The Opportunity

The Development Operations Associate supports the infrastructure and daily execution of Development fundraising operations at Chicago Public Media. This role ensures the timely and accurate processing of gifts, maintains data integrity within the CRM, supports donor stewardship workflows, and produces standardized operational reports.

This position plays a critical role in supporting organizational growth, particularly as Chicago Public Media expands philanthropic fundraising.

General Responsibilities

Gift Processing, Data Management, & Reporting (55%)

Own the accurate and timely processing of all philanthropic gifts, including:

• Process all Development gifts and pledges in the CRM in coordination with the finance team

• Ensure data accuracy of constituent data, financial data, and reporting data

• Monitor pledge schedules and payment timelines

• Build and maintain reports as they relate to other areas of responsibilities within the job description.

• Monitor donor data managed with the CRM and provide support to ensure accuracy and standards of all Development donor data. 

Donor Acknowledgment & Stewardship Workflow (25%)

Manage the operational execution of gift acknowledgments:

• Produce and distribute Development donor acknowledgment letters in a timely manner

• Maintain acknowledgment timelines and standards

• Maintain acknowledgment templates

Manage the operational execution of Development tax letters:

• Produce and distribute annual donor tax letters for Development donors 

Event & Campaign Operations Support (20%)

Provide data and tracking support for fundraising events and future campaigns:

• Manage event gift tracking

• Support registration data workflows

• Provide on-site support for Development events in coordination with the Events and Stewardship Manager.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in development operations, database management, or administrative operations
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to draft professional correspondence and internal documentation.
• Experience working with CRM systems to maintain data integrity and streamline operations.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in data entry and record-keeping.
• Excellence in Excel or Google Sheets, including the ability to organize complex data sets and utilize advanced functions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage repetitive but high-accuracy workflows, ensuring consistency and quality in daily operations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with Revolution CRM
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising and an understanding of donor cultivation cycles.
• Familiarity with gift processing workflows, including gift entry, acknowledgment, and reconciliation.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $49,200 to $59,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

The Staff Accountant reports to and assists the Accounting Manager in the preparation and maintenance of CPM’s financial records and transactions. The position is the primary liaison with CPM’s Corporate Sponsorship team and is responsible for applied payments, invoicing, account aging review, and ad hoc reporting. The Staff Accountant also assists in the preparation of grant reporting, regulatory and tax filings, and CPM’s annual financial audit. 

General Responsibilities

• Perform monthly close and related accounting processes and analysis (e.g., financial statement analysis, journal entries, reconciliation) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 
• Analyzes and prepares monthly investment journal entries 
• Prepares and posts monthly amortization of prepaid expenses 
• Maintains fixed asset records and prepares and posts related journal entries for in-service placement and depreciation 
• Responsible for monthly revenue reclassification and reconciliation 
• Assist in the completion of the monthly financial statement close process
• Prepare monthly balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow 
• Prepare bank and balance sheet account reconciliations 
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of the annual consolidated and individual departmental budgets and quarterly forecasts 
• Calculates and posts monthly Corporate Sponsorship commission and accruals 
• Acts as primary liaison with the Corporate Sponsorship team and is responsible for monthly invoicing, account aging review, and ad hoc support and reporting 
• Assists in grant reporting 
• Provides accounting support for CPM’s annual financial audit, tax filings, and regulatory reporting 
• Prepare budget-to-actual reports, perform variance analysis, and report significant issues to management 
• Work collaboratively within the team, across the department, and with individuals external to Chicago Public Media 
• Provide accounting support to management as requested 
• Other responsibilities include but are not limited to participation in special projects or ad hoc analysis as assigned

Skills & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting 
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 
• Experience using ERP financial systems 
• Ability to research FASB codification preferred 
• Ability to troubleshoot and research solutions to problems 
• Ability to manage projects in a fast-paced environment 
• Demonstrated budgeting, time management, and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field  

Certificates and/or Licenses: CPA or CPA candidate preferred

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $60,000 to $77,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for CPM’s financial modeling and reporting including but not limited to Executive Management and Board reporting, quarterly forecasts, annual operating plans, longer-term strategic analysis, detailed reporting for audit, tax, and grants, and reporting for the annual insurance renewal. The Senior Financial Analyst creates the financial update and business narrative for Finance Committee and Board of Directors meetings. In addition to financial modeling and reporting, the Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for analytical decision support and scenario modeling to assist with executive level, strategic decision-making. The Senior Financial Analyst is tasked with ensuring that CPM’s third-party financial software meets the organization’s financial objectives along with the organization’s reporting and compliance needs. The Senior Financial Analyst in partnership with the accounting team serves as the project manager, systems implementation manager, systems administrator, and trainer for key financial systems including the general ledger reporting software, FP&A reporting software, and expense reimbursement software. The Senior Financial Analyst has one direct report (Senior Data Analyst).

