Apply for this global program by May 1 and lead through uncertainty with clarity, confidence and community!
Today’s journalists are being asked to lead without a stable playbook. They have to navigate rapid advances in AI, shrinking resources, evolving audience expectations, and declining trust, all while guiding their organizations through constant change. And they are expected to launch new products, rethink workflows and redefine business models without the time or training to do so strategically.
The Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership, now accepting applications for its seventh cohort, empowers newsroom leaders to meet this moment and grow their career confidently.
The program, a year-long certificate by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, is open to global leaders from editorial, product, business, and technology backgrounds at local, national, and international news organizations. It blends virtual learning with three in-person residencies in New York City, expert instruction with personalized coaching and a Capstone project. It runs from August 2026 to June 2027.
“We equip participants with practical frameworks to lead transformation across editorial, product, technology, and business teams and we create the space, support, and peer community for leaders to test ideas responsibly and move forward with clarity and confidence,” said Kyle Plantz, Senior Director of Leadership Programs at the Newmark J-School.
Mariah Craddick, Executive Director of Product at The Atlantic and Executive Program alum of the 2025 cohort, credits the Executive Program with shaping her leadership journey.
“Being in this program has made me a smarter, more thoughtful, more empathetic leader and I feel empowered to continue changing this industry for the better,” she said.
You can join Mariah Craddick, Program Director Kyle Plantz, and other alumni for a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. ET, where they will dive deeper into the program and answer questions.
A high-achieving network of global alumni
Participants in previous cohorts have represented organizations such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Gannett, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Texas Tribune, The 19th, Zetland, O Globo, GMA Network, Helsingin Sanomat, Der Spiegel and The Baltimore Banner. Alumni hold leadership titles including Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Head of Audience, Executive Director, Senior Product Manager, Chief Revenue Officer, and Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation.
Previous alumni continue to apply what they’ve learned in the program to lead organizational change across the industry. Gary Lavariere began the program as Chief Financial Officer at The Berkshire Eagle and now serves as its Publisher. Amber Payne is the newly appointed Chief Experience Officer at Rocky Mountain Public Media, where she is leading efforts to strengthen audience engagement and organizational strategy. Annika Ruoranen, who previously led AI governance at Yle, now works as a senior advisor on AI, change management, strategy, and product.
A holistic curriculum and hard-driving projects
The curriculum includes coursework in AI strategy and adoption, product development, audience and revenue growth, operations, and organizational change. Participants will explore how to pilot and evaluate AI tools, develop new editorial and business products, align cross-functional teams around innovation priorities, and lead transformation efforts within their organizations.
Participants will complete coursework and workshops that culminate in a capstone project. Each participant will be partnered with an executive coach who will provide mentorship throughout the program and support the development of their capstone project.
Apply today!
To apply, prospective candidates must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation highlighting their leadership strengths, and a 1,000-word letter of intent explaining their goals and motivations for joining the program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with final selections involving an interview with the admissions committee. Fluency in English is required. Tuition is $27,000, with scholarship opportunities available.
Applications will be open through May 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To stay updated on this program and others, please sign up for our mailing list.