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Executive Editor, Indianapolis Star

Gannett

Indianapolis, IN
Full Time
Executive
5 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

The Indianapolis Star / indystar.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a strong, strategic, experienced and innovative executive editor to lead the award-winning publication. The editor must have a track record of leading and producing powerful journalism that changes lives and consistently turns occasional readers into loyal subscribers. This role involves championing watchdog and enterprise reporting, community engagement, and digital innovation, with a focus on audience growth and accountability. The Indianapolis Star is the state's largest news organization, recognized for investigative journalism, breaking news coverage, storytelling, and strong voices advocating justice.

Key Responsibilities

  • Uphold the highest journalism standards across digital and print platforms, strongly support the First Amendment and conceive, pursue and execute watchdog reporting.
  • Develop and implement a multi-platform digital vision and strategy focused on achieving target audience specific goals and objectives.
  • Provide leadership and be knowledgeable in state and local news, investigative journalism, public service, and government issues.
  • Champion change management efforts that include strong communication of the company's strategic initiatives, purpose, vision, culture and plan.
  • Lead the planning and oversee execution of content strategies with a keen eye focused on strategic audiences, especially on digital and new platforms.
  • Facilitate strong community connections with a relevant editorial voice and personal interaction.
  • Attract, retain and develop top talent.
  • Collaborate with other departments in the development and implementation of multi-platform products to grow audience and engagement.
  • Work with the regional editor, Content Strategy Analyst and USA TODAY Network leaders across the Midwest to help journalists acquire skills and tactics needed to attract and serve digital subscribers.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of five years in significant leadership roles in a newsroom with demonstrated success.
  • Clear understanding of the First Amendment and the highest regard for upholding those standards.
  • Experience in high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content.
  • Experience working in industries undergoing substantial change and transformation.
  • A history of successful leadership, innovation and goal achievement.
  • Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively.
  • Personal charisma, comfortable with public speaking and a commitment to staff interaction.
  • Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies to market and consumer needs.
  • Demonstrated strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.

Nice to Have

  • Experience recruiting a highly successful leadership team.
  • Experience driving a successful turnaround or transformation.

Working at Gannett

The Indianapolis Star is a newsroom that consistently produces revelatory work that leads to dialogue and important change. It is known for strong breaking news coverage, beautiful storytelling, and voices championing accountability and justice. The organization values innovation, community engagement, high standards, and a people-centric leadership approach.

Apply Now

Job Details

Posted AtJul 19, 2025
Job CategoryEditing
SalaryCompetitive salary
Job TypeFull Time
Work ModeOnsite
ExperienceExecutive

Job Skills

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About Gannett

Website

gannett.com

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Industry

Newspaper Publishers

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