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Better Government Association

Chicago, Illinois (United States)

Web: bettergov.org

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Company Description:

 Editor in Chief
 
A startup news operation based in Chicago seeks a creative and enterprising professional who can build and lead a diverse team of journalists and marshal the energy of an ambitious, hard-driving newsroom; lead development of a new journalism brand focused on investigations and solutions journalism that attracts and retains an enthusiastic and devoted audience; manage collaborations with other news organizations, and build authentic relationships with audiences in Chicago and across Illinois, particularly in minority and disadvantaged communities.
 
The editor in chief will drive the editorial strategy of investigative and solutions-focused journalism about government in Chicago and Illinois; work with other senior leaders to build the new journalism brand; support data-driven approach to audience strategy and public engagement; help develop a sustainable business model for nonprofit journalism; creatively contribute to a multi-tiered strategy involving website, mobile, newsletters, podcasts, public engagement and events; leverage their networks to identify key hires, with an emphasis on diversity, and recruit partner organizations in Chicago and statewide.
 
The Illinois Solutions Partnership, a partnership of the Better Government Association and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, is a startup. It is launching operations in early 2022, thanks to a $10 million, five-year commitment from the McCormick Foundation. The BGA, a nearly 100-year-old investigative journalism organization, will devote reporters and other resources to substantially match McCormick’s commitment. The new venture will combine the BGA’s traditional investigative journalism with solutions reporting, to provide Illinois residents the information they need to hold their government accountable and engage public officials and civic leaders in efforts to improve Illinois and Chicago. This ambitious new collaboration builds on the complementary missions of the McCormick Foundation—which carries on the legacy of legendary Chicago Tribune Publisher Robert R. McCormick—and the BGA.
 
In addition to traditional investigative reporting, the partnership is focused on solutions journalism—applying the rigor of investigative reporting to discovering solutions relevant to problems in government. The partnership’s focus topics include public safety and criminal justice, equity and economic opportunity, government finance and accountability and education.
 
The BGA produces in-depth investigations focused on corruption, waste and inequity, exposing structural failings in government and advancing conditions for reform.  Founded in 1923, the BGA has a 10-person investigative team, three of them Pulitzer winners, and through the partnership with the McCormick Foundation is growing its news and civic engagement teams. The BGA’s policy team operates independently of the newsroom, advocates for equitable and accountable government and litigates to expand access to public records and meetings. Civic engagement and partnerships help us expand the impact of our work, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by the failings of government.
 
Reports to: President and CEO of the Better Government Association
 
Key collaborative relationships: V.P. of operations, director of audience and director of development
 
Direct reports: Currently, investigations editor and deputy editor. Expanding to include managing editor, data editor and enterprise editor as the organization grows.  
 
Job requirements
•   Performance-focused newsroom leader determined to expose failings in government, draw attention to overlooked and underserved communities and prompt demand for reform.
•   Substantial experience leading journalists in producing deep-dive investigations and enterprise reporting.
•   Creative leadership focused on developing solutions journalism as integral to news operations and audience outreach.
•   Resourceful and collaborative, working constructively and productively with internal and external partners, advancing strategic objectives, responding constructively to unforeseen developments.
•   Commitment to a diverse newsroom as the best way to advance the organization’s mission and ensure sustainable growth. 
•   Deep understanding of the changing media landscape, with experience in Chicago or Illinois a plus, and a mindset that values partnerships as a force multiplier for our work.
•   A data-driven approach toward engaging audiences in their preferred forms of media. 
•   Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure a plus.
 
Major responsibilities
•   Build and lead a diverse team of editors and reporters to produce high-impact major investigations, enterprise reporting and solutions stories.
•   Provide strategic insights and leadership in advancing the Illinois Solutions Partnership initiative, adapting proactively to unexpected developments and opportunities.
•   Develop and grow audience as a key partner to the director of audience engagement, applying the energy and innovation of a startup toward building a devoted audience in Chicago and Illinois.
•   Marshal resources and exercise discipline in focusing the newsroom on a discrete set of key topic areas, selecting stories relevant to residents in Chicago and across Illinois.
•   Drive the news agenda, with emphasis on breaking news—through long-form investigations, quick-turn enterprise reporting, and revelatory solutions reporting.
•   Help lead development of a new website, as well as newsletters and podcasts, and direct the use of databases to create compelling and interactive data visualization journalism.
•   Be a force for creative, interactive storytelling, making use of video, audio, interactive graphics, podcasts and social media to enhance the impact of the work.
•   Lead development of reporting and publishing partnerships with a select number of journalism organizations, emphasizing the organization’s reach into diverse communities. 
•   Collaborate thoughtfully with fellow staff leaders and board to develop and execute the organization’s growth strategy. 
•   Allocate resources to accomplish short-term and annual audience and content goals, driven by analytics and responsive to input from fellow senior managers.
•   Represent the BGA and ISP to industry, philanthropic and public stakeholders, articulating our strategy and impact and contributing toward sustainable growth for the BGA and ISP.
 
Compensation and Benefits
Salary negotiable commensurate with exceptional experience and qualifications. Position also includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a paid time off package; and a 401(k) with an employer match.
 
How to Apply
Submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@bettergov.org.
 
We encourage qualified professionals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities. The Better Government Association is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness for all employees. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

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