Growing Community Media Managing Editor

About Us: Growing Community Media (GCM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing local journalism across western Cook County suburbs and the Austin neighborhood in Chicago. With a legacy spanning 45 years, our publications are cornerstones of the neighborhoods we serve, trusted for their in-depth reporting and commitment to transparency, accountability, and connection. As we look to the future, we are embarking on a strategic transition to strengthen our digital presence while honoring the storied reputations of our historic brands.

GCM converted to a 501c(3) nonprofit in 2019. We publish Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, Riverside Brookfield Landmark, Forest Park Review, and Austin Weekly News in print on Wednesdays and digitally every day. Each publication reports deeply from within its own community, at a granular level unavailable elsewhere in the local media landscape.

Position Overview: We are seeking an innovative Managing Editor to lead our newsroom operations and content strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of community journalism in our region. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Managing Editor will oversee editorial planning, content creation, and newsroom management, ensuring our publications remain essential sources of information for the communities we serve. This position requires a blend of leadership, editorial acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to digital innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Editorial Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive editorial strategy that reflects our mission and adapts to the evolving needs of our audience, balancing print and digital priorities.
• Newsroom Management: Oversee all aspects of newsroom operations, including story assignments, production schedules, and team development. Provide mentorship and guidance to reporters, editors, and contributors.
• Digital Transformation: Lead the charge in transitioning our publications to a digitally focused future, exploring new formats, platforms, and technologies to engage readers and grow our audience.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders to ensure our content reflects the priorities and concerns of the neighborhoods we serve.
• Content Excellence: Uphold and elevate the quality of our journalism by ensuring stories are accurate, compelling, and aligned with our mission.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director and other organizational leaders to align editorial initiatives with broader organizational goals, including audience growth and financial sustainability.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Use analytics to assess the impact of our content and guide editorial strategy, with a focus on expanding our reach and fostering reader engagement.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in editorial leadership, preferably at a community-focused publication.
• A strong understanding of digital publishing and audience engagement strategies.
• Excellent editorial judgment and a passion for local journalism.
• Experience mentoring, growing and managing editorial teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations is a plus.

Why Join Us? This is a pivotal moment for Growing Community Media. As our Managing Editor, you will have the freedom and authority to shape our editorial strategy, guiding our historic brands into a vibrant, digitally focused future. You will play a critical role in ensuring our publications remain indispensable to the communities we serve while helping us explore innovative ways to engage readers and build a sustainable model for local journalism.

Application Process: To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your vision for community journalism as well as a brief introduction to max@growingcommunitymedia.org with the subject line “Managing Editor Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Join us in redefining local journalism and making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Don’t fit all the criteria above? We encourage you to apply anyway!

Growing Community Media is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.