Executive Editor

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team at the forefront of non-profit-owned local journalism? New Jersey Hills Media Group and the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM) are seeking an Executive Editor to join our senior management team and drive excellence in editorial quality, journalistic integrity, and strategic decision-making. The candidate will succeed current executive editor Elizabeth Parker, who will be transitioning to a senior advisor to the newspapers.

This job is in person.

CNJLM is a nonprofit that creates engaged and informed communities by revitalizing local journalism and innovating for its future. It owns the New Jersey Hills Media Group, a collection of 14 weekly print newspapers with daily digital content in Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties. Those publications are the: The Bernardsville News, Morris NewsBee, Mount Olive Chronicle, Chatham Courier, Observer-Tribune, Echoes-Sentinel, The Citizen, Florham Park Eagle, The Progress, Hanover Eagle, The Randolph Reporter, Hunterdon Review, Roxbury Register, and Madison Eagle.

Responsibilities:

Editorial leadership:

• Oversee the overall editorial direction of all fourteen newspapers, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness across all content.
• Manage a fourteen-person editorial staff, fostering a cohesive and high-performing newsroom environment.
• Review, edit, and sign off on all stories, including press releases and run of paper content. This review happens throughout the week, as online publication occurs daily.
• Provide final signoff on each page's story placement for weekly print newspapers.

Strategic planning and engagement:

• Collaborate with editors and reporters daily regarding content, providing guidance and insights throughout the week.
• Plan long-term coverage strategies to ensure comprehensive reporting.
• Oversee management of stringers and approve related bills, ensuring high-quality contributions to our publications.

Community engagement and representation:

• Act as the face of our publications, representing us on boards and within the community.
• Work with editors to handle and respond to editorial emails, online comments, and manage the publication's online calendar.
• Additionally, as the Executive Editor, you will be a pivotal member of our senior management team, contributing to business strategy, advertising, subscription, and digital initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in journalism, with a proven track record in editorial leadership.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.
• Strong managerial skills to lead, motivate, and develop a team of editors and reporters.
• Proficiency in content management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to community engagement.
• Ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and make critical decisions under pressure.

Additional Details:

• Job Type: Full-time, Exempt, in person.
• Location: Whippany, NJ. Candidates with experience in New Jersey will receive primary consideration. Consideration will also be given to candidates who meet qualifications outside of New Jersey. Relocation assistance not provided.
• Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000 depending on experience.

If you're passionate about local journalism, possess outstanding leadership skills, and are ready to make a significant impact on our media group, we'd love to hear from you.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any portfolio materials demonstrating your editorial prowess to info@newsweneed.org.

Join us in shaping the future of local news at New Jersey Hills Media Group!