Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer

Overview

The Online News Association (ONA) is seeking an Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer to lead it through its next phase of development. The ideal candidate is highly motivated to develop and implement ONA’s strategy and vision, with the goal of strengthening its impact in the field.

Application deadline: January 15, 2025

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: Remote within the U.S., with availability for frequent travel to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. 

Salary: $160,000–$175,000

Hours: Exempt full-time position

Position overview: You will lead and manage the staff, strategy, culture, finances, and the day-to-day operations of the world’s leading 501(c)3 membership organization of digital journalists, working closely with its Board of Directors. You will be the public face of the organization and a thought leader at the intersection of journalism and technology. Other responsibilities and oversight include: annual budgeting and audit oversight, revenue generation, fundraising and development, partnerships, policy development and legal oversight, community outreach, programming, conferences and the Online Journalism Awards. You will lead by example to instill and communicate the organization’s collaborative and inclusive values and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Vision

• Lead ONA’s mission, vision, and values, along with a future-focused strategy that builds on the organization’s 25-year history, its current strategy, and a long-term vision that will rally the ONA community.
• Create consensus, clarity and accountability as you execute on the strategy, including a plan for how ONA assesses and measures its impact.
• Strengthen ONA’s culture and reputation through leadership that amplifies ONA’s irreplaceable role throughout the journalism industry.  

Leadership and Management 

• Actively engage and energize staff, the board and other stakeholders to promote a supportive culture that mirror’s ONA’s values, and sparks collaboration and innovation.
• Hire, develop and retain experts that make up a high-performing team of staff and consultants.
• Serve as the face of the organization and actively participate in external events, increasing visibility, credibility and trust with the journalism community and other stakeholders.

Board Governance 

• Communicate effectively with a strong board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Collaborate thoughtfully and transparently with each member of the board on important matters of mission and direction.
• Provide the board with new insights and learning opportunities. 

Programmatic Oversight

• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and rigorous evaluation as programs evolve.
• Identify and develop new opportunities for innovative programs that advance ONA’s mission and sustainability.

Financial Performance, Viability and Fundraising

• Ensure the fiscal integrity of ONA, including preparation and submission to the board of a proposed annual budget and regular updates of the financial statements. 
• Supervise budgets, finances and investment policies working with the Head of Finance and Administration.
• Deepen relationships with core funders and actively explore new sources of revenue to ensure the financial health and growth of ONA.
• Oversee fiscal management within the approved budget and promote responsible spending.

Operations and Communications

• Run the day-to-day administrative work of the organization with attention to detail.
• Define and execute on a communications strategy across platforms — from web presence to external relations — that effectively shares stories about ONA’s mission and work.
• Install efficient processes, tools and technologies to enable ONA to do its best work.