The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism (www.venetoulisinstitute.org) is launching The Baltimore Banner, a new paradigm for digital first, cross-channel local media. Their content will extend across web, mobile, radio and video. Their vision is to be the leading provider of news and lifestyle content in the Baltimore area. Here is a note from the founder of the Institute regarding their mission: https://venetoulisinstitute.org/letter-from-founder-of-venetoulis-for-all-institute

Overview of the role:

The Director of Strategy will report to the CEO and work on a wide range of initiatives including M&A, growth strategy, marketing strategy and product strategy. This is a critical role in the organization. The CEO is seeking a strategic thought partner to help define the go-forward organization. The unusual scope creates an opportunity for a qualified, analytically-minded candidate to make a huge impact on this fast-growing organization. This is a great opportunity for the right person who is looking for broad experience in building a business and potentially redefining the industry.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

Work with CEO to drive development of the business strategy, taking the firm from a start-up to a sustainable model for local news

Facilitate the development of an integrated strategy across all functional areas, including Newsroom, Marketing, Product, Advertising, etc. that supports the overall vision

Corporate Development

Identify and evaluate targets for acquisition that provide strategic advantage in terms of audience, reach, revenue, brand and/or technology

Perform thorough due diligence and financial analysis of acquisition targets

Prepare decks for board presentation

Growth Strategy

Develop ideas for new products, markets or revenue opportunities

Follow a strategic consulting-type framework and process for planning and evaluating growth initiatives

Marketing & Product Strategy

Partner with Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Product Officer to lend strategic analysis to new and existing strategies

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in business or a quantitative discipline. MBA preferred.

Ability to deal with ambiguity, have a flexible mind and willingness to pivot as circumstances dictate.

Significant professional experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, strategy consulting or corporate development.

Top notch communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Excellent quantitative and analytical skills and significant experience in applying these skills to strategic business challenges. Must have strong modeling skills.

Ability to conceptualize ideas and communicate to a diverse stakeholder group.

Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively.

Desire to work in an early stage, high-growth and mission-driven organization.

Ability to work in our Baltimore office 4 days/week.