Head of Digital Operations and Innovation, Editorial

Reporting to Radio Free Asia's Executive Editor, the Head of Digital Operations and Innovation leads innovation in the newsroom and audience engagement. This newly created position will oversee the implementation of two critically important new systems being adopted by RFA to streamline newsroom operations: a digital archive and a content management system to be used by all journalists across a news media organization that operates in 10 languages.

The position will also oversee RFA’s digital strategy for audience engagement via its website and social media platforms and the adoption of new technologies to support newsgathering. We are looking for an experienced newsroom leader versed in the latest trends in the news industry, familiar with newsroom workflows, and with proven experience managing digital change in a large media organization. The position will work closely with RFA’s technical operations department to implement change and enhance the security of RFA’s publishing systems.

This is a full-time position located in RFA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Leads RFA's Editorial digital transformation initiatives, from identifying opportunities to improve the digital delivery of news content, to developing and executing a comprehensive  digital transformation strategy
• Supervises Digital Asset Management and Content Management System teams.
• Supervises Digital Strategy and Audience engagement team, fostering a strong online community.
• Works with RFA language services to guide and support their work and their adoption of the DAM/CMS and other new technologies for newsgathering and reaching their audience
• Promotes more effective distribution of content on current and emerging platforms as part of RFA’s digital-first strategy while also advising on the modernization of non-digital programming.
• Oversees the use of digital analytics to monitor performance and improve audience engagement.
• Ensures effective cooperation and collaboration with all editorial teams and digital technology teams to coordinate goals and meet the highest industry standards.
• Leads a team of digital professionals, providing guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Carries out other duties as assigned by the Executive Editor.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (degree in journalism, broadcasting or related field preferred), or equivalent level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in broadcast journalism or related field gained from extensive professional experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in successfully overseeing newsroom digital transformation and leading large and complex change management
• At least 5 years of team management experience and collaborative work across departments in a large media organization.
• Track record in building up/expanding audiences on different platforms through implementing an effective digital strategy and, deep understanding of audience analytics and development strategies.
• Broad knowledge of CMS and DAM operations in newsrooms and experience in the implementation of CMS and DAM systems and other new technologies in a newsroom is highly preferred.
• Broad knowledge of RFA broadcast regions and a solid grounding in digital journalism.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a multi-functional team, advocate for and manage needed change, and motivate others towards the achievement of common goals.
• Previous experience working in a multicultural or multinational environment is strongly preferred, ability to work with journalists of different backgrounds.
• Proven ability to develop, present, and implement effective and innovative solutions to complex editorial, technical, training, and operational challenges under tight deadlines.
• Experience in editorial planning, writing, editing, and video production in Western-standard or otherwise independent International news organizations is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, negotiating, and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Integrity and strong work ethic.

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