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Executive Editor, The Des Moines Register

Des Moines, IA, USA

Job Description

Posted Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7:00 AM

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a diversified media company dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a scalable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Our current portfolio of trusted media brands includes the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations in the United States. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, uses innovation and software to enable small and medium-sized businesses to grow.

Executive Editor, The Des Moines Register

The Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an inspirational, transformative leader to guide this award-winning newsroom to new heights of audience growth, digital innovation, and powerful journalism.

The Register, winner of 17 Pulitzer Prizes, is known for its highly regarded coverage of politics and the Iowa Caucuses, regularly putting it in the national spotlight. The next editor should carry on those traditions through a deep understanding of local and national politics and accountability journalism.

The ideal candidate has a track record of producing journalism essential to the community it serves, reaching new and existing audiences across multiple platforms. This person is fluid in news analytics, energized by new ideas, and enthusiastic about great journalism, aiming to find readers and convert them into loyal subscribers.

The right editor knows the importance of diversity and inclusion in our work, ensuring everyone feels valued, accepted, and included in our workplace. We want someone who engages with the community and directs coverage that accurately examines the varying currents shaping the region and, by extension, the nation.

The editor will oversee other Iowa newsrooms in Iowa City and Ames, as well as the Sioux Falls Argus Leader in South Dakota.

The Register newsroom is filled with talented journalists who are passionate about their work. We need a strong communicator and collaborator who can help them produce the best journalism of their careers.

This is a person with impeccable journalism credentials, outstanding leadership skills, and a keen grasp of the ever-changing digital space, including visual storytelling. The right editor is people-centric, has high standards, and remains focused on priorities and opportunities while shifting between strategy and execution.

The executive editor will work collaboratively with partners in the USA TODAY Network Middle America Region, sharing resources with other newsrooms when needed.

Responsibilities:

• Uphold the highest journalism standards across digital and print platforms and execute watchdog reporting.
• Develop and implement a multi-platform digital vision and strategy focused on achieving target audience goals.
• Provide leadership in state and local news, investigative journalism, public service, and government issues.
• Champion change management efforts with strong communication of the company’s strategic initiatives and culture.
• Lead the planning and execution of content strategies with a focus on strategic audiences, emphasizing digital platforms.
• Facilitate strong community connections with a relevant editorial voice.
• Attract, retain, and develop top talent.
• Be a champion of diversity, understanding that it drives customer and operational innovation.
• Collaborate with other departments to grow audience and engagement.
• Work with the regional editor and USA TODAY Network leaders to help journalists acquire skills needed to attract digital subscribers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field, 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 commitment to upholding those standards.
• Experience in high-level decision-making with complex news content.
• Experience 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 and commitment to staff interaction.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies accordingly.
• Demonstrated strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrated track record in recruiting a successful leadership team.
• Experience driving a successful turnaround or transformation is highly desirable.

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. Please assemble a single document file that includes:

• Your updated current resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position.
• Your portfolio/clips/links to samples of your work.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format for highest consideration.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for