General Responsibilities

• Create and analyze financial models and reports to provide accurate and timely financial recommendations to the executive team for decision-making around new initiatives and projects
• Explain complex financial concepts to non-finance partners in a clear and concise manner 
• Lead annual budget and forecasting cycles, setting out timelines and managing department heads to stay on plan 
• Prepare executive and Board level presentations and reporting on business and financial performance 
• Seek out areas where we can improve existing financial efficiencies 
• Project manage and lead third-party financial system implementations and training ● Manages approval paths, users, dimensions, and other maintenance in third-party financial software, along with troubleshooting issues as they arise 
• In conjunction with People and Culture, administer the SAG/AFTRA collective bargaining agreement 
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, key performance indicators (KPIs), budgeting, and forecasting 
• Very strong analytical mindset with financial analysis and modeling skills 
• Consistently able to demonstrate independent problem-solving and critical thinking skills Proactive style with very strong organization and attention-to-detail 
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, U.S. GAAP, and not-for-profit accounting principles 
• Strong people management skills 
• Proficient in financial reporting (Sage Intacct, Limelight, Expensify), Excel (advanced skills), and data tools (SQL, Power BI) 
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deliverables and priorities in a timely manner 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills – Ability to translate complex analytics into actionable business recommendations

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive finance experience with at least 5 years in financial planning roles. 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in not-for-profit financial management, preferably with organizations of similar size and complexity.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; MBA preferred

Certificates and/or Licenses: CPA preferred

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

The Payroll and Accounts Payable Specialist is a shared accounting role between Payroll and Accounts Payable. This role collaborates closely with Accounting, Human Resources (HR), and Accounts Payable and ensures timely and compliant processing of Payroll and Accounts Payable to support organizational financial processes. This role reports to the Senior Accounts Payable Coordinator.

General Responsibilities

• Payroll:
• Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain payroll records, including earnings, deductions, and benefits
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies
• Coordinate with HR on new hires, terminations, and compensation changes
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports to Accounting
• Accounts Payable:
  • Review, code, and process vendor invoices in accordance with organizational policies
  • Solicit and process vendor W-9s and ACH forms
  • Reconcile vendor statements and resolve invoice discrepancies
  • Respond to vendor inquiries in a timely and professional manner
  • Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies
  • Assist with audit requests and year-end reporting requirements (1099 and NEC forms)
• Work with Senior Accounts Payable Coordinator to:
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of payroll laws and regulations
• Proficiency in HRIS (iSolved preferred), Sage Intacct, and MS Excel
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to effectively manage multiple, concurrent deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills – Comfortable communicating to all levels of the organization

Minimum Qualification:  3+ years of Accounts Payable and Payroll experience. Not-for-profit experience is preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field  

Certificates and/or Licenses: CPA or CPA candidate preferred

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $53,000 to $67,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

The Accounting Manager is a hands-on, highly analytical individual with a strong foundation in not-for-profit and/or public accounting that leads our daily accounting operations while ensuring appropriate accounting compliance and control. The Accounting Manager bridges the gap between technical GAAP compliance and day-to-day operational excellence. The Accounting Manager oversees the general ledger, drives month-end close cycles, and ensures our organization is always "audit-ready.” This position is responsible for supervising the organization’s general accounting functions and manages three direct reports, an Accounting Supervisor and two Staff Accountants. The Accounting Manager interacts with individuals on all levels within the organization and provides accounting support to ensure compliance with agency and programmatic requirements.

