Executive Editor, Jackson Clarion-Ledger/State Editor, Mississippi

Company: Gannett
Location: Jackson
Posted on: June 24, 2022

Job Description:

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.

Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.

To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

Executive Editor - Jackson Clarion-Ledger & State Editor - USA TODAY Network/Mississippi

Gannett's South Region network is seeking a dynamic and transformational leader to serve as its next executive editor of The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, MS / jacksonsun.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, and editor for the USA TODAY Network in Mississippi.
The ideal applicant will be equal parts visionary and pragmatist, able to inspire and strategize while ensuring that whatever lies directly ahead is swiftly and effectively handled. The editor must be adept at building diverse teams and then motivating them to do their best work. The Clarion-Ledger needs a leader who knows how to recruit top talent and then develop that talent to create journalism that serves the community while growing audience.
The editor will work with journalists across the South as a member of the senior leadership team for the South Region. A commitment to collaboration and cooperation at a high level are a must. The state editor oversees cohesive strategy across the state, working with colleagues throughout the region and the national network, and reports to the regional editor.

We are seeking someone who thrives yet maintains composure in a fast-paced and competitive digital news environment; who is creative and has a positive attitude; who is an enthusiastic champion of smart, thoughtful and impactful coverage and analysis; and who helps to ensure the newsroom environment is one in which staffers can deliver their best possible performances every day.

Jackson is a diverse community, and the editor must ensure this diversity is represented in coverage across all beats. Watchdog journalism will be what sets the Clarion-Ledger apart and the editor must be able to ensure this type of reporting is consistently happening.

The Executive Editor will champion our ongoing digital transformation, subscription and audience growth, focusing on engagement and productivity across all platforms. While we work aggressively to lead coverage in our communities and deliver journalism with impact, we prize a work environment that is highly creative and collegial. As well, the EE is or will become a force in the community, representing our publications on boards and at events and helping to foster and sustain the excellent standing our publications enjoy in the communities we serve. At the center of our mission are our efforts toward improved diversity, equity and inclusion in our newsrooms, our communities and our coverage of underserved communities.

We strive for Journalism with Reach, connecting our communities and readers, and improving their quality of life through information, understanding and empowerment. We must strengthen the bond of trust between our newsrooms and the communities they serve, and this role will be key to that effort.

Responsibilities:

• Upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and credibility while strongly supporting the First Amendment.
• Providing exemplary leadership in helping to develop and execute strategic digital and other plans.
• Leading change management efforts that include strong communication of strategic initiatives, purpose, vision and culture.
• Growing digital subscriptions and engagement across multiple platforms.
• Developing audience.
• Being responsive to the needs of the staff and community; responsive to the needs of the product; and responsive in the speediest sense of the word.
• Attracting, retaining and nurturing top talent.
• Managing, motivating and inspiring staff toward excellence.
• Build a culture that reinforces the importance of work/life balance.
• Managing for results in a metrics-driven environment.
• Collaborating with other editors at a high level, contributing to the success of the entire region
• Playing an active role in implementing corporate initiatives and ensuring those initiatives are fully optimized and successful.
• Ensuring your staff understands the publication's and the company's mission and their role in helping to achieve it.Requirements:
  
  • Bachelor's or master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5 years of experience as a respected journalism leader, with emphasis on digital content and storytelling platforms.
  • Experience in high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content.
  • A history of successful leadership, innovation and goal achievement.
  • Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively.
  • Experience leading and collaborating beyond the confines of a single newsroom.
  • Personal charisma, comfortable with public speaking and a commitment to staff interaction.
  • Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
  • Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
  • Ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
  • Track record in recruiting a highly successful leadership team.
  • Willingness to live in the Jackson area.
  • Knowledge of local, regional and state news along with experience in investigative journalism, public service journalism and data journalism.We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
    1. Your resume - one to two pages.
    2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
    It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
    
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    Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

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