Mission Local Publisher

Job Title: Publisher

Organization: Mission Local

Location: San Francisco, CA

Reports to: Board of Directors (alongside the Editor- in-Chief)

About Mission Local

Mission Local is an independent nonprofit news organization in San Francisco that produces high-impact, nonpartisan reporting on issues ranging from City Hall and police reform to housing, neighborhood business, and money in politics. Founded in 2008 in the Mission District, Mission Local has grown from a start-up telling citywide and local stories from the Mission to a newsroom of 17 that delivers vital news to neighborhoods across San Francisco. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and building trust—both through our journalism and by training the next generation of journalists who reflect the diversity of San Francisco.

Position Overview

As Mission Local expands and leans into our ambitious vision to grow our team and provide critical news to all San Francisco residents, we are seeking an experienced, collaborative Publisher to lead the organization’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Publisher is the organization’s senior business leader, responsible for revenue generation, operations, finance, marketing, and organizational infrastructure, while partnering closely with editorial leadership to co-lead the organization’s vision and direction.

Key Responsibilities

External Leadership

The Publisher is a highly visible and public role. The publisher represents Mission Local to community members, donors, funders, partners, civic and business leaders, and peer organizations, conveying the importance of fact-based journalism as a civic good. The Publisher will play a key role in guiding Mission Local’s expansion into new San Francisco neighborhoods, including developing local funding strategies and community partnerships.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

The publisher serves as Mission Local’s chief fundraiser, overseeing revenue generation across diverse funding streams, including philanthropy, advertising, sponsorships, grants, and other earned revenue. The publisher works with business and editorial staff to cultivate, solicit and steward major donors and foundations and explore new partnership opportunities.

Organizational Leadership and Management

The Publisher provides leadership and direction for Mission Local’s business and operational functions, including finance, human resources, technology, marketing, facilities, legal compliance and business strategy. The publisher promotes a mission-centered culture that supports employee satisfaction and professional growth in a dynamic, unionized newsroom.

Editorial Partnership and Newsroom Support

The Publisher works closely with the Executive Editor on the strategic direction of Mission Local, while respecting their authority over news operations, staffing, and editorial decisions. The publisher works to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration and internal communications.

Board Relations and Governance

The publisher reports to the Board of Directors and provides the Board regular updates on progress, impact, and financial performance.The Publisher will work with the board on any strategic planning or new initiatives it undertakes.

Qualifications & Experience

Preferred Qualifications

We recognize that applicants may not possess all qualifications listed below and would consider individuals who demonstrate the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility. Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet every skill listed. At Mission Local, we are committed to creating a better, more diverse, and more inclusive news ecosystem, and that starts with doing the work ourselves. So if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, but you know this is the role for you – please tell us!”

• B.A. or equivalent experience required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) preferred.
• Experience in news media, journalism, or mission-driven media organizations.
• Minimum of five to 10 years of professional experience, including senior leadership roles.
• Significant experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and financial oversight.
• Demonstrated success in revenue diversification and growth across philanthropic and earned sources.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• Experience working with and reporting to an engaged Board of Directors.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills and the ability to represent an organization publicly with confidence, credibility and authority.
• Proven ability to lead teams, set priorities, delegate effectively, and manage complex organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and building representative teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Mission Local, our vision and impact.
• Familiarity with journalism ethics and working collaboratively with editorial teams.
• Experience overseeing marketing, branding, and audience development.
• Experience managing unionized workplaces.

You’re a Strong Fit If You:

• Are deeply passionate about local journalism as a public service and its role in civic engagement.
• Believe an independent, free press is essential to healthy communities
• Are an effective public-facing leader who enjoys engaging with communities, donors, and partners.
• Have a proven track record of fundraising and revenue growth.
• Are an experienced nonprofit or media executive comfortable leading through growth and change.
• Prioritize building equitable, inclusive, and healthy organizational cultures.
• Bring people together, motivate teams, and lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $140,000.

Benefits:

• Three weeks of vacation plus a week off between Christmas and New Years
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Federal and state Holidays

How To Apply

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to applications@missionlocal.com with the subject: Publisher’s Position. A search committee expects to start interviews in late March and have the new CEO on board by late spring.

Email any questions to applications@missionlocal.com

Mission Local is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

See above.

Languages are always a plus, but not critical in this position.