Top Editor, Fort Collins, Co

The Fort Collins Coloradoan/coloradoan.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a dynamic and transformational leader to serve as its next Top Editor. The successful candidate will be a visionary who inspires journalists and can articulate a strategic vision for the future of the Coloradoan while setting and executing coverage priorities.

This person will have the skills to both raise the quality of journalism and increase the news organization's digital audience. The right candidate will have a proven track record of high-impact watchdog editing and innovation in storytelling across multiple platforms. This editor leads coverage in Fort Collins and manages a statehouse reporter in Denver assigned to state issues and the 2024 election. The Fort Collins editor collaborates with editors across the country including a team of West newsrooms in Washington, Oregon, Montana, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico.

We are looking for someone with expertise in multiple areas of coverage, as well as emerging media, mobile, social media and video strategy, and use of data to drive engagement and traffic. Applicants should have a clear understanding of how to target specific audiences and how to effectively engage readers in the digital space and in person. The right candidate will have the experience and ability to assess structure, personnel and technological needs, and to make necessary changes. This editor also will be a leader in the community, serving as the public face of the newspaper, representing the Coloradoan at events and helping to foster and sustain its standing.

The right candidate will work in one of Gannett's top-producing mid-sized newsrooms, known for punching above its weight and valuing community journalism with impact. The job also means living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, one of the top destinations for outdoor recreation and lifestyles suited for adventure.

Benefits:

This role eligible to participate in the Company's comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to, health & insurance, reimbursement & spending accounts and voluntary benefits. Your benefits eligibility effective date is the first of the month following your date of hire. You are also immediately eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan where a Company match is discretionary. If you take no action to either enroll or opt out of the 401(k) Savings Plan within your first 60 days of employment, you will be automatically enrolled with a pre-tax deduction of 2% of your eligible pay. 

Additionally, this role is eligible to participate in the Gannett Annual Corporate Bonus Plan (ABP).

Responsibilities:   

• Uphold the highest journalism standards across digital and print platforms, strongly support the First Amendment and conceive, pursue and execute watchdog reporting.
• Provide exemplary leadership and execute the strategic vision.
• Develop and implement a multi-platform digital vision for mobile, social and video, focused on achieving target audience specific goals and objectives.Increase journalistic quality and storytelling across all areas of coverage.
• Lead the planning and oversee execution of content strategies with a keen eye focused on growth audiences.
• Creativity and an ability to develop and execute innovative approaches are essential.
• Excellent personal leadership change management and ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally-can conduct a dialogue that is intellectually honest, brings out diversity of ideas and creates the appropriate integration/connectivity.
• Strong communicator of the company's strategic initiatives, purpose, vision, culture and plan.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in Communications, Journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in journalism, with 3-5 years as a manager of other journalists.
• Experience in high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content.
• A history of successful leadership, innovation and goal achievement.
• Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively.
• Personal charisma, comfortable with public speaking and a 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.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check. 

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how why you are interested in the role and how you would approach this role at USA TODAY.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

Application Deadline is: Sunday, April 7, 2024

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $80,000.00 and $100,000.00. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.