Extremism Desk Lead

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.

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.

• Design, build, recruit, and manage a cross‑platform editorial team focused on terrorism, jihadist movements, organized extremism, counter terrorism, 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, counter terrorism, 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 counter terrorism.
• 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.

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

• 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, counter terrorism, political violence, or regional security issues.
• Strong understanding of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan,…