The Better Government Association–the only Illinois non-profit holding power to account through investigative and solutions-focused journalism and policy advocacy–is seeking an inspiring, innovative and accomplished leader to take us to a new level in securing our mission: a more open, equitable and accountable government for the benefit of all people in Illinois.
Our new V.P. of Audience and Impact will develop and execute a multi-platform strategy to accelerate audience growth and engagement. This person will advance the BGA mission and strategic priorities by enhancing the reach and impact of our work.
We seek a candidate who is creative, strategic and collaborative, one who will embrace the opportunity to invent new strategies and tactics and be a thought leader among peers. They will reach readers, donors and other stakeholders in the diverse array of communities we serve in our city and state. This person will bring passion and perseverance to the challenging task of securing better government in Chicago and across Illinois, at a time of disruptive change in the fields of policy and journalism.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8-plus years of experience in audience engagement, digital media, or journalism. Journalism experience should balance both editorial and audience/reader or community analytics roles. Events, marketing or community engagement experience are a plus.
• Proven and measurable track record of growing digital audiences using data, strategy and creativity to drive improved audience or community engagement metrics.
• Deep understanding of SEO, social media algorithms, newsletters, and analytics platforms (Google Analytics 4, Parse.ly, etc.), as well as an informed view about risks and benefits of generative AI on audience development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments and partners. Leadership or management experience strongly preferred.
• Strong editorial judgment, a passion for public-interest journalism and a refined understanding of policy work.
• Experience in community engagement, audience listening and membership/donor strategy are desired. Demonstrated emphasis on inclusive discovery of new audiences, and use of metrics to track that growth, is a plus.
• Demonstrated thought leadership on the topic of analytics driving audience and or community impact is desired, e.g. blogs, podcast or panel appearances, case studies, etc. are a plus.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in journalism, policy, communications, the liberal arts–or rich life and work experience.
• Willingness to be present in the BGA’s downtown Chicago office at least three days a week.
• Salary of $150K to $175K, or negotiable commensurate with accomplishments and experience.

The new V.P. of Audience and Impact will lead efforts to reach new people, deepen connection to existing audiences and discover new ways to motivate people to demand better government in Illinois. Reporting to the CEO, and leading a team of three colleagues, they will work with the Editor in Chief and V.P. of Policy to track data and measurable outcomes for newsroom, policy and community engagement activities. Working with the development team, they will deliver data that contributes to the strength and growth of our organization. They will address challenges and opportunities arising from the growth of generative AI and collaborate with partners in journalism, policy, community and philanthropy in Chicago, Illinois and nationwide.
The successful V.P. of Audience and Impact will: