About MLK50
MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is a different kind of newsroom. The nonprofit news outlet in Memphis focuses on the intersection of poverty, power and policy; examines the systems that make it hard for workers to make ends meet; and interrogates those who profit from the status quo.
Launched on April 4, 2017, as a one-year project to reckon with what Memphis and America had done with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sacrifice, MLK50 has evolved into an award-winning nonprofit digital news site. MLK50 and its journalists continue to garner recognition for work that makes a meaningful, tangible difference in people’s lives.
MLK50 is committed – as Dr. King was – to economic justice, both in our journalism and in employment practices. It is aligned with the people King would have been aligned with had he not been assassinated more than 50 years ago.
Mission:
MLK50’s mission is to report on the intersection of poverty, power and policy, and to bear witness to movement-making and lived experiences.
Vision:
MLK50’s vision echoes Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream: A nation where all residents – especially workers – have enough resources to thrive, and where public and private policy supports their success.
Impact:
Restarting the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program in Memphis. Housing reporter Jacob Steimer revealed that the Emergency Rental Assistance program that spared more than 19,000 local families from eviction during the pandemic had not run out of funds – officials had simply stopped applying for them. Steimer followed up with an update on how the program that saved thousands of Memphians from evictions in 2021 and 2022 is returning, although in new forms, thanks in part to our reporting.
Shining a light on environmental injustice and racism. Reporter Carrington Tatum carved out an environmental justice beat focused on developers’ attempts to route an oil pipeline through the majority-Black neighborhood of Boxtown in Memphis. Tatum was the first to report on Plains’ use of eminent domain in Memphis to force access to land that owners wouldn’t sell to them. His persistent reporting forced the council member representing Boxtown to end his silence and respond to residents he had ignored. Local organizers credit MLK50’s early stories as the spark that got them together to organize against the project. Tatum’s work also helped draw national attention to the cause; former Vice President Al Gore gave Tatum an exclusive interview after speaking at an anti-pipeline rally. A few months later, the Byhalia Pipeline developers announced they were abandoning the plan.
Erasing nearly $12 million in medical debt for impoverished patients. MLK50 and ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative newsroom, reported on the predatory collection policies of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, the Memphis area’s largest hospital system, which sued and garnished the wages of thousands of poor patients, including its own employees, for unpaid medical debts. As a result of that investigation, the nonprofit faith-based hospital system subsequently announced it would curtail its lawsuits and zeroed out the balances owed by more than 5,300 patients. Methodist also said it would raise the minimum wage it pays employees, dramatically expand its financial assistance policy for hospital care and stop suing its employees for unpaid medical debts.
To learn more about MLK50, please visit http://mlk50.com/.
The Opportunity
MLK50 is excited to embark on a Co-Executive Leadership model. The current executive editor is assuming one co-executive position, effective Summer 2024, and the organization is engaging in a national, external search to hire an outstanding leader to work in partnership with her. The successful candidate will bring a flexible mindset and will be open to the potential involved in exploring how to best position both co-executive directors for success, individually and jointly, based on the strengths they bring to the organization.
The co-executive directors will harness the strong foundation that exists to amplify MLK50’s influence, extending its reach to new audiences. They will deepen the quality and scope of reporting and play an instrumental role in expanding investigative and community journalism, scaling impact and reaffirming dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
The current co-executive director will focus on driving editorial and engagement vision. They will set and manage the editorial and engagement budgets, as well as establish and oversee strategic goals in these areas, and will manage the entire editorial department. Additionally, they will spearhead community partnerships, advocacy efforts, and represent MLK50 at high-level editorial, engagement and journalism industry events.
Meanwhile, the co-executive director we are hiring for will set and manage the business operations budget as well as establish and oversee strategic goals in these areas, lead sustainability planning, manage financial audits and ensure legal compliance. They also will take charge in advancing our fundraising efforts, cultivating foundation partnerships, stewarding donor relationships and representing MLK50 at business or nonprofit industry public speaking events. They also will manage the development director, development manager and any future operations and finance roles. This is a unique opportunity for someone to flex both their skills in business operations and fundraising.
