Head of News, Asia, BenarNews (Asia-Based)

Head of News, Asia, BenarNews (Asia-Based)

BenarNews is a digital media platform at Radio Free Asia that provides clear and accurate news on security, politics and human rights on the local and regional level in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pacific island nations. We are seeking a seasoned newsroom leader to manage and support BenarNews’ coverage leaders in Asia and oversee production and editorial planning during Asia daytime. The successful candidate will have experience leading multicultural newsrooms, a proven record of journalistic excellence, and first-rate people skills. This is a full-time position based in Jakarta or Bangkok that reports to BenarNews Managing Editor in Washington. Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage and support BenarNews’ coverage leaders in Asia
• Oversee daily production and editorial planning during Asia daytime, implementing the policy, procedures and editorial standards of Radio Free Asia and BenarNews
• Provide editorial feedback on developing stories and assist in prioritizing coverage based on BenarNews’ mission and editorial strategy during Asia daytime
• Promote an audience-first mindset, ensuring BenarNew’ journalism is responsive to the information needs of our audience
• Recruit and manage the Asia-based English-language editor
• Edit and publish news stories during Asia daytime; support video production as needed
• Effectively hand daily production over to Washington staff
• Ensure excellent and ethical journalism across all platforms and languages, and seamless collaboration among editorial, visuals, video and audience engagement
• Optimize workflow and tools among BenarNews’ journalists in Asia
• Assist with the launch of BenarNews’ first bureau in Southeast Asia
• Facilitate collaborative work among BenarNews’ countries, and with other units of Radio Free Asia
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in the field of Journalism or related field. Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 15 years experience in international journalism, including reporting, editing and newsroom management; digital journalism preferable
• Knowledge of current political, economic and social conditions in the Asian region, particularly in countries that are covered by BenarNews
• Hands-on experience working in Asia as a media professional, possess strong networks in the region
• Demonstrate exceptional editorial judgment and adherence to the highest standards of journalistic ethics
• First-rate writer, can produce sparkling SEO-ready headlines; outstanding editing capability; rigorous research skills
• Prior experience recruiting, hiring, and mentoring talents
• Strong experience in setting and adjusting plans to make the most efficient, practical, and impact-driven use on resources
• Strong familiarity working with various types of multimedia formats, and effective ways to utilize visual contents
• Prior experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and for whom English is not a first language
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset, with the ability to work across teams and departments to achieve shared goals, excellent conflict resolution ability
• Knowledge of a BenarNews language is a plus
• A strong passion and commitment for RFA/BenarNews mission.

How to Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and work samples (making reference to “Head of News, Asia” in the subject line) to jobs@benarnews.org Date Posted: 3/19/2024 RFA is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in hiring or any other aspect of employment on the basis of age, color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violation, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally protected characteristic. RFA encourages all qualified individuals to apply. If hired for a U.S.-based position, the candidate must provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. #J-18808-Ljbffr