Writer and Researcher - International Multimedia Journalist V

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads major editorial beats, coverage areas, or specialized reporting initiatives as assigned 

• Produces and delivers high-impact breaking news, enterprise reporting, interviews, feature stories, and special coverage 

• Develops original reporting angles, investigative content, and long-form storytelling projects 

• Provides editorial guidance and subject matter expertise within assigned beat or specialty area without exercising supervisory authority 

• Writes, copy edits, adapts, translates, versions, and produces content for broadcast, web, streaming, and social media platforms 

• Contributes to editorial planning, story selection, coverage strategy, and programming direction for assigned beats or coverage areas 

• Maintains extensive knowledge of assigned subject matter, region, audience, or policy area 

• Maintains extensive knowledge of assigned subject matter, region, audience, or policy area 

• Provides mentorship, professional guidance, and editorial support to less experienced journalists and producers without supervisory responsibilities 

• Collaborates across language services and divisions on major global and U.S. policy coverage initiatives 

• Makes recommendations regarding newsroom workflow improvements, editorial innovation, and content strategy 

• Works independently with minimal supervision in highly complex and fast-paced newsroom environments 

• Meets VOA standards for productivity, editorial quality, accuracy, and deadlines 

• Logs and conducts data entry and related functions connected with VOA’s digital asset management systems 

• Other related duties as assigned 

Knowledge Required

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Candidates must be proficient in Farsi, with the ability to speak, read, and write the language at a professional level
• Fluency in target language (written and spoken), if applicable
• Extensive knowledge of assigned beat, target region, policy area, or subject matter specialty
• Advanced understanding of journalism ethics, editorial standards, multimedia storytelling, and newsroom operations
• Demonstrated expertise in live reporting, anchoring, production, and enterprise journalism
• Ability to produce complex editorial content independently under significant deadline pressure
• Advanced interview, writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills
• Deep understanding of digital, broadcast, and social media production workflows
• Specialized expertise or formal education in a field relevant to VOA’s mission and coverage priorities

Complexity

• Exceptional complexity
• Performs multiple senior-level editorial and production functions across platforms and coverage areas
• Handles highly sensitive, fast-moving, and high-visibility news coverage independently
• Leads editorial execution for major coverage initiatives, breaking news events, and special programming
• Develops innovative reporting approaches, storytelling methods, and editorial products
• Frequently resolves highly unusual and complex editorial, production, and operational challenges
• Expected to manage multiple major assignments concurrently under tight deadlines
• Provides senior editorial leadership and newsroom expertise without supervisory authority
• Exercises extensive independent editorial judgment

Supervisory Controls

• PSC operates with a very high degree of independence
• Assignments are generally broad in scope and outcome-focused
• PSC independently identifies reporting priorities, develops coverage plans, and executes assignments with minimal oversight
• Work products typically require only limited editorial review
• PSC is relied upon as a senior newsroom resource and subject matter expert
• Position carries no supervisory or managerial authority

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an exciting, multi-media, multi-cultural, global media agency that carries out all United States civilian international broadcasting. Our media networks complement and reinforce one another in a shared mission vital to U.S. national interests: to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. Our staff of dedicated professionals serve as an example of a free and independent media, bringing news, information, and relevant discussions to a weekly audience of over 278 million people worldwide in over 60 languages via radio, television, Internet, and social media.

USAGM networks include the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti) and three grantee organizations: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), and Radio Free Asia.

This is not an announcement for a federal job.  All personal service contractors must pass a thorough background check.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are encouraged to apply. Employer sponsorship for work visas is not available for this position.