The Accounting Manager must be a disciplined, analytical thinker who instinctively looks beyond the “what” of the numbers to investigate and understand the “why.” This individual must be able to identify underlying trends and anomalies and translate and communicate them into a cohesive, actionable narrative.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger by monitoring and ensuring accuracy of accounting transactions, journal entries, and reconciliations performed by the Accounting Supervisor, Staff Accountants, Senior Accounts Payable Coordinator, and Senior Revenue Coordinator.
• Lead the close operations of the accounting team, ensuring that the team adheres to a prescribed close calendar.
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets subledger close.
• Lead monthly departmental review meetings to analyze variances, establish accruals, and document corrections in preparation of monthly financial reporting.
• Partner in preparation of monthly financial statements and variance analysis for CEO financial reporting package.
• Lead accounting support and ensure readiness for CPM’s annual financial audit, tax filings, and regulatory and grantor reporting.
• Assist with corporate sponsorship financial operations, as needed.
• Participate in ACH approval and initiate wire transfers, as needed.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting
• Proficiency in Sage Intacct, Limelight, and MS Excel (advanced skills)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate to all levels of the organization
• Intellectual curiosity, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Positive team player who embraces collaboration
• Strong attention-to-detail and ability to assess accuracy and data integrity
• Fast learner who likes to solve problems in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• High level of discretion to maintain confidentiality

Minimum Qualification: 10+ years of not-for-profit and/or public accounting experience with increasing levels of responsibility, including the management of direct reports

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field  

Certificates and/or Licenses: CPA or CPA candidate preferred

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $88,000 to $115,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity – Senior Counsel, Media Law

Chicago Public Media, Inc. (“CPM”) is looking for a Senior Counsel, Media Law, to join our public media organization. The Senior Counsel, Media Law, will support our award-winning journalists, editorial operations, marketing, events, membership and product teams at WBEZ and its affiliate, the Chicago Sun-Times. In addition, the role will support contract review, drafting and negotiation company-wide as well as compliance-related legal work. The Senior Counsel, Media Law, will report to the Chief Legal Officer of CPM and will work closely with other members of the law department, the organization’s Editor-in-Chief, executive and senior leadership teams.     

Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate has a desire to connect Chicago to our fact-based and community-centered journalism. You’ll do this by supporting the organization through:

• Pre-publication Review: Review news articles, investigations, scripts, podcasts and footage prior to publication to identify and mitigate legal risks before publication.
• Access to information: Advise on requests for records under the federal Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws; work with journalists to respond to and prepare appeals from denials.
• Litigation: Manage First Amendment claims, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright and trademark infringement matters, FOIA litigation, cases relating to court access.  Manage litigation counsel, assist with fact gathering and witness interviews, review pleadings.  Respond to subpoenas for documents. 
• Intellectual Property Management: Handle copyright and trademark issues and rights clearance and advise on and draft intellectual property, licensing, partnership, production and talent agreements.
• Contracts: Review, draft and negotiate contracts for clients across the company, including marketing, membership and event contracts, vendor and operational contracts and consulting agreements; create template agreements for future use.
• Regulatory Compliance and Privacy: Advise on FCC regulations for broadcasters and FTC rules for advertising; ensure privacy compliance by drafting strong privacy policies and terms of use for digital platforms; provide counseling on privacy matters.
• New Technology: Manage legal risks associated with new technologies, including artificial intelligence (“AI”), and assist with rollout of internal AI policies and use of AI in the newsroom.
• Journalist Safety: Offer support and advice on the legal rights and protections afforded to journalists in connection with newsgathering activities; assess and respond to threats lodged at journalists.
• Marketing, Events and Membership Support: Review communications, contests and giveaways, event contracts and rights clearances.
• Training: Develop and provide training to staff on best practices.
• Advice: Advise on day to day legal matters and provide substantive support for the rest of the legal team on an as-needed basis.

Required Skills and Experience

• Deep interest, knowledge and proficiency in media law
• 3+ years of media law experience, with experience working in-house in a media, internet, news or publishing company preferred
• The highest level of professionalism and sound judgment
• Problem-solving skills and excellent business judgment, comfortable providing advice to internal and external clients
• Resourceful and proactive, with a strong ability to balance legal risks with practical business needs
• Strong writing and communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail, passion for establishing clarity in the face of complexity and ambiguity, and bias to action
• Ability to collaborate and form relationships, gain credibility, and partner up and down a matrixed organization
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple high priority projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated success of establishing client rapport and participating in an environment of continuous improvement
• An entrepreneurial spirit with high energy, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic

Education

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree
• Admitted to practice in at least one jurisdiction in the United States, preferably Illinois

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $135,000 to $155,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The position is full-time with comprehensive benefits.  This role is based in Chicago and the Senior Counsel will be expected to work in-person at CPM’s office at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of two days per week and remotely when not in the office. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

The Graphic Design & Marketing Intern will work with CPM’s Marketing team to gain experience with branding, designing creative concepts and marketing strategies for radio shows, podcasts, events and more. By the end of the internship the Graphic Design & Marketing Intern will have experience with working with the Creative Manager on branding, executing marketing campaigns and assist in the creation of creative campaigns from concept to execution including but not limited to templating, layout design, social media asset creation, print, digital, video and physical assets. 

