The AP seeks an experienced journalist and newsroom leader to direct its coverage of Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan across text, photo, video, audio, graphics, and digital, setting the pace for coverage that is fast, fair, and fiercely independent. You are not just managing a bureau. You are helping set the standard for how the world understands this region. 

Based in Jerusalem and reporting to the News Director for the Middle East, The Bureau Chief will drive coverage in all formats that is comprehensive, fast and accurate in a highly competitive news environment. You are a strategic leader in AP’s Middle East region and will collaborate with AP’s regional and global news leadership to set and execute AP’s strategy for coverage of the territory. You will work with the team of journalists and contributors to deliver on AP’s strategic and digital goals, ensuring coverage needs are met, often in challenging security environments. AP is a 24/7 global operation. This role requires availability outside standard hours including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsiveness as news demands.  

What you will do:     

• Lead Breaking News Coverage 

• • Drive real-time, multi-format coverage of fast-moving developments across the region, ensuring AP is first and right. 

• • Coordinate cross-format teams (text, photo, video, audio, graphics) from assignment to publication, ensuring cohesive and compelling storytelling and the strongest presentation of AP journalism for customers and digital audiences. 

• • Anticipate security risks and coverage needs while pivoting decisively when breaking news demands it. 

• Shape Editorial Strategy 

• • Collaborate with AP's regional and global news leadership to define and execute coverage strategy for Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. 

• • Leverage audience data and platform signals to make smart, timely editorial decisions that drive engagement without compromising integrity. 

• • Develop enterprise and investigative coverage that goes beyond the daily news cycle to deliver distinctive, richly reported journalism. 

• Build and Develop Your Team 

• • Identify, recruit, and grow talent across the region providing coaching, training, and career development that keeps exceptional journalists at AP. 

• • Create a culture of inclusion and psychological safety that enables reporters to do their best, most courageous work. 

• • Support journalists operating in volatile security environments with sound planning, clear protocols, and active duty of care. 

• Maintain AP's Editorial Standards 

• • Uphold AP's commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and independence on one of the most scrutinized beats in global journalism. 

• • Build and sustain trusted relationships with authorities, sources, and stakeholders across the region to protect staff safety and enable access. 

• • Place a special focus on working closely with visual journalists to ensure the company’s coverage of these formats serves the needs of AP’s global customers. 

Who you are:   

• 10+ years of full-time journalism experience, with significant leadership of a bureau, beat team, department, or regional desk at a major news organization. 

• A proven track record breaking news and leading coverage of complex, fast-moving stories in high-stakes environments. 

• Ability to quickly discern and focus on the stories that will drive engagement across platforms 

• Experience supporting, guiding and motivating multi-format newsrooms spanning text, photo, video, audio, and digital. 

• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, fairness, and editorial independence, especially under competitive pressure. 

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple story lines simultaneously across formats. 

• Advanced professional fluency in written and spoken English; professional competency in Arabic and/or Hebrew. 

• Current authorization to work in Israel. 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 

What will set you apart:  

• On-the-ground experience reporting or leading coverage in the Middle East, especially in conflict or high-security environments. 

• A track record of editorial innovation and successful change management within a major newsroom. 

• Experience coaching reporters, editors, and producers to tell complex stories in clear, platform-native ways.   

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. Please use your cover letter to tell us about the unique perspective and experience you bring.