Job Opening: Executive Director, Georgia Trust for Local News
- Shannon Holfoth
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
We’re hiring: Executive Director / Publisher, Georgia Trust for Local News
Position Summary
The National Trust for Local News has an opening for one of the most exciting jobs in community journalism. We want a leader who’s eager to join us in building a new model for providing high-impact news to rural America. This work will have an immediate impact on more than a million Georgians while creating a national playbook for news organizations serving millions more. If you want to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.
The executive director of the Georgia Trust for Local News is the top role across a portfolio that currently consists of 20 community newspapers, ranging from some of the state’s oldest titles to a startup launched in 2024. This role gives an operationally skilled executive the chance to execute bold ideas. With the backing of the National Trust for Local News and its committed network of funders, the resources for success are already in place.
Job One is ensuring efficiency and high performance across news, community engagement, audience, advertising, and development. That means empowering a talented local team through clear goals, crisp decision-making, and a process built on mutual accountability. You’ll foster a culture of respect and professionalism while growing revenue and running a disciplined business in service of our mission.
But you’ll also orient this team around a clear and ambitious vision of how best to serve the information needs of Middle Georgians. That means increasing the impact and reach of our journalism, building products that capitalize on emerging technologies, and finding new ways to be an essential part of the community fabric. This is inventive work that takes risks and blazes trails.
Finally, you’ll be a tireless champion for the Georgia Trust’s work with all our key partners—including board members, civic leaders, funders, and, most of all, readers. As the organization’s top executive, you’ll be an energetic ambassador for the Georgia Trust and a constant presence in the towns and cities we serve.
Responsibilities and Priorities
Financial Leadership & General Management
Lead the organization with a strong business mindset, balancing mission impact with financial discipline.
Drive financial stability through responsible budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.
Ensure financial systems, reporting, and planning accurately reflect the organization’s reality and support sound decision-making.
Set clear performance goals across departments and hold leaders accountable to measurable results.
Partner with NTLN Portfolio leadership to implement enterprise transformation initiatives, including modernization of operations, use of data, and adoption of new tools and workflows.
Establish a consistent cadence of communication, goal-setting, and performance review across the organization.
Evaluate staffing, compensation, and organizational structure to ensure resources are aligned with strategic and financial priorities.
Revenue Growth & Diversification
Own the organization’s top-line performance, with direct responsibility for revenue growth and diversification.
Oversee all major revenue streams, including consumer revenue, advertising, events, commercial print, and new products.
Develop clear revenue strategies, financial models, and operating plans for new initiatives and growth opportunities.
Strengthen relationships with local businesses and advertisers to grow and retain revenue.
Identify and launch new products, partnerships, and sponsorships in collaboration with NTLN and local teams.
Build the internal processes and reporting needed to track performance, identify opportunities, and scale what works.
Strategic Vision
Set a clear strategic direction that connects audience growth, revenue growth, and community impact.
Serve as a visible leader and advocate for the organization’s news brands and mission.
Strengthen brand awareness and relevance across communities served.
Support measurement and reporting of audience engagement and community impact.
Work with NTLN and the local board to build and sustain relationships with philanthropic funders in support of long-term sustainability.
Culture and Organizational Development
Unite the organization around a clear mission, strategy, and set of priorities.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and smart use of resources.
Lead with transparency, clarity, and respect during periods of change and growth.
Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in leadership practices, decision-making, and organizational design.
Board Relations
Partner closely with the (state) Trust Board on strategy, financial performance, and long-term sustainability.
Serve as the primary liaison between the organization, its Board, and NTLN leadership.
Provide regular, clear updates on financial performance, progress against goals, and impact.
Minimum Qualifications
Strong belief in the value of local journalism and its role in communities.
At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in media or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated success managing a P&L, setting budgets, and delivering financial results.
Proven ability to grow and diversify revenue.
Experience leading teams through change with clear goals and accountability.
Strong communicator with the ability to build trust internally and externally.
Data-driven mindset with a focus on audience-centered products.
Commitment to equitable leadership and inclusive organizational practices.
Willingness to engage deeply with the communities served.
Bias toward action, collaboration, experimentation, and thoughtful risk-taking.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building an inclusive team. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Employment eligibility verified through E-Verify
