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The Company

The Marshall Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the US criminal justice system. It produces award-winning, original journalism to educate and enlarge the audience of people who care about the state of criminal justice.

Position Summary

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of The Marshall Project sets the editorial course to deliver on the organization’s mission, producing journalism of the highest quality that has an impact on the criminal justice system, rendering it more effective, transparent, fair and humane. S/he works with the President to establish broader organizational strategy and operational effectiveness, and to set an ethical framework for the newsroom and protect its editorial independence. As a co-leader of The Marshall Project, the EIC reports to the Board of the Directors and helps to ensure the financial and reputational health of the organization, one of the country’s leading exemplars of non-profit media. The EIC manages all day-to-day operations of the newsroom at The Marshall Project, overseeing the journalism produced across all platforms, including the commission, editing and production of all content.

Basic Responsibilities

● Oversees assigning, story development and execution of all content, line editing as required.
● Works with partners and editors on collaboration and distribution strategies. Directs the editorial staff to projects that meet the overall objectives of the organization, and leads and approves partnerships with other media outlets, from national outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post to local and regional outlets.
● With the help of managing editors, is the lead executive over all editorial functions ensuring that the journalism produced is accurate, timely, objective and appropriate for the audiences the organization is targeting.
● Ensures that The Marshall Project’s journalism across all platforms, in written, visual and audio formats, is fair, accurate and resistant to potential charges of libel.
● Makes critical resource allocation decisions in consultation with the President.
● Meets regularly with the President to discuss issues, plans and other business relating to the organization.
● Attracts, develops and retains editorial talent, encouraging diversity and social responsibility in the newsroom.
● Builds and fosters a culture that is inclusive, empowering and respectful of all.
● Takes a leadership role in fostering a diversity of talent at The Marshall Project and in the field of investigative journalism as a whole.
● Develops the newsroom budget and manages spending in line with the approved budget.
● Generates ideas for new content strategies, new technologies, new ways of reaching audience.
● Stays abreast of the new technologies impacting news and content.
● Identifies and recommends new content products, sections, initiatives.

Scope and Impact of the Position

The Editor-in-Chief will be a public face and advocate for The Marshall Project, making public appearances and contributing to the national dialogue on criminal justice. S/he represents The Marshall Project to the media, with government bodies and other nonprofits, and to the public, and speaks at conferences and membership and fundraising events. The EIC brings a depth of relationships externally in the field of journalism, facilitating partnerships for content development and distribution, sourcing talent for internal hiring and/or freelance staff, and creating broader visibility for The Marshall Project. The Editor-in-Chief assists the President in fundraising by attending important meetings when needed with potential funding sources and developing relationships with key donors. S/he keeps a focus on growing the readership base of The Marshall Project.

Qualifications/Requirements

Strong journalistic credentials
Experience at top-tier journalism organizations (print and/or digital)
Personal integrity at the highest level
Solid experience with investigative projects
Mission orientation
Strong leadership qualities
Commitment to diversity
Exceptional standards of excellence and accuracy
Strong emotional intelligence
Collaborative, team oriented

To apply, contact Karen Danziger, Managing Partner at Koller Search Partners, kdanziger@kollersearch.com.