We’re Hiring: Director of Programs

Location: Remote (U.S.) | Reports to: CEO | Works closely with: Chief Development Officer

Direct reports: Portfolio manager, Communications manager (and others as applicable)

Status: Full-time, Exempt

About The Pivot Fund

The Pivot Fund empowers independent, community-rooted news outlets serving underrepresented urban and rural communities. We provide funding and strategic support that strengthen local news ecosystems and help build a more inclusive democracy.

Position Overview

The Pivot Fund is seeking a mission-driven, collaborative and innovative  Director of Programs to lead the strategy and execution of plans to sustain grantee partners. The director will oversee our investments in local news organizations to deepen impact, advance quality news and information, and build revenue, operational and editorial capacity. 

The director supervises a small, dynamic team dedicated to empowering grantees by providing thought leadership, mentorship, training and hands-on support. The director also helps identify and select news outlets for grants, oversees communications with grantees and collaborates with other Pivot Fund teams to offer training and support for grantees. 

The ideal candidate has working knowledge of the U.S. local media landscape, management experience in for-profit or nonprofit media, and proven ability to provide multidisciplined coaching to first-time and small publishers.

Major Responsibilities

• Identify prospective grantees, develop tailored outreach and pitches, and lead funding selection
• In conjunction with grantees and the Portfolio Managers, develop and manage plans to strengthen grantee sustainability 
• Develop and lead asset audits of first-time grantees, focusing on revenue, audience, and content growth opportunities across platforms
• Inform The Pivot Fund’s strategy and programming through learnings and data drawn from our work with grantees
• Lead annual grantee evaluations and oversee the preparation of grant renewals
• Work with the leadership team to design and participate in funder education opportunities 

Grantee Support & Coaching

• Coach grantees on philanthropic and earned-revenue models, providing support, when needed, to launch and iterate on products and services that strengthen the organizations’ sustainability
• Identify resources and partnerships to help build grantee capacity and sustainability
• Cultivate a dynamic peer-learning ecosystem where grantees collaborate, share best practices, and innovate together through organizing regular convenings and training sessions
• Maintain a database of grantees, respond to inquiries from, and conduct outreach to prospective grantees

Internal Leadership

• Lead Pivot’s Portfolio team on best practices, tools, and templates that can strengthen sustainability across grantee partners
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Portfolio Manager and Communications Manager 
• Share insights and learnings from revenue-building work to support field-building and organizational strategy
• Coordinate with the Communications Manager to amplify grantees’ work and provide lessons for the field

Qualifications and Skills 

• Leadership experience in media, journalism, or philanthropy strongly preferred
• Knowledge of revenue sources for news (events, sponsorship, and advertising), content management tools, and how to drive audience growth
• General management experience, including budget responsibility, is strongly preferred in prior roles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft and edit engaging narratives
•  Demonstrated experience working effectively with historically marginalized communities and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (e.g., business, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and remote work environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and auto insurance showing as an insured driver on the policy
• Open to travel for the role up to four times a year

Compensation & Benefits 

• Location: Full-time, remote position (U.S.-based).
• Salary Range: $130,000 to $145,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Time Off: Generous PTO policy offered to all full-time employees.
• Healthcare & Wellness:
  • Healthcare coverage, including medical, vision, and dental.
  • Free membership in One Medical, a digital health and virtual care service.
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • 401 (k) plan.
• Insurance & Protection:
  • Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Life Insurance.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience to hello@thepivotfund.org with “Director of Programs” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Pivot Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies.