General Manager

Word In Black, PBC, is a dynamic digital media startup, backed by 10 of the nation’s legendary Black-owned local media organizations, focused on amplifying voices and seeking solutions to racial inequities. WIB is committed to excellence in journalism, community engagement and sustainable growth. Many day-to-day and back-office operations of Word In Black are facilitated through a management agreement with Local Media Association. The General Manager of Word In Black will collaborate closely with the staff and board of directors to execute the strategic vision and supporting tactics of WIB. This role is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of WIB (in coordination with LMA), including audience development, revenue generation, marketing and communications, publisher relations, digital operations and news/content creation (led by a very experienced managing director).

Though the position ultimately reports to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will report to a designated executive at Local Media Association for routine/day-to-day decisionmaking.

Key Responsibilities:

Effectively execute the current strategic direction of Word In Black, and help shape the future direction, in alignment with the overarching goals established by the board of directors.
Manage and optimize all operational functions of WIB, including but not limited to:Audience development
Business-to-business and consumer revenue streams
Marketing & communications
News/content creation and distribution (providing strategic guidance to our newsroom of 11 FTEs and growing)
WIB publisher relations
Digital operations
Philanthropic funding of journalism and business sustainability
Personally drive business development efforts, focusing on revenue generation through brand sponsorship programs and strategic partnerships aimed at audience expansion.
Oversee the development of events, research and first-party data initiatives on behalf of the WIB brand as well as the founding publishers.
Serve as a spokesperson for the brand, including speaking at events.
Work with the Word In Black Racial Equity Fund staff at LMF to foster relationships with philanthropic partners.
Financial reporting, budgeting and analysis in collaboration with the LMA finance team and WIB treasurer.