PO Box 3178 | Bismarck, ND 58502 | Phone: 701-258-1332

Tuesday, December 10 at noon ET

Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT NORTH DAKOTA NEWS COOPERATIVE

North Dakota News Cooperative, founded in 2021, is an independent non-profit news organization committed to bringing reliable, dependable journalism about North Dakota to North Dakotans. It was started out of grave concern for the future of community journalism and seeks to increase access to quality journalism and advance news literacy across North Dakota.   

Funded by grants from foundations and tax-deductible donations from supportive individuals, North Dakota News Cooperative’s mission is to provide diverse, reliable, contextual reporting that helps build a stronger state of informed, engaged citizens. Its core values of Accuracy, Independence, Impartiality, and Accountability drive this important work.

Due to the growth of the organization, the Board of Directors is seeking a strategic, passionate, journalism leader to be the first CEO and lead the organization to its next chapter. The CEO will guide the strategic vision of North Dakota News Cooperative in collaboration with the board, ensuring high levels of journalistic and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

The North Dakota News Cooperative CEO will have the relevant experience and talent to effectively carry out the key accountabilities of the position including:

Strategic Vision and Execution 

Co-create and implement a clear and measurable strategic plan with the board, staff, and key stakeholders to increase journalistic excellence, extend and deepen audience engagement, and enrich the team culture.

Content Oversight

Challenge and guide staff to ensure high levels of journalistic excellence as the cornerstone of the organization to ultimately grow readership, engagement, and support. This includes editing or arranging for editing of staff reporting and may include occasional content creation.

Fundraising and Development 

In coordination with the board of directors, design and oversee the execution of a fundraising plan, and actively raise major and annual gifts through enhanced relationships with readers, donors, and foundations.

Organizational Leadership 

Implement the optimal organizational structure, ensure role clarity for each team member, and develop a culture of trust, accountability, and engagement.

Brand Integrity and Marketing

Design and ensure execution of a brand and marketing strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement through effective messaging, community outreach, relationship building, strategic partnerships, events, and intentional calls to action.

Administrative and Financial Oversight

Enhance the health of the organization by utilizing efficient systems, appropriate internal controls, forecasting, and transparent reporting.

Governance Support

Support board leadership to engage a diverse and effective Board of Directors, leverage their strengths to advance the mission, plan meetings, and provide the transparency necessary for effective governance.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Proven results in fundraising, sales, or strategic partnership building
  • Experience managing journalistic programs and projects
  • Ability to work effectively with a variety of people internally and externally
  • Effective, diplomatic, and clear communication style
  • Ability to engage and educate community stakeholders in the vision of the organization
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills
  • Experience managing budgets
  • Must be located within North Dakota
  • Some travel required to build statewide relationships
THE SEARCH: Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been engaged by North Dakota News Cooperative to identify and evaluate qualified candidates for the Chief Executive Officer role. Sagency consultants will assess applicants and present a final group to the search committee for consideration. Sagency and the North Dakota News Cooperative (NDNC) will conduct the search professionally, ensuring that all qualified candidates receive consideration. Candidate discussions and information will be managed with the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality. Sagency and the NDNC are committed to equal-opportunity employment. If, after reviewing this Opportunity Profile, you believe your experience, skills, and passion align well with this organization and role, we encourage you to follow the application process outlined below. NEXT STEPS – Application and Selection Process: Step 1: Interested candidates complete the online application.
  • Upload your resume and cover letter
  • The online application will be posted until the position is filled.
Step 2: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant may schedule an initial phone call with qualified applicants. Step 3: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates. Step 4: If you are selected and choose to move on to interviews with the search committee, you will be asked to complete an online assessment. Step 5: First-round interviews with the North Dakota News Cooperative Search Committee. Thank you for your time and your interest in this role.
Apply by 01/31/2025

CONTACT US

PO Box 3178
Bismarck, ND 58502
Phone: 701 258 1332
Fax: 701 250 6372

Email: bethh@ndba.org

As the official trade association of broadcasters across the Peace Garden State, the North Dakota Broadcasters Association is the authoritative source for information about radio and television stations throughout the state.