Chief Executive Officer

Location: Washington, DC,
Job Category: Online | New Media
Job ID: 74012
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: per year
Posted: 04.03.2026

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Occupations:

Job Description:

Word In Black, a public benefit corporation, is entering an exciting phase as the focus shifts to data-driven insights on Black America and seeks a Chief Executive Officer to build a durable revenue engine that strengthens long-term sustainability.

The CEO leads a team in developing a sophisticated data, research, content and events strategy. Backed by $2 million in funding, Word In Black has produced two significant research reports focused on barriers to organ donation/transplantation and breast cancer screening. The organ donation research resulted in Word In Black winning the 2026 inaugural NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work — Journalism.

The CEO reports to the Word In Black Board of Directors and works with the board, publisher partners, funders and community stakeholders to develop and scale products while maintaining rigorous standards for data stewardship, transparency, and editorial credibility/independence. Direct reports include the revenue development director, research director, data insights director, and head of content.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about our public benefit mission to produce a positive effect for society through research and development, media content production, and other related activities.

Word In Black, rooted in the legacy of the Black Press, was founded by 10 of the nation’s leading Black publishers. As the company implements its new business model, the CEO will explore the expansion of the network.

Job Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

Business leadership and strategy

• Responsible for overall revenue strategy and execution.
• Refine the business model to include the most promising product lines including research reports (public service and commercial), branded content, impact campaigns, sponsorships, virtual events and more. This includes developing pricing, packaging, deliverables, timelines and partner relationships.
• Lead disciplined go-to-market execution: segmentation, partnerships, proposals/SOWs, contracting, renewals and expansion.
• Define and manage core KPIs (pipeline coverage, bookings, collections, margin, delivery performance, and partner fulfillment).

Operations and delivery

• Lead the organization with strong budgeting, forecasting, cash discipline and reserve management aligned to the pro forma.
• Ensure publisher/affiliate participation is operationally sound (expectations, compensation structures, performance measures and reliable fulfillment).
• Build and sustain a high-performing culture across a remote team.

Trust, governance and external leadership

• Protect community trust through responsible data use, transparent consent, and clear methods/limitations in deliverables.
• Maintain clear governance standards that protect the integrity and independence of Word In Black’s research, data and information.
• Serve as senior spokesperson and relationship-builder with funders, commercial partners and publisher stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong and demonstrated leadership experience, including senior executive accountability for revenue and operating outcomes, while building and managing high-performing teams and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Proven ability to sell and deliver complex B2B services (media, research/insights, agency, mission-driven organization or adjacent).
• Deep understanding of data, research and digital audience insights to guide editorial, revenue and product strategy.
• Strong financial and operational experience including: budgeting, writing monthly financial reports, working with pro formas, managing cash flow and more.
• High integrity and judgment; credible with community stakeholders and partner networks; knowledge of and respect for Black legacy media.

Reporting, terms and compensation

• Reports to the Word In Black Board of Directors. Compensation: Base $140,000 with lucrative incentives based on performance goals that should lead to a total compensation range of $140,000-$175,000, with further upside potential. Benefits include health/dental/vision options, 401(k) with match, PTO, paid holidays and year-end holiday time off. Equity consideration may be included, subject to board approval.

How to apply

Submit a cover letter and résumé/CV to execsearch@wordinblack.com by April 20.

Word In Black is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds aligned with WIB’s mission.