Job AnnouncementIran EditorAbout the RoleMBN is seeking an experienced, highly connected Iran Editor to lead, plan, edit, and directly report its coverage of Iran and its influence across the Middle East. The Iran Editor role is a full-time staff position based at the MBN headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
This senior role combines editorial direction with original reporting, source development, and on-air analysis. The Iran Editor coordinates freelance contributors, develops enterprise stories, leads breaking-news coverage, curates a specialized newsletter, and contributes to video and podcasts.
The role requires deep knowledge of Iran's domestic politics, regional security, nuclear program and diplomacy, relations with the United States and neighboring countries, and economic conditions, including sanctions and energy markets.
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:
Editorial Planning and Contributor Coordination- Lead daily coverage and long-term editorial planning for Iran-related political, security, diplomatic, economic, and social developments.
- Commission, coordinate, and edit reporting from freelance and multimedia contributors.
- Align coverage with MBN editorial leadership and regional desks, accounting for reporting access and source safety.
Original Reporting and Source Development- Pitch, report, write, and edit original investigative, analytical, and enterprise stories.
- Maintain a diverse network of political, diplomatic, security, economic, and civil-society sources.
- Conduct interviews and protect sensitive sources through appropriate confidentiality and secure communication practices.
Breaking News and Editorial Quality- Lead breaking-news coverage, live blogs, rapid analysis, and digital updates.
- Edit and verify articles, scripts, and source material for accuracy, balance, clarity, and publication readiness.
- Ensure content meets MBN editorial standards, sourcing requirements, and applicable legal requirements.
Multiplatform and Bilingual Content- Write and curate an Iran-focused newsletter and contribute to videos, explainers, podcasts, and live appearances.
- Adapt coverage across Arabic and English platforms with consistent editorial context.
- Translate and contextualize Persian-language material, explaining its significance for regional and international audiences.
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 Journalism, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Middle Eastern Studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- At least eight years of journalism experience combining editorial planning or editing with substantial original reporting on Iran.
- Deep knowledge of Iranian politics, regional security, nuclear diplomacy, economic conditions, and foreign relations.
- An established network of credible sources and demonstrated ability to protect sensitive contacts.
- Strong editing and news judgment, with experience coordinating breaking news and editorial calendars.
- Fluency in Persian (Farsi) required, strong working proficiency in English required, professional proficiency in Arabic desirable.
- Experience producing digital newsletters, video scripts, and on-camera or podcast analysis.
- Strong understanding of reporting restrictions, digital verification, source protection, and safety practices relevant to Iran coverage.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience as an Iran Bureau Chief, Senior Correspondent, or Desk Editor for an international news organization.
- Background in nuclear diplomacy, security, sanctions, energy, or economic reporting.
- Experience coordinating freelance contributors and using open-source verification techniques.
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) or equivalent journalism safety training.
