Publisher and Chief Executive Officer - Connecticut Mirror / CT Mirror

Connecticut Mirror / CT Mirror; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

CT Mirror, Hartford-based nonprofit, seeks a values-driven Publisher and Chief Executive Officer to lead its mission-driven newsroom and business. The CEO will guide strategic direction, strengthen donor relationships, and steward CT Mirror’s growth in readership and impact.

Ideal candidates bring substantial leadership in online publishing or nonprofits, a proven record in major gifts, fiscal acumen, and a commitment to accountability journalism.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in online publishing or nonprofits.
• Proven track record in major gifts and fundraising.
• Fiscal acumen with board experience.
• Strong alignment with CT Mirror’s mission.
• Experience in data analytics, marketing, and audience growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead CT Mirror as its top executive and external voice, reporting to the Board, guiding the next strategic planning cycle.
• Elevate fundraising as the lead relationship holder with major donors and institutional funders, diversifying revenue streams.
• Grow and broaden CT Mirror’s audience by responding to reader behavior and emerging technologies, including AI.
• Build out the senior team and strengthen financial, technology, HR, and admin systems; mentor and plan succession.
• Partner with the Executive Editor on editorial strategy while preserving the firewall between news and business.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Board relationships

Nonprofit management

Job description

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer – CT Mirror

CT Mirror seeks a values-driven, entrepreneurial Publisher and Chief Executive Officer. Connecticut’s nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization, CT Mirror has grown from a three-person start-up into a $3.9 million organization with about 29 full-time staff, including 23 journalists, and won its first Pulitzer Prize in 2026. The next Publisher and CEO will lead a financially strong, editorially respected news organization at a moment of real momentum and shape CT Mirror’s next strategic era.

This is a rare opportunity to sustain and grow an organization that holds government accountable and informs the public debate across Connecticut. CT Mirror is looking for a leader who will protect the strength and integrity of its accountability journalism while expanding its reach, relevance, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Lead as CT Mirror’s top executive and chief external voice, reporting to an 18-member Board of Directors, and guide the next strategic planning cycle
• Elevate fundraising as the lead relationship holder with major donors and institutional funders, building on a base where 88% of revenue comes from readers and supporters, and diversify revenue across major gifts, membership, sponsorship, and earned revenue
• Grow and broaden CT Mirror’s audience of 320,000 average monthly readers, up 21% in 2025, by responding to how readers consume news and the opportunities of emerging technologies, including AI
• Build out the senior team, strengthen financial, technology, HR, and administrative systems, and develop bench strength through mentorship, hiring, and succession planning
• Partner with the Executive Editor on overall editorial strategy while respecting the firewall between news and business, and protect CT Mirror’s credibility across the political spectrum

Ideal Candidate:

• Significant management experience in online publishing, nonprofits, or a comparable complex organization
• A demonstrated ability to personally cultivate and secure significant major gifts, and a proven record as a champion with funders and external stakeholders
• Values-driven leadership, with fiscal acumen and board experience
• Strong alignment with CT Mirror’s mission and the capacity to become a compelling advocate for its journalism and business
• Experience in data analytics, marketing, and audience growth, and a deep understanding of the online journalism marketplace

Nonprofit news experience is a plus but not required. Experience in Connecticut may be of particular interest to the selection committee.

Location: Hartford, Connecticut. This is an in-office position.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of CT Mirror.