The Graphic Design & Marketing Internship will be a 6 month long program at 24 hours/week. The rate of pay is $20/hour.  We are located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All interns MUST be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago.  

Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at Chicago Public Media — our interns continue to contribute to this industry.

Link to our podcasts & shows: https://www.wbez.org/shows
Link to CST website: https://chicago.suntimes.com/ 

Basic Qualifications

• Diligent, detail-oriented, and able to follow direction well
• Passionate in news, public media/publishing/ journalism
• Proficiency with Adobe CC applications such as PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator After Effects,  and or Premiere Pro.
• Figma
• Creating animated gifs
• Experience with Google Workspace
• Canva or other design platforms such as Procreate
• Creativity
• Organized
• A design portfolio or work samples is required 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in typography, graphic design, and layout (school work counts)
• Adobe After Effects
• Experience with A/B testing in design decisions
• Experience with social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram
• Branding experience
• Managing multiple projects
• Video editing
• Social media 

Education

College seniors or recently graduated from graphic design, visual communications, or radio/film/television. What we are looking for our candidates to display in their resumes, cover letters and interview conversations:

•       Knowledge about Chicago Public Media and our mission of serving the community
•       Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission
•       Curiosity and the willingness to learn
•       Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives
•       Why Chicago Public Media is part of your career planning in journalism and media
•       Specific skills you want to learn during the internship

REQUIRED:  links to a portfolio of samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening

Applications with resumes must include cover letters; use the cover letter to share any links to previous work and/or include any job-related criteria not on your resume.

The deadline is Friday June 5, 2026. 

Accepted applicants will be required to be available for onboarding and training hours in Chicago during the work week of July 14, 2025.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The night assistant news editor is responsible for running the Sun-Times’ news coverage in the evenings. The editor will oversee the work of General Assignment reporters on the News Desk by assigning them stories, guiding their reporting and editing their news copy for print and online to ensure it meets our standards of excellence. The editor will work Tuesday through Saturday nights.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Editing stories in a fast-paced environment for publication online and in print.
• Coordinating coverage with our topic desks, in some cases making sure a story of interest is assigned, or making reporters available to work with other teams.
• Staying on top of breaking news stories and monitoring coverage by other media to evaluate for potential Sun-Times coverage. Regularly reviewing social media, email inboxes and elsewhere for story ideas, possible sources and other communications.
• Working with our audience team to make sure stories get their maximum readership with strong headlines, internal and related links and other SEO-friendly tactics.
• Communicating with the print production desk to ensure all stories are moved for print in a timely manner.
• Keeping in touch with audio editors at WBEZ to keep up with planned coverage, look for opportunities for collaboration, share sources and cross-post stories.
• Having a sharp eye for spotting typos and holes in news stories.
• Assisting with the supervisory duties of the wire desk, including maintaining our databases and training general assignment reporters and part-time staff.
• Showing mastery of English grammar and AP style and our internal style guide.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience as a News Editor.  
• Ability to work an evening and weekend schedule (Tuesday - Saturday).
• Outstanding news judgment and experience leading journalists to produce work of distinction and community impact. 
• Demonstrated passion for leading creative daily news coverage. 
• Ability to conceptualize and edit news stories for content, accuracy, pacing, ideas, narrative and voice. 
• Fluency and enthusiasm for multiplatform journalism. 
• Deep commitment to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and the mission of public media. 
• Ability to articulate your own ideas precisely and concisely – and to cultivate the strong ideas that come from other editors and reporters.
• Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. Experience leading and inspiring diverse, inclusive teams to excellence.
• Knowledge of the Chicago region’s rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful. 

EDUCATION

 Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, humanities or related field

COMPENSATION

The expected pay range for this position is $77,214 to $85,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Vice President of Design to lead and shape design across the organization, including WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and CPM’s broader digital ecosystem.

