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BenitoLink is now 15 years old and continues to grow every year. Serving as a founding board member, content manager, editor and currently as executive director, Leslie David has been part of BenitoLink since day one. Leslie recently announced that she will be stepping down on Aug 31, 2026. She will then re-join the BenitoLink Board for a year.
“It is a new era for BenitoLink and a great opportunity for someone inspired by and excited about community nonprofit news,” Leslie said.
Anyone who is interested in this position and has the needed experience, please apply! The full posting is below. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and hope to begin interviewing candidates in early June.
About BenitoLink
BenitoLink is an independent nonprofit news organization in San Benito County that produces high-impact, nonpartisan reporting on issues and subjects ranging from Aromas all the way to Bitterwater.
Founded in 2012 through the Community Foundation for San Benito County and the Knight Foundation, BenitoLink has grown from a startup to a newsroom of 10 to 15 employees (including paid interns) who deliver vital news to San Benito readers.
BenitoLink is committed to being a team that represents the community it serves and building trust with it, both through journalism and by training the next generation of journalists and young professionals through our internship program.
Job title: Executive Director
Organization: BenitoLink
Location: Hollister, California
Reports to: Board of directors
Overview
Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director is the organization’s senior business leader, responsible for revenue generation, operations, finance, marketing and organizational infrastructure, while partnering closely with editorial staff to lead the organization’s vision and direction.
Key responsibilities
External leadership
The executive director is a highly visible and public role. He or she represents BenitoLink 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 executive director will play a key role in developing local funding strategies and community partnerships.
Fundraising and revenue growth
As BenitoLink’s chief fundraiser, the executive director oversees revenue generation across diverse funding streams, including philanthropy, advertising, sponsorships, grants and other earned revenue.
The executive director works with BenitoLink’s business and editorial staff to cultivate, solicit and steward major donors and foundations and explore new partnership opportunities.
Organizational leadership and management
The executive director provides leadership and direction for BenitoLink’s business and operational functions, including finance, human resources, technology, marketing, facilities, legal compliance and business strategy.
BenitoLink promotes a mission-centered culture that supports employee satisfaction and professional growth.
Editorial partnership and newsroom support
The executive director works closely with the board and managing editor on the strategic direction of BenitoLink, while listening and respecting judgment about news operations, staffing and editorial decisions. The executive director works to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration and internal communications.
Board relations and governance
The executive director reports to the board of directors and provides the board regular updates on progress, impact and financial performance. He/she will work with the board on any strategic planning or new initiatives it undertakes.
Qualifications and experience
Applicants may not possess all qualifications listed below. BenitoLink will consider applicants who in previous positions have demonstrated the initiative and ability to assume new areas of responsibility.
So, if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, but you feel this is the role for you, please tell us!
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) preferred.
- Experience in news media, journalism or mission-driven media organizations.
- Five to 10 years of professional experience, including senior leadership roles preferred.
- 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 building community-representative teams.
Preferred qualifications
- Familiarity with BenitoLink, our vision and impact.
- Familiarity with journalism ethics and working collaboratively with editorial teams.
- Experience overseeing marketing, branding and audience development.
- Experience managing employees and 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 healthy organizational cultures.
- Bring people together, motivate teams, and lead with clarity, integrity and purpose.
Compensation and benefits
Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 (commensurate with experience)
Benefits:
- Two weeks of vacation
- Seven holidays and one personal day.
How to apply
Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit a cover letter, two writing samples and resumé with the subject line: “Executive Director.” A search committee expects to start interviews in early June.
Email any questions to recruitment@benitolink.com
BenitoLink 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.
We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. Producing local news is expensive, and community support keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service nonprofit news.