Director of Community Partnerships, The Macon Melody

Description:

Director of Community Partnerships, The Macon Melody

Company: Georgia Trust for Local News (GTLN), a subsidiary of the National Trust for Local News

Location: Macon, GA (In-person role with some flexibility for occasional remote work)

Reports To: Executive Director, GTLN

Key Collaborator: GTLN Head of Advertising and NTLN leadership

Overview:

The Macon Melody—a startup community news brand supported by the Georgia Trust for Local News—is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of Community Partnerships to lead the business growth and operational excellence of this bold new venture. This role serves as the day-to-day leader and public face of The Macon Melody, overseeing advertising sales, partnerships, local marketing, audience growth and community engagement strategies that drive financial sustainability and civic impact.

The Director of Community Partnerships will work closely with GTLN/NTLN teams to grow revenue, expand audience, and build deep relationships with Macon's business, civic, and philanthropic communities. The Director of Community Partnerships will also be a close partner with editorial leadership at The Macon Melody to ensure that editorial strategy aligns with the long-term sustainability of the brand. This is a high-impact opportunity for a business-minded leader who believes in the power of local journalism and is ready to help shape a new model for community news in Macon.

Key Responsibilities:

Revenue & Sales

• Lead advertising, sponsorship, and underwriting efforts for The Macon Melody.

• Build and execute local sales strategies aligned with GTLN’s digital and print product offerings.

• Develop compelling value propositions for local businesses and community partners.

• Set and achieve revenue goals, providing regular reporting and forecasts.

Community Leadership

• Serve as a visible advocate and ambassador for The Macon Melody within the Macon community.

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with local businesses, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations.

• Represent the brand at events, in public forums, and with local media.

Business Operations

• Oversee the local P&L, working closely with GTLN leadership on budget planning and financial reporting.
  Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust strategy to meet goals.

• Collaborate with editorial and marketing teams to align audience growth with revenue strategies.

Team & Culture

• Partner with GTLN and NTLN colleagues to create a vibrant, inclusive team culture.

• Contribute to a startup environment marked by experimentation, feedback loops, and rapid iteration.

• Identify local opportunities for growth, from distribution channels to event sponsorships.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, or community leadership, preferably in media or a mission-aligned organization.

• Strong track record of revenue generation and business leadership.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for local news and community storytelling.

• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a remote team.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Deep knowledge of or ties to the Macon community is a major plus.

The National Trust for Local News is a proud equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

About The Macon Melody

The Macon Melody is a bold new local news startup rooted in the heart of Georgia. Our mission is to tell the stories of Macon with vibrancy, depth, and integrity—serving readers with trusted reporting while celebrating the city’s past, present, and future. We are proudly supported by the Georgia Trust for Local News and the National Trust for Local News.

Additional Information

The Georgia Trust for Local News is a community newspaper company that serves Middle and South Georgia. We are dedicated to strengthening community newspapers across our state, fostering local engagement, and building stronger, more connected communities. The Georgia Trust for Local News is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Local News (NTLN), a non-profit committed to conserving, transforming and sustaining vibrant community news enterprises across the country. The Georgia Trust consists of 19 community news brands that serve 900,000 Georgians in communities across Middle and South Georgia. GTLN titles include iconic publications with deep roots in the communities they serve, like The Albany Herald, Dublin’s Courier Herald, The Sparta Ishmaelite and The Talbotton New Era along with new brands like The Macon Melody.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local communities and contribute to the mission of preserving quality journalism in Georgia. If you are passionate about the future of local news and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications to Maria Boyd, mboyd@metln.org