Executive Editor, Middle East

Job Announcement Executive Editor, Middle East (Contractor/MENA Region) 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. About the Role The Executive Editor leads and oversees editorial quality and consistency throughout MBN's Arabic-language digital content, working closely with Arabic-language editors and correspondents to ensure that everything meets MBN's standards in both languages. This person understands the cultural nuances and audience expectations of Arabic-language journalism, ensuring that the English adaptation of a piece has the same intent as the original version. This role involves maintaining the highest editorial standards, guiding content strategy, and galvanizing digital teams to publish compelling content. The Executive Editor works closely with the Executive Producer and other departments so that all content is relevant for our audience and, we hope, will spark a conversation! 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: Lead all editorial content for MBN's digital platforms, so that it meets the highest standards and aligns with the MBN's mission and objectives. This person oversees the digital newsroom in the Middle East, reviewing all the products that our writers and correspondents produce, including newsletters, podcasts, and video series. Develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy focused on audience engagement, relevance, and impact. Manage and mentor a team of editors, writers, and digital content creators, fostering creativity, excellence, and collaboration within the digital teams. Work closely with the Editor-in-Chief and other senior editors across departments to integrate multimedia into stories and other digital content while delivering a cohesive user experience. Oversee the planning and execution of editorial content, ensuring it is timely, accurate, and engaging. Enforce rigorous editorial standards across all digital content, conducting regular reviews for compliance with MBN's guidelines. Develop strategies to enhance audience interaction by using data-driven insights. Stay current with digital journalism trends by actively integrating AI-assisted editorial tools, such as audience analytics and production workflow tools, into the team's day-to-day operations. Understand how to use AI to enhance editorial output without compromising journalistic standards or MBN's editorial voice. Make use of inventive ways to help our stories stand out. Works with our audience development team to review and analyze content performance metrics such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify strengths and areas for improvement in our content. Refines our content strategies accordingly. Puts KPI goals in place to measure success. Collaborate with other departments, including digital programming and social media teams, to ensure a unified approach to content creation and distribution. Other Duties: Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances. Qualifications and Requirements: Candidates are required to have: Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, Journalism, or related field. 7+ years of experience in editorial management, with a strong background in digital content creation and strategy. Proven track record of leading editorial teams and managing high-volume content production in a fast-paced digital environment. Strong understanding of digital media trends, best practices for AI and search, and audience engagement strategies. The ability to write strong, attention-grabbing headlines and decks. Exceptional writing, editing, and content curation skills, in both Arabic and English, with an eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity. Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering creativity and collaboration. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Experience with content management systems, analytics tools, and other digital media technologies. Ability to develop and execute long-term content strategies that align with organizational goals. Must have the ability to stay calm under pressure in this fast-paced, news-driven environment. We want to ensure this is an exciting and interesting place to work. MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.