Position description
Word In Black is a national newsroom and research lab rooted in the legacy of the Black Press, committed to informing, amplifying and mobilizing Black communities across the United States.
Word In Black (WIB) operates as a trusted source, convener and force for change — delivering journalism, data insights, amplification and advocacy that centers the Black experience. With an existing network of 10 historic Black press brands and a plan to expand into more markets by 2027, Word In Black’s first CEO will lead the next phase of its growth: scaling impact, deepening community trust and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability.
The CEO will serve as the strategic, operational and cultural leader of Word In Black. You will partner with the Board of Directors, network affiliates, funders and community stakeholders to drive the mission forward. This role demands a visionary who is also a roll-up-the-sleeves operator — someone who can build strong relationships, manage growth, oversee business performance and embody the ethos of “we” rather than “I.”
This is a remote position that will include moderate travel.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Work with WIB’s board to refine and execute the strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and growth plans.
- Define and oversee key performance metrics for reach, engagement, revenue, impact and community trust.
- Identify growth opportunities — in markets, partnerships, product innovation, research, events and distribution channels.
- Ensure the organization stays true to its founding values: centering the Black experience, amplifying Black voices and celebrating Black stories.
- Develop and implement a commercial revenue strategy to complement philanthropic funding and eventually become WIB’s primary source of income.
Operational & Business Management
- Lead all organizational functions to ensure financial sustainability and operational excellence.
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning, risk management and resource allocation in a lean, high-impact environment.
- Build and maintain a strong team culture — attracting, retaining and developing talent aligned with WIB’s values.
- Foster an environment where staff and network partners feel empowered, valued, heard and connected to mission and purpose.
External & Community Engagement
- Serve as WIB’s spokesperson and ambassador, cultivating relationships with network affiliates, funders, civic leaders and community partners.
- Represent the organization in key convenings, panels, events, and partnerships that further WIB’s mission and enhance its visibility.
Qualifications
Essential
- At least 12 years of professional experience, with at least four years in executive management.
- Proven leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, operations, P&L’s and business outcomes — preferably in media, journalism, nonprofit, mission-driven or civic organizations.
- Strong experience in financial management, revenue diversification, operational scaling and resource allocation.
- Success as a people-centric leader with excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills and focused on empowerment, not directive control.
- Highly self-sufficient, comfortable in lean, agile settings, and able to adapt to change and ambiguity.
- Success growing commercial revenue for a digital news brand, including via data, research, sponsorships, events, branded content and advertising.
Preferred
- Experience working with Black media, research or advocacy organizations.
- Experience with diverse, community-engaged media ecosystems.
- Background working in entrepreneurial or startup environments.
- Personal or professional experience engaging with Black communities, markets and culture.
- Experience managing remote organizations.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- You build trust by taking time to understand an organization’s culture, history and people before making major decisions.
- You’re trustworthy and credible, and you’re able to earn respect through action, character, and authenticity.
- You combine vision and pragmatism, thinking big while managing day-to-day operations.
- You’ve gained valuable experience by getting your hands dirty in your jobs.
- You’re intellectually curious and stay informed about industry trends.
- You’re outward-facing, inclusive and committed to external partnerships.
- You work effectively with shareholders who bring their own industry expertise while maintaining clear boundaries and independent judgment as CEO.
- You set clear personal goals and hold yourself accountable to them.
- You work effectively with shareholders who bring their own industry expertise while maintaining clear boundaries and independent judgment as CEO.
- You’re comfortable leading a lean startup and understand how to manage tight budgets.
REPORTING & GOVERNANCE
- The CEO will report to WIB’s Board of Directors.
TERMS & COMPENSATION
- The compensation range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience. A future equity stake is also a possibility.
- Benefit package includes health/dental/vision insurance options, 401K with a generous match, PTO, 10 paid holidays and time off during the year-end holidays.
Application instructions
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a cover letter that articulates their alignment with Word In Black’s mission and vision; 2) a detailed résumé or CV.
Applications should be sent by January 10, 2026.
Word In Black is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds aligned with WIB’s mission
Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org
