Senior Multiplatform Journalist, Burmese Desk, DC

Radio Free Asia•Washington DC, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is seeking a Senior Multiplatform Journalist for its Burmese Desk in Washington, DC. The role reports to the Senior Editor, News and covers an assigned beat daily, with responsibility for reporting from information-restricted regions, developing major news leads and exclusive stories, and planning in-depth features and investigative series. Major projects are co-planned with the Senior Editor, News, and complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive stories require that editor’s review and sign-off before publication. The journalist produces reporting across web, broadcast audio, podcasts, and social media, including broadcast-quality narration and edited audio packages. The position contributes to podcast and interview-program planning and scripting, and sources and curates news imagery or legally authorized audiovisual material. Based on capability and operational needs, the journalist may also contribute to video strategy and produce or guide video adaptations of reporting. The role includes mentoring Multiplatform Journalists, representing RFA at press events and briefings, and building institutional source relationships. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remote each week. Some flexibility in work hours is required to accommodate international time zones, and domestic and international travel may be required. Salary is $84,000–$100,500 per year, commensurate with experience and skills. The role is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization; applicants must already possess work authorization. Applicants should include a cover letter and work portfolios.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
At least seven years of progressively responsible professional journalism experience, including substantial reporting on government, diplomacy, human rights, conflict, or other significant issues.
A portfolio demonstrating reporting depth, editorial impact, and multiplatform versatility.
Deep knowledge of Myanmar's political, economic, social, and cultural landscape, including current developments and regional dynamics.
Excellent written and spoken Burmese, and strong written and verbal English communication skills for an international newsroom.
Ability to break major news, develop exclusive reports, and produce investigative or long-form journalism projects from conception through publication.
An established network of institutional sources, subject-matter experts, and professional contacts relevant to Myanmar and regional coverage.
Strong reporting, research, analytical, and editorial skills, including the ability to synthesize complex, multi-source information into compelling, accurate, accessible stories for different audiences and platforms.
Ability to independently develop and pitch compelling, original story ideas relevant to Myanmar and international audiences.
Ability to produce high-quality content across web articles, broadcast audio, podcasts, video, and social media.
Strong understanding of visual journalism, digital publishing, and social media platforms, including editorial requirements, audience engagement strategies, and content formats.
Mastery of broadcast scriptwriting and narration, with the ability to independently produce professional multi-element audio packages.
Experience planning and developing audio programs and podcasts, including scripting, structure, and editorial direction.
Strong editorial judgment in sourcing, selecting, and curating licensed news images in accordance with standards of accuracy, authenticity, and journalistic integrity.
Ability to deliver accurate, polished, error-free written, audio, and video reports under tight deadlines.
Ability to respond quickly to breaking news, manage competing editorial priorities, and deliver accurate, high-quality content under tight deadlines.
Ability to adapt complex news stories into engaging multimedia formats for different platforms and audiences.
Ability to understand audience analytics and use performance insights to improve content strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement across digital platforms.
Understanding of journalist safety, digital security, and risk assessment when reporting on sensitive political, security, and human rights issues.
Experience coordinating with reporters, stringers, and freelancers across locations and time zones; collaborating with editors and cross-functional teams; and providing editorial guidance and mentoring in a diverse international newsroom.
Ability to provide editorial guidance, review drafts, and mentor junior journalists and contributors when needed.
Experience representing a news organization at major press events and government and diplomatic briefings, and engaging with institutional sources.
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for reporting assignments, press events, and other official duties.
Existing work authorization; the position is ineligible for employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to high standards of journalism, editorial independence, accuracy, and professional ethics.
Hands-on experience hosting or presenting audio and video programs or podcasts.
Experience producing or guiding video adaptations of investigative reports, features, and other in-depth stories.
Familiarity with video editing workflows, production software, and short-form, broadcast-quality video production.
Experience in on-camera reporting or hosting video news programs.
Familiarity with data journalism tools, digital graphics production, and interactive storytelling formats.
Familiarity with shortwave and digital radio broadcasting standards, production requirements, and workflows.
Experience working in international, public-service, or diaspora media organizations.
Familiarity with payment arrangements, compensation structures, and payment systems for reporters, stringers, and freelance contributors.
Journalism awards, professional recognitions, or notable publications demonstrating editorial excellence and impact.

Responsibilities

Cover the assigned beat daily, ensuring continuity and depth of reporting.
Report from information-restricted regions and countries, developing major news leads and exclusive stories.
Plan and execute in-depth features and investigative series, develop original reporting agendas, and co-plan major projects with the Senior Editor, News while providing regular progress updates.
Collaborate with the Senior Editor, News and management to pitch and develop high-priority features and special reports.
Obtain Senior Editor, News review and sign-off before publication for complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive stories.
Serve as an internal subject resource for colleagues.
Produce impactful web news articles, features, and investigative reports.
Adapt investigative and analytical content into broadcast scripts, podcast scripts, and social media copy, and record broadcast-quality audio narration.
Edit audio to broadcast-ready standards, including multi-element packages with interviews, narration, and natural sound.
Contribute to planning and scripting flagship podcasts or in-depth interview programs; journalists with hosting capability may serve as host.
Source, curate, and provide editorial direction for licensed news imagery, or obtain legally authorized audiovisual material from interview subjects.
Contribute to video news content planning and guidance, including the development of video journalism standards and direction.
Produce or guide video versions of investigative reports or features, depending on skills and operational needs.
Mentor Multiplatform Journalists through regular editorial guidance and draft review, helping develop their editorial judgment, source cultivation, and multiplatform production capabilities.
Represent RFA at major press events, high-level briefings, and long-term source engagements.
Build and maintain institutional source relationships and external recognition in the relevant subject domain.
Perform other duties as assigned.