This role is responsible for setting and owning the design vision, standards, and systems that define how audiences experience our journalism, products, and brands across platforms. The VP of Design is the final authority on design direction, quality, and standards across the newsroom and the organization as a whole, working in close partnership with editorial and marketing  leadership.

General Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Establish and champion a cohesive design vision across WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and CPM products in coordination with Marketing’s brand strategy
• Ensure design excellence across print, broadcast, web, mobile, and emerging platforms.
• Serve as the organization’s final decision-maker on design standards, quality, and governance.
• Represent design at the senior leadership level and contribute to organizational strategy.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop designers across business teams, including product, marketing, and circulation.
• Collaborate closely with newsroom design, graphics, and interactive teams to ensure alignment with CPM-wide design standards and vision.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive design culture aligned with CPM’s mission and values.
• Provide guidance, critique, and professional development for design talent.

Design Systems and Tools

• Own CPM’s design system in close collaboration with Marketing, Editorial and other stakeholders.
• Own the implementation of CPM’s design system across the organization.
• Ensure consistency, accessibility, and scalability across platforms and products.
• Drive adoption of design tools and workflows, including deep experience with Figma.

Product, Innovation, and Collaboration

• Partner closely with product management, engineering, editorial, marketing, and audience teams.
• Lead design contributions to new product development, from concept through launch and iteration.
• Embed user-centered thinking and accessibility into all design work.

Qualifications

Required

• Significant design leadership experience in media, journalism, or related fields.
• Proven experience designing for legacy media, including newspapers or broadcast, as well as modern digital platforms.
• A strong, demonstrated track record in digital and product design.
• Experience building, owning, and maintaining design systems.
• Proficiency with modern design tools, including Figma.
• Experience working closely with digital product and engineering teams.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across editorial and business functions.

Preferred

• Experience in public media or mission-driven journalism organizations.
• Experience designing and launching new products.

Reporting & Collaboration

This role reports to the Chief Product and Membership Officer and works collaboratively across Chicago Public Media, including editorial leadership, product, engineering, marketing, and circulation teams.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000  per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Opportunity

The Audience Editor is within an operations role on the audience team and is responsible for working across the newsroom to connect and engage our audiences with our journalism, radio shows and audio content across platforms. This person will work with audience specialists, reporters and editors to adapt, create and edit WBEZ and Sun-Times original reporting and content into formats that best align with audience behaviors and platform best practices, including but not limited to web-based article formats, social posts, vertical video content, SEO, audio playlists, web displays, SMS initiatives, push alerts, special newsletters and experimentation with emerging platforms.

Audience work sits at the intersection of journalism, analytics and community engagement, ensuring our journalism reaches the right people at the right time, in the right format. At the core of the role is an understanding of audience behavior, digital best practices and platform strategy. This must all be done while upholding strong editorial standards and ensuring quality. With that in mind, this is not a marketing role. Editorial experience is a must.

Responsibilities

Tasks for this fast-paced, newsroom position could also include but is not limited to: 

• Work with the audience team and newsroom to adapt and edit content into multiple formats (e.g., trending articles, TikToks, Instagram carousels, creative layouts, interactive displays).
• Provide clear edits and feedback to audience team members and digital producers at every stage of the process, from ideation to distribution to follow-up engagement.
• Work with radio talk shows and newscast teams on adaptive content and aligning listening behaviors with content distribution tactics. 
• Manage audience tactics in breaking news situations and major coverage events (e.g., editing live blogs, live streaming radio shows, supporting reporters in live coverage).
• Work with enterprise editors to set social publishing schedules for major projects and tentpole editorial events.
• Review SEO, homepage curation, push notification workflows, and perform as needed copy edits.
• Monitor insights and adapt tactics based on data, audience behavior, and trends.
• Share informed feedback with the newsroom, including best practices and industry innovations, and platform changes.
• Experiment with engagement platforms and tools (e.g., quizzes, crosswords, Instagram Stories, Reddit AMAs, SMS).
• Assist with social distribution across flagship properties, particularly during breaking news, priority coverage or low-capacity moments.
• Contribute to audience strategy by participating in and encouraging discussion of innovative industry trends.
• Mentor audience specialists and train new staff, freelancers, contractors and newsroom colleagues on audience tactics.

