EdSource is an award-winning, independent, non-profit multimedia journalism
organization dedicated to covering all aspects of education in California, which is home
to the largest and most diverse public education system in the United States.
Based in Oakland, and with reporters stationed throughout the state, EdSource works to
engage Californians on key education challenges to ensure all students have access to
an equitable and quality education in California and beyond. EdSource informs the
public and holds people in power accountable by publishing enterprise reporting,
investigative stories, and comprehensive data journalism in a number of formats,
including articles, newsletters, podcasts, short-form videos, documentaries, and live
roundtable discussions.
Founded in 1977 as an independent education research and policy organization,
EdSource has evolved over the years. Today it is widely regarded as the pre-eminent
source of rigorous education reporting in California. The EdSource newsroom is
comprised of a diverse, award-winning and highly respected team of journalists who
together comprise the largest education reporting staff in California.
EdSource is seeking an outstanding, mission-driven leader with a passion for education and public service journalism to serve as its next CEO. EdSource seeks a full-time
California-based CEO with experience in media to manage both editorial and business
functions of its award-winning news organization.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead a newsroom and business
operation of 25, including a senior leadership team comprised of the Managing Editor,
Investigations & Projects Editor, K-12 Editor, Director of Communications &
Partnerships, Director of Development, Director of Operations and Editor-at-Large.
The CEO will have the opportunity to lead a highly respected, forward-looking local
media organization with a rich history, a devoted readership, and a deep commitment to
independent journalism that expands educational quality, equity, and accountability in
California and beyond. The next leader will embrace the chance to serve wider
audiences and to ensure EdSource remains a highly relevant, respected, and
sustainable education news outlet in an ever-changing media environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serves as Chief Executive Officer of EdSource, overseeing both the editorial and
business sides of the operation. - Provides and maintains strategic focus for the organization, identifying and
implementing strategic initiatives that deliver against EdSource’s goals and
mission. - With oversight from the Board, sets annual strategic, financial, and impact
objectives; the Board is not involved with editorial planning or content. - Sets annual budgets and manages the financial aspects of the organization,
including expenses, revenues and investments, as a skilled and trusted financial
steward for long-term sustainability. - Leads fundraising efforts, including prospecting and securing a diverse base of
new donors while effectively stewarding and supporting existing relationships. - Provides organizational and operational clarity, including alignment of staff roles,
systems, and processes to maximize impact and effective workflows. - Serves as an ambassador for the organization and its mission and, where
appropriate, as spokesperson for EdSource at key gatherings and events. - Ensures full and fair coverage of the diverse and multifaceted education
landscape in California, encouraging a diversity of perspectives and voices in
EdSource’s coverage, and adherence to the highest journalistic and ethical
standards. - Recruits, develops, and retains a highly talented and diverse team at all levels of
EdSource and be a driving force in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. - Ensures all EdSource employees are collaborating with a unified sense of
purpose, accountability, transparency, and excellence, retaining and growing the
very best talent at all levels of the organization. - Cultivates a climate of continuous learning and professional development,
recognizing EdSource’s ongoing commitment to training talented young and
emerging journalists. - Builds successful relationships with external partnerships and editorially
appropriate collaborators including with other news outlets and journalism
associations. - Stays abreast of broader trends and developments in media and, where
appropriate, adopts proven new business approaches, platforms and methods of
storytelling.
Candidate Profile
While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description,
ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and
characteristics:
A Strategic, Visionary Leader
- An accomplished strategic thinker and innovator who can articulate a clear, compelling, and unifying vision for EdSource that engages and inspires a diverse array of stakeholders
- Works collaboratively to develop, refine, and implement effective strategic plans as well as the ability to operationalize those plans to drive success
- Provides strategic focus so that all members of the EdSource team are clear about key goals and objectives and ensure that the necessary resources are aligned to deliver impact
- Embraces the creative process and allows others to try new approaches in a spirit of innovation while also establishing clear benchmarks for success and the ability to pivot when circumstances dictate
- Exhibits a natural curiosity and a learning mindset, always seeking to better understand the complex and emerging education landscape
An Experienced Builder of Inclusive Teams & Positive Cultures
- A natural teambuilder and uniter, someone who is adept at building and strengthening organizational relationships across a diverse array of teams, cultures, and orientations
- A transparent communicator who actively informs staff and engages internal and external stakeholders in the mission, vision and status of the organization
- A leader with a passion for recruiting, hiring, and retaining outstanding talent, including creating pathways that encourage continuous learning and professional development among staff
- A culturally fluent leader with a demonstrated commitment to, and a track record of accomplishment in, advancing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Embraces and encourages reporting and content creation that authentically represents and elevates a multiplicity of voices in the communities EdSource serves
- A leader who inspires the team to achieve excellence, celebrates accomplishments, and ensures an equitable and accountable workplace for all
An Experienced Leader with a Passion for EdSource’s Mission & Strong Knowledge of Journalism and Education
- Fully embraces the work and mission of producing outstanding journalism that connects, informs, and inspires the many diverse people who engage the educational system in California and beyond
- Serves as a standard bearer for high-quality, trusted, independent journalism – and the essential role it plays in strengthening civic life – and educational quality
- Demonstrates an understanding of education related topics and a natural curiosity about the latest trends and developments in the field
- Demonstrates a keen understanding of the highly dynamic media and journalism landscape, and the ability to leverage digital technologies effectively in rapidly changing times
- Committed to journalism that holds power to account and deepens understanding across communities in a climate of growing polarization
- Dedicated to creating the conditions, including upholding the ethical standards and editorial firewalls, that enable rigorous reporting to thrive and public trust to flourish
An Outstanding Fundraiser & Ambassador
- Demonstrates skill and sophistication in successfully growing and diversifying
funding from a variety of philanthropic sources, including foundations and
individual donors - Experienced and effective in all aspects of executive level fundraising from
relationship building to gift solicitation to stewardship of current and prospective
donors - Develops long-term relationships with external partners, funders, and
collaborators across California - Communicates the organization’s mission, vision, and strategy in an authentic and
compelling way that inspires others and builds trust - Serves as an effective and engaging spokesperson and public representative for
EdSource’s work across a broad range of constituencies, including media
Skilled Operational Leadership & Business Acumen
- Demonstrates strong business acumen and a track record of managing and
growing successful teams - Balances “big picture” strategic guidance with the ability to execute and
operationalize plans - Provides excellent operational and financial leadership with demonstrated
experience in resource development, fundraising, budget, and P&L management; - Ensures the necessary operational and administrative structures, workflows and
roles are in place so that the organization functions effectively and ethically in
pursuit of its journalism - Delegates effectively, leveraging the professional expertise of the team while also
creating clear timelines and areas of responsibilities to ensure alignment,
accountability, and outstanding execution
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role
is $220,000 to $260,000 with a generous benefits package.
EdSource is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity.
People from all diverse backgrounds, all races, colors, origins, ancestries, creeds,
religions, genders, ages, disabilities, veteran statuses, sexual orientations, and marital
statuses are strongly encouraged to apply.
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