Executive Editor, Newspaper

We’re looking for an experienced and mission-driven Executive Editor to provide strategic editorial leadership across Texas-based news operations, serving urban, suburban, and rural communities statewide. The ideal candidate is a seasoned newsroom leader with strong editorial judgment, a digital-first mindset, and a proven ability to lead high-impact local journalism across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

This role oversees editorial teams covering local government, business, education, energy, and culture, while ensuring journalistic integrity, audience growth, and operational excellence.

Executive Editor Responsibilities: Editorial Strategy & Vision

Set and execute a Texas-focused editorial strategy aligned with organizational mission and journalistic standards

Lead coverage of major regional and statewide issues including politics, public policy, education, energy, healthcare, and economic development

Oversee enterprise reporting, investigations, and special projects with statewide impact

Newsroom Leadership & Talent Development

Lead editors, reporters, photographers, and multimedia teams across multiple Texas markets

Recruit, mentor, and develop newsroom talent with a focus on local reporting and community relevance

Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and editorial independence

Content Oversight & Editorial Standards

Ensure accuracy, fairness, balance, and adherence to ethical journalism standards

Review and approve major stories, editorials, and breaking news coverage

Direct coverage during elections, severe weather, emergencies, and major public events

Digital Strategy & Audience Growth

Champion a digital-first newsroom strategy utilizing analytics, SEO, newsletters, and social platforms

Partner with audience and product teams to drive subscription growth and community engagement

Adjust content strategies based on regional audience insights and performance data

Community Engagement & External Relations

Represent the newsroom at public forums, industry events, and community meetings across Texas

Build relationships with public officials, civic leaders, academic institutions, and community organizations

Collaborate with business and marketing teams while maintaining editorial independence

Governance, Budgeting & Compliance

Ensure compliance with state and federal media laws, open records statutes, and ethical guidelines

Manage editorial budgets and resource allocation in partnership with executive leadership

Executive Editor Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)

5+ years of newsroom experience, including senior editorial leadership in a large or multi-publication newsroom

Experience leading daily newsrooms or groups of weekly publications

Proven success driving digital transformation and audience growth initiatives

Demonstrated ability to manage large, multi-location editorial teams

Strong understanding of Texas politics, communities, and regional issues

Executive Editor Skills & Competencies:

Exceptional editorial judgment and strong news sense

Clear, confident leadership and communication skills

Ability to lead in politically diverse and highly engaged markets

Strategic thinker who performs well under deadline pressure

Strong commitment to ethical, independent journalism

Executive Editor Benefits & Offer:

Senior leadership role with statewide editorial influence

Opportunity to shape impactful local journalism across Texas communities

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative and mission-driven newsroom environment

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