Minimum Qualifications

We are looking for a collaborative leader who is detail-oriented, highly organized, a clear communicator and insights-driven, with demonstrated editorial judgement. Along with:

• A minimum of four years working in an audience, digital, or editor role at a deadline driven news outlet or public media station.
• Experience working in a Content Management System (CMS) with demonstrated digital media production skills (e.g. Brightspot, WordPress, Arc or an equivalent news CMS).
• Demonstrated platform knowledge and usage of the following social media sites including but not limited to, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Proficiency in using a social scheduling and publishing tool (e.g. Marfeel, SocialFlow, HootSuite or equivalent). 
• Proficiency using Google products. 
• Ability to read and interpret audience data using insights tools (e.g. Google Analytics, Parsley, Marfeel, SimilarWeb or an equivalent tool)
• Strong writing skills with an understanding of AP style and demonstrated ability to adapt style and tone to platforms and audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

The following is preferred, but not required skills and experience:

• Experience working with building audiences around audio content.
• Experience organizing live, online events for example a Reddit AMA, YouTube livestream, Twitch stream, live blog or another equivalent experience. 
• CSS and/or HTML coding experience.
• Familiarity with vertical video and livestreaming video and/or audio.
• Familiarity with WBEZ and Sun-Times social platforms, written stories, and audio content. 
• Knowledge of Chicago and the surrounding region.
• An enthusiastic news consumer.

Schedule

 The Audience Editor is a shift based role, Mondays through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There may be news events, schedule changes or coverage needs that would require a schedule change to best meet the needs of the newsroom, which could include weekend and evening work.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, humanities or related field

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $86,700 to $105,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Position Summary

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Senior Vice President, Sales and Sponsorship to join Chicago Public Media.  This role is ideal for someone who thrives on creating new revenue opportunities, enjoys working across teams, and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo of our current media sales systems. We want you to help us evolve our sponsorship and advertising businesses that are truly for the public of Chicago. 

The Senior Vice President, Sales and Sponsorship will develop and execute a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship strategy that manages campaigns across multiple channels and platforms. This position will build a collaborative structure that leverages CPM’s talent and opportunity in Chicago’s vast corporate and community spaces. 

This role will:

• Be aggressive and innovative in driving revenue in the digital advertising space that includes custom content, programmatic, streaming, newsletters, social and podcasts.
• Determine how to merge our radio, newspaper and digital sales teams, as well as advertising operations. 
• Analyze market trends, set budgets, measure campaign performance to drive brand awareness and sales initiatives that have a big impact. 
• Create seamless workflows and liaising between media agencies and account teams.
• Build out new sales channels as we innovate, including hyperlocal sales models, monetization of archives, and more. 
• Partner with our Product team to optimize programmatic advertising, with a clear understanding that this revenue line comes second to membership.
• Work closely with executive leadership to manage the go-to-market narrative with key stakeholders.

The role requires an analytical thinker who uses quantitative and qualitative data to develop strategies. The ideal candidate will have that competitive gene to help us build and grow a team of winners to exponentially grow revenue in new and innovative areas. 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sales leadership within the media industry, with a preference for candidates who have experience in digital, public radio or newspapers.
• Demonstrated ability to close sales and strategically improve sales processes.
• Exceptional ability in managing and developing sales talent, with a track record of motivating teams to exceed their targets.
• Strategic thinker with excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communication, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $170,000 to $220,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Position Summary

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Managing Editor to lead our Chicago news coverage and help shape the future of regional nonprofit journalism. As a senior leader, you will partner closely with the Editor-in-Chief to execute the editorial vision for the nation’s largest local nonprofit newsroom, encompassing both the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ.

The Managing Editor ensures the strategic operation of our combined digital, print, and audio newsrooms. We are looking for a strategic thinker and pragmatic operator who can oversee daily editorial planning, coordinate workflows across platforms, and translate high-level goals into impactful journalism.

If you are a collaborative leader dedicated to journalistic excellence and innovation, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the EIC to implement editorial strategy and standards.
• Oversee daily newsroom operations, including coverage planning and cross-desk coordination.
• Foster collaboration between newspaper, radio, digital, and visual teams.
• Lead newsroom culture and professional development with a focus on inclusion and excellence.
• Manage logistics, project timelines, and newsroom-wide initiatives such as special investigations and election coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8–10 years of newsroom experience, including significant leadership and management roles.
• Strong editorial judgment and experience in both daily and enterprise journalism.
• Deep understanding of local news and public media values; Chicago-area familiarity is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead through influence.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both storytelling and leadership.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, business or a related field required; Master’s degree is preferred.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $141,710 - $177,140 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.