The Community News Collaborative (CNC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to produce high-quality, high-impact journalism in concert with news outlets in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Through powerful, informative reporting across all platforms, the CNC produces original enterprise and investigative stories, while also joining forces with regional newsrooms to strengthen coverage on behalf of communities throughout the tri-county area.

The CNC is seeking an Executive Editor-in-Chief (EEIC) with a proven record of leadership and a passion for local reporting. The EEIC will set and execute an editorial vision and harness the community-changing potential of the collaborative. The EEIC will hire and lead a small but experienced, talented team whose stories, skills and insights will be shared across partner organizations, magnifying impact at a time when Floridians most need deep accountability journalism.

The CNC wants a leader with a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit who will relish the opportunity to join forces with other journalists and newsrooms in the region to fill in critical coverage gaps brought on by industry-wide cutbacks. The EEIC should be someone capable of making a case for this work with the public, with media partners, and with those who would fund the CNC.

Roles and Responsibilities

Hire and guide an experienced, small team of journalists
Establish and enforce strong ethical guidelines for the team
Work with media partners to identify and develop reporting and publication/broadcast opportunities that will bolster journalism in service of local communities
Consult with media partners on ways to boost engagement and increase the reach of stories that originate with the CNC team as well as those told in partnership with other newsrooms
Work with the Board of Directors to set the collaborative’s strategic direction
Develop and oversee the organization’s budget
Establish and report quarterly results/metrics to the Board
Serve as the public face for the CNC in community conversations
Work with Development staff and the Board of Directors to secure funding that can sustain the CNC

Job Requirements

At least 7 years’ experience producing and/or editing enterprise and investigative reporting
Experience in recruiting and leading a diverse, high-performing team of journalists
Experience with data-driven journalism tools
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple platforms and formats
A deep understanding of the technologies affecting media today
Familiarity with models of nonprofit journalism organizations

Preferred Skills - Experience working with a Board of Directors, foundations, and private donors along with establishing and meeting grant-reporting requirements

If you have a passion for journalism and possess an entrepreneurial spirit for leading a startup nonprofit, please send your resume and a letter of interest complete with salary requirements. Deadline for consideration is June 30, 2024.

Community News Collaborative jobs

Executive Editor in Chief