial direction for MBN’s China coverage, spanning the economy, and US–China and regional geopolitics, including China’s role in the Gulf and North Africa.
• Connect developments across the desk’s core beats — military, economy, diplomacy, soft power, and technology — into clear, coherent analysis.
• Commission, shape, and approve high‑impact stories, turning news events into sharp analytical narratives.
• Maintain a consistent standard of tone, rigor, and editorial judgment across everything the China desk produces.
• Guide the work of the Senior Investigative Correspondent, the Data Editor, and the MENA field reporters.
• Weigh the geopolitical and reputational risks of sensitive stories.

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, communications, international affairs or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism, editorial leadership, or geopolitical analysis.
• Deep expertise in China’s political economy and global positioning.
• Strong experience in long‑form or analytical journalism (FT, The Economist, Bloomberg, or equivalent preferred).
• Excellent editorial judgment and narrative‑structuring skills.
• A proven ability to interpret complex systems rather than report isolated events.

Skills Considered a Plus to Have

• Mandarin or Arabic language proficiency is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with MENA geopolitics and China’s presence in the region.
• Experience directing data‑driven or OSINT‑supported investigations.
• Experience in video news production.

Submit a CV, a short cover note explaining your interest in the China/MENA beat, and 2–3 representative work samples (published clips, datasets, or investigations).

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.