Together, the co-executive directors will foster an inclusive organizational culture, striving to create a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute and thrive.
The co-executive director we are hiring for will be expected to perform key duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to:
Strategic Vision & Leadership
- In partnership with the other co-executive director, provide visionary leadership to guide the organization through transformative changes, aligning actions with MLK50's mission and values; Inspire and empower staff by fostering a shared sense of purpose, direction and commitment to advancing justice through journalism;
- Utilize strategic thinking and foresight to chart MLK50's next chapter, identifying emerging opportunities and challenges within the journalism landscape;
- Set the tone for an organizational culture of care and integrity, and support and foster the development of relationships and trust with MLK50 staff and the next generation of leaders in the organization.
Organizational Management
- Think long-term, and strategically plan for financial sustainability, forecasting needs, exploring innovative revenue streams, and spearheading the transition from fiscal sponsorship to independent 501(c)(3) status;
- Ensure systems, processes, and work plans across the organization are aligned to a common vision and that day-to-day operations are set up for maximum impact;
- Develop and manage budgets effectively, allocating resources in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic initiative;
- Foster effective communication and collaboration between editorial and business operations teams, ensuring alignment and synergy.
Development Leadership & External Relationship-Building
- Play a leading role in donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship across a variety funders, collaborating with the director of development and co-executive director to build donor relationships;
- Collaborate with the co-executive director on overall strategy and goal-setting for development, with a particular focus on providing leadership and guidance around relationship-building strategy and approach;
- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies in partnership with the development director to ensure financial stability and sustainability, aligning with organizational priorities and growth objectives;
- Represent MLK50 externally, serving as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization with stakeholders, partners, and the public;
- Contribute to the establishment and development of a board of directors for MLK50, identifying and engaging potential board members who align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
Candidate Profile
Strong candidates for the co-executive director position will be energized by the concept of shared leadership and value its benefits, and welcome the opportunity to co-lead MLK50, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability necessary for evolving roles within a co-leadership model. Candidates will demonstrate many of the following skills, experiences, and characteristics:
- A deep commitment to the mission of advancing justice and equality through impactful journalism. Prior exposure to working within or adjacent to journalism, media, or social justice organizations is a plus.
- A strong connection to our mission and the Memphis communities. This may be demonstrated by lived experiences shared with the communities the organization aims to amplify, or through personal or professional experience working with similar populations.
- A proven record of success in leadership, with experience building and implementing strategic plans and managing teams; demonstrated leadership in nonprofit organizations.
- A demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively, including budget planning, allocation of financial resources, and ensuring fiscal responsibility aligned with organizational priorities.
- Skillful relationship-building, advocacy and networking abilities, with experience representing an organization to donors, partners and community members. They will be a persuasive and engaging communicator who can connect with and inspire a wide range of audiences.
- The ability to think strategically and guide a team from vision to results. They will establish appropriate goals and work plans, provide resources to fulfill them, address barriers to success, adapt to change and sustain positive morale.
- Proven experience in fundraising and/or partnership-building, including success in securing philanthropic gifts and/or partnerships.
- A team-oriented approach to leadership and management, fostering a supportive and cohesive culture that encourages team members' success and empowers them as leaders. They will lead by example to create an environment oriented toward collaboration, trust, ongoing learning, feedback and work/life balance.
Compensation & Location
The salary range for this position is $125,000 -$140,000 a year. A comprehensive benefits package includes 100% employee health care, dental and vision coverage, a professional development stipend, 401K match and generous paid time off. This position is based out of MLK50’s office in Memphis and provides the option for a hybrid schedule.
Contact
Trisha Sutrisno and Shelby Woods of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role, please submit your materials by filling out the Talent Profile. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
MLK50 is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy — The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World — guides our work as we partner with nonprofits and NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world. For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.