Background: Spotlight Delaware is a new collaborative nonprofit newsroom. Spotlight Delaware is a project of the Local Journalism Initiative of Delaware, whose mission is to strengthen local journalism in Delaware to fortify our democracy and inform and engage our communities.
Opportunity: The Local Journalism Initiative is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to lead our team in delivering top-notch local news coverage to the Delaware community. As Editor in Chief, you'll have the chance to shape the narrative, drive investigative reporting, and foster engagement with our readers. If you're a seasoned journalist with strong leadership skills, a commitment to local storytelling, and a vision for the future of journalism, this position offers an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact. Join us in our mission to inform and empower our community through compelling storytelling.
Position Summary: As the Editor-In-Chief for Spotlight Delaware, the candidate will be tasked with providing strategic leadership and developing an overall vision to establish the newsroom as a thriving hub for local journalism and civic engagement. Key responsibilities include overseeing daily editorial functions, driving the growth and expansion of the newsroom, and collaborating with partners and community members to maximize reach. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in journalism, a deep understanding of local news ecosystems, and a passion for local journalism that serves communities.
Key Responsibilities
To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy to establish Spotlight Delaware as a thriving collaborative newsroom in Delaware.
Drive the growth and expansion of the newsroom while setting ambitious goals for producing and distributing local journalism and ensuring alignment with community needs.
Collaborate with partner newsrooms, grassroots storytellers, and community members to maximize the reach and impact of coverage.
Serve as a visible ambassador for Spotlight Delaware in the community, advocating for the newsroom and its partners, speaking at public events, and engaging with supporters and partners.
Newsroom Operations and Culture
Oversee daily editorial functions, including investigative reporting, research, multimedia production, and operational partnerships.
Lead the editorial team and produce high-quality, independent journalism that examines the impact of public policy on Delaware citizens, with a special focus on historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
Ensure the newsroom is setting and meeting ambitious goals for producing local journalism and distributing content for broadcast, radio, print and social media.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers reporters and editors to engage with partner newsrooms, grassroots storytellers, community members, and policymakers.
Develop and maintain strong editorial processes and standards to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency across the newsroom.
Attract, retain, and develop top journalism talent, creating opportunities for professional growth and skill-building.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making within the newsroom and within the larger statewide local news and information ecosystem.
Education and Experience Requirements
10+ years of experience in journalism, including investigative reporting and editorial leadership.
5+ years direct supervisory experience
Experience with nonprofit, collaborative or other nontraditional news operations preferred.
College degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proven track record in leading and managing editorial operations.
Flexible, creative, entrepreneurial and collaborative approach.
Deep understanding of local news ecosystems and the challenges faced by local communities.
Strong knowledge of Delaware's political, social, and economic landscape.
Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the newsroom and all operations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with stakeholders from various backgrounds.
Strategic mindset with the ability to set and achieve ambitious goals.
Passion for local journalism and its role in holding government accountable, fostering civic engagement and building community.
Work Environment
Fully remote role, but must reside in Delaware or surrounding area
Work schedule flexibility required
Travel: Occasional
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is commensurate with experience: $100,000 - $125,000. Benefits include health, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings, holidays and paid time off.
The mission of the Local Journalism Initiative is to strengthen local journalism in Delaware to fortify our democracy and inform and engage our communities.
