Job Summary

This is the executive-level leadership position for the Colorado Press Association reporting to a volunteer board representing a cross-section of our membership. Financial responsibility includes oversight for a six-figure budget plus an investment portfolio along with management of a three-person staff. Our new executive director will carry forward the strategic plan and transformative vision of the organization established by the board and predecessor. Whenever it is safe, our office space and team will be located at the new Buell Public Media Center in downtown Denver.

About Us

Colorado Press Association (CPA) is the leading champion for newspapers and online news outlets throughout Colorado. We support the protection of the First Amendment and Sunshine Laws through advocacy, education and community outreach on behalf of our nearly 150 member organizations. Our association is at the forefront of innovation and thought leadership, actively partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations seeking a financially viable path forward for local news outlets. We offer expertise, resources, training and collaborative opportunities to extend the capacity and sustainability of news outlets in our state. We want to foster a thriving future for our local news outlets at a time when traditional business models and press freedoms are under attack. We have a clear strategic direction, powerful purpose and positive culture.

About You

You are a mission-driven, transformational leader deeply committed to high quality local independent journalism. You are seeking meaningful work that makes a positive difference in society. You understand the value of journalism to a thriving democracy and are prepared to advocate for the critical role our member news outlets play in building strong communities while driving accountability and transparency. You are a steady and savvy media consumer dedicated to highlighting the practices and values of ethical, legitimate journalism. Focused on serving the needs of our members, you and your team empower them with the tools, resources and training necessary to run successful operations in an evolving competitive landscape. You have at least three years of progressive levels of leadership responsibility in a media environment or nonprofit trade association. Documented accomplishments in a results-driven, detail-oriented and innovative business operation must be part of your work history. You are capable of collaborating and meeting diverse member needs while quickly developing trust and credibility in the industry. You are keenly aware of the financial challenges facing our member news outlets and are devoted to securing sources of diversified revenue to help local independent journalism in Colorado thrive.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will lead CPA and its three member staff in the following primary areas of responsibility:

1. Advocacy: Plays a key role in the lobbying of elected officials, organizing coalitions of support on behalf of member outlets and involving members in lobbying-related activities; and maintains strong relationships with elected officials and industry leaders.

2. Planning: Creates and executes operational plans in support of the strategic direction set by the association board.

3. Financial: Prudently manages the organization’s resources within six-figure budgetary guidelines; ensures staff members follow all appropriate accounting procedures and internal policies; provides prompt, thorough and accurate information to the board to keep members appropriately informed of the organization’s performance; protects revenue flow from member dues; supports partner fundraising efforts; and seeks diversified revenue streams for the association in cooperation with Colorado Press Network (CPA’s for-profit print and digital advertising placement firm).

4. Membership: Focuses on large and smaller member news organizations (print and digital) with considerable attention and effort working and coordinating with them to ensure their viability and active participation in the association; leads the efforts to recruit, retain and grow satisfied membership; and strengthen our member value proposition and ROI for members.

5. Talent: Attracts and retains staff members, contracts with lobbyists and vendors; develops and trains employees; creates and documents policies; and facilitates performance and improvement plans. 

6. Outreach: Serves as the primary spokesperson and representative for the organization and its members; assures that the organization and its mission, programs and services are consistently, professionally and positively presented to key stakeholders; actively advocates for CPA, its vision and programmatic efforts; and builds mutually beneficial relationships with all vested parties.

7. Program: Oversees the design, delivery and quality of programs, products and services; stays abreast of current and emerging trends and technological advancements as they pertain to future opportunities to serve the industry and the organization’s membership; serves as a board member of Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC); and is the liaison between the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) and CPA boards to ensure our association’s interests are adequately represented.

Toolset

• Apple hardware and software
• Basecamp
• Google G Suite (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Sheets, Slides)
• Slack
• Social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• QuickBooks Online
• WordPress

Compensation

• Competitive salary and travel allowance
• Paid holidays and time off
• Simple IRA
• Benefits package including life, health, dental and vision coverage

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Colorado Press Association is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners. We encourage applicants of diverse abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to apply. CPA also is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.