Executive Editor, Digital Growth & Watchdog Journalism

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Asheville seeks an executive editor to lead the Asheville Citizen-Times with a focus on audience growth, digital innovation and high-quality journalism in Western North Carolina.

The editor will drive watchdog and enterprise reporting, strengthen community engagement, and guide a newsroom through digital transformation while mentoring staff and collaborating with USA TODAY Network South Region.

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 with demonstrated success.
• 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.

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

Strategic thinking

Communication

Audience development

Digital storytelling

Change management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Asheville seeks an executive editor to lead the Asheville Citizen-Times with a focus on audience growth, digital innovation and high-quality journalism in Western North Carolina.

The editor will drive watchdog and enterprise reporting, strengthen community engagement, and guide a newsroom through digital transformation while mentoring staff and collaborating with USA TODAY Network South Region.