Executive Editor

Reporting to the President, RFA’s Executive Editor oversees editorial strategy and news production in a dynamic organization whose mission is to bring unbiased, high-quality journalism to closed societies in Asia. The Executive Editor must provide a unique editorial vision and voice, supervise a diverse cadre of editorial staff, journalists and freelancers, and display astute editorial, journalistic and management skills in a complex, multicultural organization. Leading by example, this individual will motivate and inspire RFA’s award-winning journalists to gather news under the most challenging conditions. Knowledge and understanding of RFA’s broadcast region and sensitivity to complex political environments is required. Creativity in both programming and finding new ways to reach RFA audiences is a must. The Executive Editor also works with the President and senior leadership on budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and assorted administrative responsibilities.

This position will be based in RFA’s Washington, DC, headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Provides editorial direction to enhance the influence and brand awareness of RFA. Communicates, and oversees the administration and interpretation of mission-driven editorial policy company-wide.
• Leads RFA’s editorial strategic planning. creates, develops and manages an editorial and audience strategy designed to advance RFA’s visibility and impact as a leading news outlet in Asia. Demonstrates an informed knowledge of industry trends and technologies that inform news-gathering, content production, and 21st century newsroom optimization.
• Steers RFA in its transition toward producing more multimedia content on digital platforms to best serve its diverse audiences, while fulfilling the organization’s mandate as a surrogate news media in Asian countries that lack a free press. Leads the modernization of RFA’s newsroom to benefit from new systems to optimize sharing and delivery of content.
• Works with the senior editorial leadership to monitor daily reporting by RFA language services so they meet editorial priorities, maximize target-area impact, and maintain editorial standards and journalistic ethics. Provides editorial insight and analysis in language service evaluations.
• Respond to breaking news and emerging issues, making quick decisions and adjustments to coverage plans as needed. Lead the newsroom in maintaining composure and professionalism during high-pressure situations.
• Provides supervisory oversight and guidance to the Senior Managing Editor, Managing Editor for East Asia, the Managing Editor for Southeast Asia, the Managing Editor for Multimedia, the Head of Digital Operations and Innovations and the Standards Editor.
• Analyzes editorial budgets and resources, and sets and adjusts plans to make the most efficient, practical, and impact-driven use of all delivery platforms and technologies. Identifies and oversees multi-platform and cross-language-service coverage of important news events and items.
• Serves as chief advisor to RFA’s President and senior staff on programming and news coverage, and on geopolitical events in or affecting RFA’s “target” areas. Provides thought leadership and active participation in external stakeholder engagement, including briefings and roundtables, as well as public-facing events and presentations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in the field of Journalism or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 20 years’ related experience, showcasing leadership in high-performance newsrooms.
• Demonstrated exceptional editorial judgment and adherence to the highest standards of journalistic ethics.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in countries/regions that are covered by RFA.
• Extensive expertise in digital journalism, adept at writing and editing for innovative information dissemination platforms.
• Strong track record in budget management and cost containment, preferably with experience in government budgetary processes.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and talent development, fostering the growth and advancement of team members.
• A strong passion and commitment to RFA’s mission.
• Dynamic and decisive leadership style coupled with high emotional intelligence.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and comfortable with both internal, staff-level and external stakeholder/public engagement.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work across teams and departments to achieve shared goals, and excellent conflict resolution ability.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities in the media landscape.

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.

How to apply: Submit your résumé with and cover letter referencing "Executive Editor" in the subject line via e-mail to rfajobs@rfa.org

Date Posted: 3/6/2024