A Call for Visionary Leadership to Shape the Future of Local Journalism

Whippany, NJ – New Jersey Hills Media Group, a program of the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM), today announced it is launching a search for a new executive editor for its 14-outlet weekly newspaper group, which is poised to become one of the largest local nonprofit news organizations in the nation.

This pivotal position offers an unparalleled opportunity to steer a dedicated team of journalists as part of a nonprofit organization deeply committed to rejuvenating local journalism and pioneering new strategies for its future.

The incoming executive editor will be instrumental in guiding the editorial vision and maintaining the journalistic excellence of 14 esteemed and historic weekly newspapers, including the Bernardsville News, Madison Eagle, The Progress, and the Hunterdon Review, all of which are more than 100 years old.

It will be the responsibility of the executive editor to propel the New Jersey Hills Media Group forward, ensuring the group’s journalism resonates with and serves the papers’ communities in Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties.

Current Executive Editor Elizabeth Parker, who will be stepping into a senior advisory position, emphasized that the new executive editor will need to bring journalistic expertise and integrity, a
collaborative work style, and innovative ideas to meet current and future challenges.

“In these challenging times for newspapers nationwide, we are proving the value of the professional, community-based nonprofit journalism we provide – weekly in print, 24/7 on the web and social media,” Parker said. “This is an exciting opportunity for a new executive editor to help shape the future of local news.”

Key responsibilities for the executive editor position at the news group include overseeing the editorial direction across all platforms, managing a talented 14-person editorial team, and ensuring the news group’s journalism continues to engage, inform, and inspire. The executive editor will also serve in an integral role on the nonprofit CNJLM’s senior management team, where strategic decisions about business, advertising, subscriptions, and digital initiatives are made. Finally, the executive editor will play a key role in the ongoing conversion of the newspaper group to a nonprofit news organization, which started in early 2024 and is guided by CNJLM’s board and leadership team.

“Professional nonprofit journalism is key not only to the future of news as an industry, but also to ensuring a healthy and thriving civic life,” said Amanda Richardson, executive director of the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media, the nonprofit owner of the New Jersey Hills Media Group. “We are looking forward to welcoming a new team member who can lead our amazing newspaper group staff and help our organization achieve its mission of creating engaged and informed communities by revitalizing local journalism and innovating for its future.”

The position calls for a candidate who brings over a decade of experience in journalism, demonstrates exceptional editorial judgment, and has a track record of inspiring teams to achieve greatness. The position is based in Whippany, NJ, and offers a competitive salary
range of $65,000 to $80,000.

If you are passionate about local journalism, eager to lead a dynamic team, and ready to play a significant role in the future of news, you are encouraged to apply. Please send your resume, a cover letter that showcases your experience and vision, and any relevant portfolio materials to info@newsweneed.org.

Join us in shaping the future of local news and making a lasting impact on our communities with New Jersey Hills Media Group and CNJLM.

About New Jersey Hills Media Group
New Jersey Hills Media Group, owned by the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media, is dedicated to creating informed and engaged communities through high-quality local journalism. With 14 weekly print publications and daily digital content, we are committed to excellence in our reporting and innovation in our approach to the future of news. Learn more at https://www.newjerseyhills.com/.

To Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@newsweneed.org.

Contact: New Jersey Hills Media Group 100 S Jefferson Rd, Ste. 104, Whippany, NJ Email: info@newsweneed.org.