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Job Title


Executive Editor, Newspaper


Company : Goodwin Recruiting


Location : Dallas, TX


Created : 2026-04-08


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced and mission-driven Executive Editor to provide strategic editorial leadership across Texas-based news operations, serving urban, suburban, and rural communities statewide. The ideal candidate is a seasoned newsroom leader with strong editorial judgment, a digital-first mindset, and a proven ability to lead high-impact local journalism across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.This role oversees editorial teams covering local government, business, education, energy, and culture, while ensuring journalistic integrity, audience growth, and operational excellence.Executive Editor Responsibilities:Editorial Strategy & VisionSet and execute a Texas-focused editorial strategy aligned with organizational mission and journalistic standardsLead coverage of major regional and statewide issues including politics, public policy, education, energy, healthcare, and economic developmentOversee enterprise reporting, investigations, and special projects with statewide impactNewsroom Leadership & Talent DevelopmentLead editors, reporters, photographers, and multimedia teams across multiple Texas marketsRecruit, mentor, and develop newsroom talent with a focus on local reporting and community relevanceFoster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and editorial independenceContent Oversight & Editorial StandardsEnsure accuracy, fairness, balance, and adherence to ethical journalism standardsReview and approve major stories, editorials, and breaking news coverageDirect coverage during elections, severe weather, emergencies, and major public eventsDigital Strategy & Audience GrowthChampion a digital-first newsroom strategy utilizing analytics, SEO, newsletters, and social platformsPartner with audience and product teams to drive subscription growth and community engagementAdjust content strategies based on regional audience insights and performance dataCommunity Engagement & External RelationsRepresent the newsroom at public forums, industry events, and community meetings across TexasBuild relationships with public officials, civic leaders, academic institutions, and community organizationsCollaborate with business and marketing teams while maintaining editorial independenceGovernance, Budgeting & ComplianceEnsure compliance with state and federal media laws, open records statutes, and ethical guidelinesManage editorial budgets and resource allocation in partnership with executive leadershipExecutive Editor Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)5+ years of newsroom experience, including senior editorial leadership in a large or multi-publication newsroomExperience leading daily newsrooms or groups of weekly publicationsProven success driving digital transformation and audience growth initiativesDemonstrated ability to manage large, multi-location editorial teamsStrong understanding of Texas politics, communities, and regional issuesExecutive Editor Skills & Competencies:Exceptional editorial judgment and strong news senseClear, confident leadership and communication skillsAbility to lead in politically diverse and highly engaged marketsStrategic thinker who performs well under deadline pressureStrong commitment to ethical, independent journalismExecutive Editor Benefits & Offer:Senior leadership role with statewide editorial influenceOpportunity to shape impactful local journalism across Texas communitiesCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packageCollaborative and mission-driven newsroom environment