About the position
The Executive Editor will be the driving force behind The News' content strategy, championing a digital-first approach while honoring the continued relevance of our print readers. This is a rare opportunity to lead coverage in a market of over 8 million people - one of the fourth largest in the U.S. - and to help shape the future of local journalism. We're looking for an innovative, strategic, and inspiring leader - someone who believes in the power of journalism to strengthen communities and democracy. You'll need strong newsgathering chops with a proven record of setting a high bar for our coverage, the creativity to experiment with storytelling and formats, and the leadership skills to build and motivate a team of A-players. In an era when trust in media is under threat, we're seeking someone unflinching in the commitment to accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity. We want a confident, curious problem-solver - a leader who brings strong editorial judgment, a high EQ, and the ability to make bold, forward-thinking decisions. This role also requires someone who values collaboration and transparency in a unionized newsroom environment. The Executive Editor will work closely with newsroom leaders and reporters to continue to build a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose. This position also has a collaborative seat on the Management Committee - the senior executive leadership team for DallasNews Corp. - and is integral to the success of the company's strategic initiatives. This is a role for someone with a deep love of journalism - and a long-term commitment to Dallas, North Texas, and its communities.
Responsibilities
- Set a clear, multi-year vision for the newsroom that inspires teams and aligns with strategic goals
- Lead and support a talented team of journalists to deliver impactful, high-quality, and unbiased journalism
- Innovate in digital and print storytelling, using multimedia formats and emerging platforms to engage diverse audiences
- Grow and diversify our audience, leveraging data and analytics to guide strategy and prioritize coverage
- Attract, develop, and retain top talent, building a team that reflects the communities we serve
- Foster a collaborative newsroom environment, maintaining communication and constructive engagement with the Dallas News Guild
- Represent The News in the community, serving as a public ambassador and trusted voice for local journalism
- Design and implement bold coverage strategies that place smart bets and elevate the most important stories
- Champion a culture of curiosity, creativity, and accountability, where experimentation and continuous learning thrive
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- 10+ years of experience in journalism, including newsroom leadership
- Proven success managing editorial teams and setting strategic direction
- Strong editorial judgment, high emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity
- Experience leading a collaborative and/or unionized newsroom is a plus, but not mandatory
- Proven experience overseeing and managing newsroom budgets, including resource allocation and financial planning
- A bold and innovative storyteller who thrives on experimentation
- Talent-first mindset - someone who attracts and nurtures A-players
- Strategic thinker who knows where to place smart editorial bets
- Data-informed and audience-driven decision-maker
- Deeply curious and invested in uncovering meaningful, original stories
- Passionate about Texas and committed to staying for at least five years
- Problem-solver with a creative approach to complex challenges
- Confident public speaker and ambassador for The News
Nice-to-haves
- Experience leading a collaborative and/or unionized newsroom
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Benefits package
- Collaborative, inclusive environment
