Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem (Contractor) 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

MBN is seeking an experienced Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem to run news gathering, field reporting, and digital editorial operations. This is a digital-first role. The Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem runs the daily coverage file and produces original journalism across digital platforms: web analysis on Alhurra.com, newsletters, recurring video explainers, short-form visual packages, and podcast contributions.

The position requires beat agility. On any given week, the Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem will cover Knesset politics, government decisions, and elections; report on high-level U.S. and foreign diplomatic visits; produce field reporting and features on Arab-Israeli communities; and report from field locations across Israel and the West Bank.

The Chief Correspondent, Jerusalem also provides analysis on Israel’s strategic, political, and economic footprint across the wider Middle East. The candidate must have a solid reporting track record, an established network of contacts among Israeli decision-makers and public opinion leaders, and the ability to work, interview, and evaluate material in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

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:

• Sets the daily editorial agenda for coverage across Israel and the Palestinian territories in coordination with the Editor-in-Chief, the Executive Editor in the region, and Washington news desks.
• Assigns, edits, and oversees original digital content: news stories, analytical pieces, explainers, newsletters, and recurring video formats for digital and social platforms.
• Ensures all reporting meets MBN’s Code of Conduct, stylebook, and standards for accuracy, balance, and context.
• Adapts coverage quickly to breaking news cycles, providing rapid-response digital analysis, live text updates, and context pieces.
• Maintains an active network of sources across Israeli ministries, the Knesset, security and military institutions, think tanks, civil society, and community organizations.
• Conducts on-the-record interviews in Hebrew, Arabic, and English with government officials, political figures, analysts, and community leaders.
• Pitches and reports original enterprise pieces, including stories on domestic Israeli politics, regional foreign policy, tech and trade ties, and Arab-Israeli community issues.
• Analyzes Israel’s broader regional role—including security alignments, diplomatic relations, and economic ties across the Middle East.
• Directs daily work and assignments for bureau reporters, video journalists, field producers, camera crews, and editors.
• Recruits and manages per-piece freelance writers, fixers, and local contributors across the coverage area.
• Works with video editors and digital packaging teams to produce digital-native video clips, charts, maps, and social-first cutdowns.
• Oversees the bureau’s operational budget, freelance contracts, equipment, and administrative logistics.
• Conducts risk assessments and enforces field safety procedures for staff and freelancers covering protests, military operations, and volatile environments.
• Ensures teams have proper safety equipment, secure transport, and active communication protocols in the field.
• Manages official press accreditations (including Government Press Office credentials) and local reporting permits.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, International Relations, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 8–10+ years of professional journalism experience, with a solid track record covering Israel, regional politics, and Palestinian affairs.
• 3–5 years managing reporters, video producers, or a news bureau.
• Professional working fluency in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The candidate must be able to conduct interviews, read source documents, and review copy in all three languages.
• Proven contact network across Israeli government, political, security, and civic sectors.
• Direct experience with digital publishing workflows, including CMS operations, web-native scripting, newsletters, and digital video structures.
• Firm grasp of journalistic ethics, libel law, and the MBN stylebook and Code of Conduct.
• Direct experience managing logistics and field safety in high-risk news environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Bureau Chief or Senior Correspondent for an international news organization or wire service.
• Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) certification.
• Experience producing recurring digital video series, newsletters, or data-driven trackers. MBN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.