Executive Editor: Digital-First Community News Leader

Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Asheville Citizen-Times, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital savvy, strategic and community minded executive editor who is committed to audience growth, digital innovation and powerful journalism in fast-growing Asheville and Western North Carolina.

The ideal candidate has a collaborative mindset and is eager to work together to raise the newsroom’s digital acumen and drive high-quality journalism that is essential to the Western North Carolina communities it serves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years in significant leadership roles in a newsroom.
• Clear understanding of the First Amendment and the highest regard for upholding those standards.
• Experience in high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content.
• Experience working in industries undergoing substantial change and transformation.
• A history of successful leadership, innovation and goal achievement.
• Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively.
• Personal charisma, comfort with public speaking and 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.
• Demonstrated strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrated track record in recruiting a highly successful leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Uphold the highest journalism standards across digital and print platforms, strongly support the First Amendment and conceive, pursue and execute watchdog reporting.
• Develop and implement a multi-platform digital vision and strategy focused on achieving target audience specific goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership and be knowledgeable in state and local news, investigative journalism, Helene recovery issues, public service and government issues.
• Champion change management efforts that include strong communication of the company’s strategic initiatives, purpose, vision, culture and plan.
• Lead the planning and oversee execution of content strategies with a keen eye focused on strategic audiences. Special emphasis is placed on digital and other new platforms. Creativity and an ability to develop and execute innovative approaches are essential.
• Facilitate strong community connections with a relevant editorial voice and personal interaction.
• Attract, retain and develop top talent.

Skills

Leadership

Audience growth

Community engagement

Digital analytics

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

The Asheville Citizen-Times, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital savvy, strategic and community minded executive editor who is committed to audience growth, digital innovation and powerful journalism in fast-growing Asheville and Western North Carolina.

The ideal candidate has a collaborative mindset and is eager to work together to raise the newsroom’s digital acumen and drive high-quality journalism that is essential to the Western North Carolina communities it serves.