Senior Multiplatform Journalist, Burmese Desk, DC

Radio Free Asia•Washington, DC

3d•$84,000 - $100,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is seeking a Senior Multiplatform Journalist for its Burmese Desk in Washington, DC. The journalist reports on an assigned beat, including from information-restricted regions and countries, develops major news leads and exclusive stories, and plans in-depth features, investigative series, and original reporting agendas. Complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive stories require review and sign-off by the Senior Editor, News before publication. The role produces content for web, radio, podcasts, and social media, including investigative reports, broadcast scripts, audio narration, and edited audio packages. It also contributes to podcast and interview-program planning and, as skills and operational needs permit, video strategy and production. The journalist mentors other journalists, represents RFA at major press events and briefings, and builds institutional source relationships. The position is full-time, exempt, and hybrid, with 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.

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, current developments, and regional dynamics.
Excellent written and spoken Burmese, and strong written and verbal English communication skills for an international newsroom environment.
Demonstrated 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 synthesizing 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, including 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, ensuring accuracy, authenticity, and compliance with journalistic standards.
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 maintain accuracy and quality 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 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 is required; the company does not sponsor work authorization for this position.
A cover letter and work portfolios must be included with the application.

Nice To Haves

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, maintaining continuity and depth of reporting.
Report from information-restricted regions and countries, developing and breaking major news leads and exclusive stories.
Plan and execute in-depth features and investigative series, developing original reporting agendas; co-plan major projects with the Senior Editor, News and provide 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 publishing 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 complex 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; serve as host when capable.
Source, curate, and provide editorial direction for licensed news imagery, or obtain legally authorized audiovisual material from interview subjects.
Contribute to planning and guidance of video news content strategy and help establish video journalism standards and direction.
Produce or guide production of video adaptations of investigative reports or features, according to skills and operational needs.
Mentor Multiplatform Journalists through regular editorial guidance, draft review, and support for developing editorial judgment, source cultivation, and multiplatform production skills.
Represent RFA at major press events, high-level briefings, and long-term source engagements.
Build and maintain institutional source relationships and be recognized externally in the relevant subject domain.
Perform other duties as assigned.