USA TODAY VP of News 

USA TODAY's newsroom stands apart as the nation's unbiased source for facts-forward news and information. Our mission is to serve readers and viewers across America by delivering essential, independent journalism and content that informs, empowers, and connects.

USA TODAY VP of News

As USA TODAY embraces innovation in an ever-evolving media landscape, the brand is seeking a top leader to drive the USA TODAY newsroom forward, combining business acumen and digital expertise with incredible storytelling and service journalism. The Vice President of News for USA TODAY is undoubtedly a highly visible and respected role in American journalism with extraordinary responsibility in service to our nation.

In addition to ensuring USA TODAY delivers high-impact, independent journalism to meet audiences on all platforms as well as managing newsroom operations, this leader is expected to provide clear vision and strategic direction for USA TODAY's journalists across the country.

The Vice President of News serves as the principal public representative of the newsroom, adeptly embodying USA TODAY's values and journalistic mission-whether engaging audiences at industry events, appearing on broadcast media, or inspiring teams within the organization during pivotal moments.

• Oversee news content and ensure coverage is unbiased, transparent, and fair - in keeping with the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms.
• Champion accountability journalism and uphold the organization's commitment to public service.

• Position USA TODAY as the single strongest source of facts-forward news and unbiased information serving the largest audience in America.
• Develop and implement strategies to deepen audience engagement and extend the organization's reach.
• Champion new storytelling formats and technologies.
• Lead digital transformation and innovation initiatives, including adoption of new storytelling formats, while embracing data-driven journalism, and emerging technologies (AI).
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, encouraging the piloting of new products and platforms.

• Lead, coach, and develop newsroom leaders and staff. Foster a culture of belonging, candor, and journalistic excellence.
• Demonstrate participative leadership, fostering collaboration, and innovation.
• Model ethical decision-making, resilience, and adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment.
• Build and sustain a strong organizational culture that values transparency, accountability, and journalistic excellence.
• Emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively work cross-functionally across all divisions to implement projects and accomplish goals.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including executives, media, and external partners.

• Uphold rigorous standards for accuracy, fairness, and ethics.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Implement best practices for editorial review and risk management.

• Work closely with product, technology, audience, and business teams to align newsroom priorities with organizational goals.

• Serve as a public ambassador for the organization. Build relationships with key stakeholders, including industry peers, partners, and the broader community.
• Champion coverage and initiatives that reach and serve communities and individuals unserved by other national outlets, ensuring USA TODAY's journalism is essential and accessible nationwide.

• Oversee newsroom budgets, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.

• 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 role in a newsroom or major news organization with demonstrated success.
• Clear understanding of the First Amendment and the highest regard for upholding those standards.
• Experience in managing large, diverse teams and complex operations, and high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content.
• Strong strategic thinking, action-bias, decision-making, and communication skills.
• 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 that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Demonstrated strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrated track record in recruiting a highly successful leadership team highly desirable.
• Experience driving a successful turnaround or transformation highly desirable.
• Commitment to journalistic independence, ethics, and innovation.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.