General Manager, Stockton/ /San Joaquin County

As General Manager for Stocktonia, you will lead the organization's next phase of growth as the Central Valley’s leading nonprofit local news organization. You will oversee the business operations, community engagement and long-term sustainability of Stocktonia while working closely with editorial leadership to strengthen its impact and deepen its connection with the communities it serves.

You will play a central role in using audience research and community listening to shape and execute a sustainable business strategy that supports independent, community-centered journalism. As the chief ambassador for Stocktonia, you will communicate the community's need and appetite for high-quality, in-depth local news while building trust and engagement across San Joaquin County.

Working closely with NEWSWELL colleagues nationwide, you will grow community support through events, partnerships and outreach; expand membership and donor engagement through newsletters, gatherings and innovative community initiatives; and develop diverse revenue streams that sustain mission-driven journalism.

You will champion and strengthen the San Joaquin County media ecosystem by collaborating with local news organizations, nonprofit partners, educational institutions and civic leaders while helping introduce new technologies, audience strategies and storytelling models that expand the reach and impact of local journalism.

You are a community-centered leader, entrepreneurial operator and passionate advocate for the essential role local journalism plays in strengthening communities and democracy.

As part of the NEWSWELL network, Stocktonia benefits from nonprofit infrastructure, strategic guidance and operational support that allows journalists to focus on serving their communities. Through partnerships with Arizona State University—named the nation's most innovative university for 11 consecutive years—NEWSWELL brings cutting-edge research, technology and ideas to reinvent local news and strengthen democracy.

The salary range for this role is $110,000- $120,000 annually, plus potential performance bonus.

What you’ll do  

Community

• Serve as the primary liaison between Stocktonia and the communities it serves, ensuring transparency, responsiveness and trust.

• Represent Stocktonia at community meetings, events and in local media to elevate its mission and build strong relationships throughout San Joaquin County.

• Lead community listening efforts and translate audience insights into sustainable business strategies and engagement initiatives.

Business leadership

• Oversee local business operations, audience growth, membership, revenue generation and community engagement while partnering closely with editorial leadership and NEWSWELL leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships, collaborations and growth that expand the reach and impact of Stocktonia.

• Establish organizational goals, set performance standards and drive continuous improvement across teams and workflows.

• Recruit, motivate, develop and retain a high-performing, collaborative staff.

• Work with membership, fundraising, advertising and sponsorship teams to diversify revenue and achieve organizational sustainability goals.

• Manage relationships with digital advertising agencies, technology vendors and other external partners.

• Develop and manage outreach strategies for local, regional and national supporters, donors and foundations to communicate Stocktonia’s mission, impact and future vision.

Innovation

• Partner with NEWSWELL, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Center for the Future of Local News and regional colleges and universities to develop and test innovative journalism products and community engagement models.

• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to launch and refine digital products, audience tools and features that expand reach, particularly among underserved communities.

Growth and trust

• Partner with editorial leadership to develop and execute audience-centered content, engagement and growth strategies.

• Plan and lead outreach efforts, public events and community campaigns that build awareness, trust and long-term support.

• Cultivate partnerships with local media organizations, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropic organizations and educational institutions to strengthen San Joaquin County’s local news ecosystem.

Editorial

• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and champion First Amendment principles.

• Oversee print, newsletters, social media channels, website operations and future audience engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate on special projects that encourage civic dialogue while creating opportunities for sponsorship, underwriting and philanthropy.

What you'll need  

• Ability to set a compelling direction for a strengthened newsroom.

• Proven experience in recruiting, motivating and retaining high-performance teams.

• Strong capability to formulate and execute sustainable business plans.

• Proficiency to establish clear objectives and drive continuous improvement.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to represent the newsroom and engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Comfortable writing articles, speaking at events or appearing in the media to advocate for local journalism.

• Proficient in creating outreach plans to local, state and national supporters and funders.

• Ability to organize events, campaigns and initiatives that connect with the public.

• Excellent skills in building and nurturing relationships with media, nonprofits, schools and community organizations.

• Experience in launching and improving media products for underserved audiences.

• Willingness to test and iterate on new ideas, projects and storytelling formats.

• Strong ability to work with editorial leaders to align content with community needs.

Relevant qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in community relations, newsroom or start-up operations, or a related field, with at least (5) five years in management

Preferred education and experience  

• Master’s degree in journalism or related field

Preferred skills and abilities  

•   Spanish fluency is a plus 

Benefits  

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution 

• 22 days of vacation time 

• 11 holidays, including your birthday 

• Parental leave 

• Significant tuition reductions 

• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest 

• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement