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Overview

The Online News Association (ONA) is seeking an Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer to lead it through its next phase of development. The ideal candidate is highly motivated to develop and implement ONA’s strategy and vision, with the goal of strengthening its impact in the field.

Application deadline: January 1, 2025

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: Remote within the U.S., with availability for frequent travel to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. 

Salary: $160,000–$175,000

Hours: Exempt full-time position

Position Overview: You will lead and manage the staff, strategy, culture, finances, and the day-to-day operations of the world’s leading 501(c)3 membership organization of digital journalists, working closely with its Board of Directors. You will be the public face of the organization and a thought leader at the intersection of journalism and technology. Other responsibilities and oversight include: annual budgeting and audit oversight, revenue generation, fundraising and development, partnerships, policy development and legal oversight, community outreach, programming, conferences and the Online Journalism Awards. You will lead by example to instill and communicate the organization’s collaborative and inclusive values and culture. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Vision

• Lead ONA’s mission, vision, and values, along with a future-focused strategy that builds on the organization’s 25-year history, its current strategy, and a long-term vision that will rally the ONA community.
• Create consensus, clarity and accountability as you execute on the strategy, including a plan for how ONA assesses and measures its impact.
• Strengthen ONA’s culture and reputation through leadership that amplifies ONA’s irreplaceable role throughout the journalism industry.  

Leadership and Management 

• Actively engage and energize staff, the board and other stakeholders to promote a supportive culture that mirror’s ONA’s values, and sparks collaboration and innovation
• Hire, develop and retain experts that make up a high-performing team of staff and consultants.
• Serve as the face of the organization and actively participate in external events, increasing visibility, credibility and trust with the journalism community and other stakeholders.

Board Governance 

• Communicate effectively with a strong board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Collaborate thoughtfully and transparently with each member of the board on important matters of mission and direction.
• Provide the board with new insights and learning opportunities. 

Programmatic Oversight

• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and rigorous evaluation as programs evolve.
• Identify and develop new opportunities for innovative programs that advance ONA’s mission and sustainability.

Financial Performance, Viability and Fundraising

• Ensure the fiscal integrity of ONA, including preparation and submission to the board of a proposed annual budget and regular updates of the financial statements. 
• Supervise budgets, finances and investment policies working with the Head of Finance and Administration.
• Deepen relationships with core funders and actively explore new sources of revenue to ensure the financial health and growth of ONA.
• Oversee fiscal management within the approved budget and promote responsible spending.

Operations and Communications

• Run the day-to-day administrative work of the organization with attention to detail.
• Define and execute on a communications strategy across platforms — from web presence to external relations — that effectively shares stories about ONA’s mission and work.
• Install efficient processes, tools and technologies to enable ONA to do its best work.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of experience in an executive or senior role, with strong knowledge of the news media landscape. Strong preference for experience in nonprofit management.
• Creative thinker, strategist, visionary, and process leader with demonstrated experience developing and implementing major initiatives.
• Experienced leader and manager with the ability to engage and empower a high-performing team and create conditions for a transparent and positive culture.
• Commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Follows industry and market trends in order to steer the organization to a position of strength.
• Held a significant role in setting the long-term strategy for an organization.
• Experience building consensus and alignment with a Board of Directors.
• Track record of revenue generation through diverse means, including media funders, or other earned revenue means.
• Experience overseeing a P&L with excellent financial and operational acumen.
• The ability to drive growth and scale while upholding standards and ethics. 
• Skilled at initiating and stewarding strategic relationships with funders, partners and peer organizations.
• A compelling public speaker who is comfortable representing the organization on stages big and small, on radio and TV, or in private settings.
• A creative and dynamic leader who will be able to rally the ONA community during a moment of profound disruption in the industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary and Benefits

The Online News Association offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package.

The salary range for this role is $160,000–$175,000 annually with up to a 10% bonus, contingent on performance goals. The package includes medical, dental and vision insurance; FSA; parental leave; life and disability benefits; a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution; generous paid time off; cell phone reimbursement; and a gym stipend.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume with all work and educational history to CEOsearch@journalists.org. Review of applications will begin immediately, and we encourage candidates to express their interest by January 1, 2025, for full consideration.

ONA will respond directly to qualified candidates. Finalists will be subject to a reference process before an offer is extended.

ONA embraces, supports and champions diversity in its community, membership, training, hiring, research and networking initiatives. It strives to serve the evolving digital news and journalism community, inclusive of geographic location, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, physical ability, cultural, racial and ethnic background, as well as diversity in media organizations and their platforms.

About Online News Association

With over 3,200 members worldwide, ONA is the world’s largest membership organization of digital journalists. Our mission is to inspire innovation and excellence among digital journalists to better serve the public. We believe journalism builds a more informed society that leads to a stronger democracy.

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