Become an Ombudsman for Stars and Stripes: A Career in Journalistic Integrity

Are you a veteran journalist with a passion for fairness and the First Amendment? Stars and Stripes Central is currently seeking an Ombudsman (NF-05) to serve as a vital monitor for journalistic excellence within the Department of Defense. This remote role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of providing the military community with truthful, balanced, and independent reporting.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the bridge between the readers and the newsroom. Your core duties will include:

Protecting the organization's First Amendment rights and its commitment to the DoD community.
Investigating allegations of news management, censorship, or bias.
Monitoring news coverage for accuracy, fairness, and timeliness.
Creating specialized content, including columns and blogs, addressing editorial issues.
Ensuring compliance with EEO and internal ethical programs.

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level position, you must demonstrate significant experience in the field:

10+ years in senior editorial leadership.
Expertise in conflict resolution and impartiality.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$120,000 - $130,000 per year
Work Schedule	Flex (0-40 hours based on business needs)
Location	Remote (Anywhere in the U.S.)
Retirement	401(k) eligibility

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit. Federal hiring managers look for clear, concise evidence of your accomplishments. Include references directly in your document, and ensure all uploaded files are in PDF format to preserve your layout.

This role is a rare opportunity to influence the landscape of military media. If you are a seasoned leader ready to advocate for journalistic integrity, we encourage you to apply by November 9, 2026.

Why This Ombudsman Nf-05 Job Matters

Champion journalistic integrity for the military community as the Ombudsman for Stars and Stripes Central—a unique, mission-critical role shaping the voice of service members worldwide.

Ombudsman Nf-05 Job Overview

Stars and Stripes Central, part of the Department of Defense, is seeking a seasoned editorial leader to serve as the Ombudsman. This critical role ensures the publication remains a bastion of fair, accurate, and balanced reporting. Acting as the primary liaison between the organization and the military community, the Ombudsman investigates allegations of censorship, monitors editorial standards, and advocates for the First Amendment rights that define our mission. This is a remote, flexible opportunity for an experienced journalist ready to uphold the values of a free press within the U.S. military ecosystem.

Requirements for Ombudsman Nf-05

Over 10 years of experience as a senior editorial leader.
Extensive background in professional journalism.
Ability to work impartially and fairly with editors, writers, and military stakeholders.
Proven capability to analyze and evaluate opposing viewpoints.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Minimum one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Must adhere to a strict two-page limit for your resume.

Preferred Qualifications for Ombudsman Nf-05

In-depth knowledge of the Department of Defense and military Combatant Commands.
Recognition as a distinguished journalist (awards, professional society officer roles).
Understanding of modern news consumption, digital content, and social media dynamics.
Familiarity with U.S. Congressional committees and legislative processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Participation in the NAF 401(k) retirement plan.
✓Professional development and certification programs.
✓Access to on-base facilities including fitness centers and libraries.
✓Sense of purpose through support of military and civilian personnel.
✓Potential for health insurance eligibility for flexible employees.

💡 How to Apply Ombudsman Nf-05 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Ombudsman Nf-05 Job

Review your eligibility and prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages or less.
Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the application process.
Complete the online questionnaire honestly; inaccurate information may impact your consideration.
Upload required documentation, including a resume and any relevant supporting documents like SF-50 or military service records.
Ensure your submission is completed by 11:59 PM ET on November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Include full contact information for professional and personal references directly on your two-page resume.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact through the upload process.
Allow extra time for file virus scans after uploading documents.
Double-check your email inbox and spam folder for status updates from the hiring team.
Consult the official Applicant Information Kit for detailed guidance on federal hiring procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position truly remote?

Yes, this is a remote position that allows you to work from anywhere in the U.S.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Federal regulations for this role strictly limit your resume to two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this may not be considered.

What does an Ombudsman do?

The Ombudsman serves as an independent voice, monitoring the news for fairness and accuracy, investigating claims of censorship, and communicating reader concerns to the publisher.

Job from Defense Media Activity

Stars and Stripes has a storied history, reporting on the military experience from the Civil War to the modern day. As an independent news voice, the organization provides essential news to service members, veterans, and their families. This position sits within this tradition, ensuring that the agency remains free from outside control while adhering to the highest standards of professional journalism.