Executive Editor for the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR)

The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University currently seeks an Executive Editor for the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR).

CJR’s mission is to be the intellectual leader in the rapidly changing world of journalism. It is the most respected voice on press criticism, and it shapes a dialogue that is crucial to media leaders and journalists. Through its timely analysis and deep reporting, CJR is an essential venue not just for journalists, but also for thousands of professionals in communications, technology, academia and other fields that rely on quality insight into media industries.

The Executive Editor oversees the creation and production of a vital, dynamic website (cjr.org) and a seasonal magazine that focuses on media criticism and thought leadership. The Executive Editor provides the editorial vision and voice, supervising a professional editorial staff and team of freelancers. The position provides leadership in the mission to maintain CJR as the leading forum for journalists, media professionals, thought leaders and readers concerned with the role (and survival) of a free press in civil society. This person develops and implements a strategic audience and editorial strategy and produces events and special projects, with an eye toward ensuring rising visibility, impact and relevance for CJR’s content.

The Executive Editor leads all aspects of the magazine’s operation, including, but not limited to, content development and delivery, audience strategy, staff management, budgeting and administrative responsibilities. In addition to the responsibility for content creation, the Executive Editor is also responsible for budget management and supports fundraising initiatives and targeted goals. This position reports to the Dean of the School of Journalism but also works closely with the Chair of the CJR Board and the Board of Overseers.

The responsibilities and requirements for this position are listed below.

Salary Range: $210,000 – $240,000

To apply, please visit the following link: https://opportunities.columbia.edu/jobs/70ec82fb-6b68-47fe-b8a0-fab1058c685f?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Characteristic Duties

Assume the lead responsibility for CJR’s editorial strategic planning. Create, develop and manage an editorial and audience strategy designed to advance CJR’s visibility and impact as a leading forum for news about the media, media criticism, First Amendment reporting, changing media business models, international journalism, ethics and related topics.

Provide editorial direction to enhance the influence and prestige of CJR as measured by views, reader satisfaction, and editorial awards. Create new features and content that will resonate with readers. Continue to accelerate engagement metrics including traffic, contributions and video content. Manage social media presence that is engaging and appropriate on all relevant social media platforms.

Manage the creative efforts of staff and freelance writers, editors, designers, podcasters, illustrators, and photographers to produce a magazine and website with provocative features, varied contributors, and innovative production values. Maintain the highest ethical and publishing standards.

Manage business operations of CJR, including responsibility for finance and budgeting, staffing, advertising, vendor management and selection, web marketing and community building.

Develop, manage and share the editorial vision, innovation, plans, and goals in support of grant proposals and fundraising – to assure CJR’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Development Office, manage and cultivate relationships with foundations, individual donors and donors in kind. Initiate and manage alliances and partnerships that benefit the mission of CJR and complement the partners’ activities. Design and develop effective strategies for securing appropriate gifts to enhance continued and increased support.

Maintain close working relationships with the rest of the Journalism School and the University, sharing resources and intellectual capital for the benefit of all, ensuring that CJR abides by University principles and policies.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 8 to 10 years of related experience.

Other qualifications: The successful candidate will be an accomplished journalist, with a deep understanding of CJR’s mission and a vision for building on its past successes. They must be an excellent journalist and editor with extensive leadership experience, impeccable editorial judgment, a track record of mentorship and team building and the highest standards in journalism ethics.

The incumbent must possess acute journalistic ability and inventiveness to evaluate and guide the quality of editorial products. Knowledge and experience in digital news writing/editing, the use of social media, plus a deep interest in the evolution of media, newly emerging standards of excellence and ways of doing business desirable.

The candidate must have prior P&L responsibility and demonstrated success in leading high-performance organizations. Strong knowledge of the financial parameters of magazine and digital journalism production and the ability to meet fiscal goals are also required. The incumbent should have a track record of prudent budget management and proactive cost containment.

The incumbent should have professional authority in journalism, be an effective public speaker, familiar and at ease with high visibility and possess strong writing and interpersonal skills.

As a supervisor and mentor, the incumbent needs to be an effective manager of people, with an eye for recruiting and retaining talented editorial staff and with significant experience in staff development and performance management. Must also be able to initiate and create a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas are produced and flourish.

Familiarity with digital-publishing, data visualization, web product development and project management preferred.