Director of Philanthropic Partnerships

The Pivot Fund seeks an experienced Director of Philanthropic Partnerships to support its mission of empowering independent community news outlets serving BIPOC and underrepresented audiences. The Director of Philanthropic Partnerships leads fundraising and works closely with the CEO. 

The senior-level position plans, develops, and implements comprehensive strategies to secure individual and institutional donations and investments to support The Pivot Fund’s programs, financial sustainability, and growth. The director oversees all aspects of philanthropic giving, including special events, annual funds, major gifts, planned giving, corporate giving, and foundation giving. The director also manages donor identification, outreach, cultivation, and stewardship with a development associate. 

The ideal candidate is passionate about building community news organizations as a vital part of our democracy and has experience with long-range development planning, implementing fundraising campaigns, donor and volunteer relations, marketing, and special event communications.

Position Responsibilities:

• Direct the development team to ensure the successful management, planning, and execution of effective event fundraisers, cultivation of corporate gifts/sponsorships, and timeliness of gift processing, external communications, and mailings
• Maintain existing relationships with funders, major donors, and investors
• Prospect and build relationships with corporations, foundations, and philanthropists 
• Identify and write grants, as well as track and prepare grant reports
• Establish annual fundraising goals, including specific goals for events and campaigns 
• Prepare and meet the department’s revenue and expense budgets
• Create and maintain partnerships that open The Pivot Fund to new investment areas
• Oversee, develop, and execute current and new special events, including fundraising and stewardship events, and increase event sponsorships  
• Direct and manage all communications on fundraising/campaigns/grant proposals
• Maintain an up-to-date development database and ensure that gift reporting is accurate

In addition to these responsibilities, the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships performs other activities the CEO assigns.

Qualifications and Skills

• Seven (7) or more years of professional experience with a background in fundraising for nonprofits $6m+
• High level of integrity and commitment to The Pivot Fund’s mission, vision, and core values
• Ability to work strategically, set priorities, define goals and outcomes, detail tactics, and achieve results
• Success in organizing fundraising events, including the procurement of corporate sponsorship, grant writing, and soliciting major gifts
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop strong donor relationships; ability to work independently and with flexibility; ability to make direct solicitations of donors
• Experience with all aspects of donor development, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills and ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred
• Knowledge of the media and its use in gaining exposure for all Pivot Fund programs and events
• Ability to artfully build consensus and bring people together
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Computer skills and technology usage
• Organization skills and attention to detail
• Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and auto insurance showing as an insured driver on the policy
• Open to travel up to four times a year

This is a remote position. The salary range for the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships is $145,000-$150,000 based on experience.

The Pivot Fund celebrates diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. You may not have all the skills listed in this job posting. But if you believe you have what it takes to perform the job, we encourage you to apply at  susan@thepivotfund.org.

The Pivot Fund is a new venture philanthropy organization dedicated to investing in independent BIPOC-led community news. Ready to make a difference? Join us in empowering local communities through journalism. Together, let’s strengthen our democracy through informed communities. 

The Pivot Fund seeks a Director of Portfolio Services to support its mission of empowering independent community news outlets serving BIPOC and underrepresented audiences. The Director of Portfolio Services will ensure their success and impact across communities nationwide. 

The director oversees a three-person team that works closely with publishers of BIPOC and other community news organizations. The team provides thought leadership, data-driven insights, and editorial and operational support to build capacity, deepen impact, and advance quality news and information. The director also manages the selection of news outlets to receive grants and wraparound services from The Pivot Fund and collaborates with other teams within the organization to engage with and serve grantees.

Position Responsibilities

• Cultivate a dynamic peer-learning ecosystem where grantees collaborate, share best practices, and innovate together, strengthening the fabric of local journalism
• Spearhead thought leadership initiatives to refine how we measure and enhance the impact of BIPOC community-serving news organizations
• Lead and inspire a dedicated team of three employees, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in portfolio management and support
• Collaborate across Pivot Fund teams to advance external strategies and amplify our impact within journalism and philanthropy
• Prepare and meet the department’s revenue and expense budgets 
• Ensure regular contact with grantees and maintain a database of grantees
• Identify resources to help build grantee capacity and sustainability
• Oversee annual evaluations of grantees and grant renewals

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience working with community news that serves BIPOC and underrepresented audiences
• Understanding of challenges facing local and community news and efforts to address them
• Experience working with diverse teams and demonstrated cultural competency
• Knowledge of revenue sources for news, including events, sponsorships, advertising, content management tools, and how to drive audience growth
• Ability to work strategically, set priorities, define goals and outcomes, detail tactics, and achieve results
• An entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in fast-paced environments, where you drive transformative solutions that reshape local news landscapes
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent preferred
• Ability to artfully build consensus and bring people together
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Computer skills and technology usage
• Organization skills and attention to detail
• Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and auto insurance showing as an insured driver on the policy
• Open to travel up to four times a year

The Director of Portfolio Services reports to the Managing Director. This is a remote position. The salary is $110,000 annually.

The Pivot Fund celebrates diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. You may not have all the skills listed in this job posting. But if you believe you have what it takes to perform the job, we encourage you to apply at susan@thepivotfund.org.

The Pivot Fund is a new venture philanthropy organization dedicated to investing in independent BIPOC-led community news. Ready to make a difference? Join us in empowering local communities through journalism. Together, let’s strengthen our democracy through informed communities. 

The Pivot Fund seeks a passionate and proactive Portfolio Services Associate to support its mission of empowering independent community news outlets serving BIPOC and underrepresented audiences. Reporting directly to the Portfolio Services Manager, the Portfolio Associate is crucial in supporting our grantees, advancing our mission, and driving positive impact in local and community media. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of editorial strategy, revenue consulting, and project management and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities:

1. Grantee Support: Provide hands-on support to hyper-local BIPOC-led newsrooms, including editorial strategy development, revenue consulting, problem-solving, and resource allocation
2. Project Management: Collaborate with grantees to develop project plans, set milestones, and track progress toward the newsroom’s editorial and revenue goals. Ensure timely and effective execution of grant-funded initiatives
3. Data Analysis: We collect and analyze data to assess the impact of our funding and support efforts. We identify trends, insights, and areas for improvement to inform strategic decision-making
4. Reporting: Prepare regular reports on grantee performance, project outcomes, and key metrics. Communicate findings and recommendations to the Pivot Fund team and external stakeholders
5. Relationship Management: Cultivate strong relationships with grantees, partners, and industry stakeholders. Serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for hyper-local BIPOC-led newsrooms within the media ecosystem
6. Fundraising Support: Provide data-driven insights, success stories, and impact metrics to assist the portfolio manager in fundraising efforts and communicate Pivot Fund's value proposition to potential donors and supporters
7. Research and Innovation: Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches in media, journalism, and philanthropy. Share insights and recommendations for continuous improvement

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, business, or related field. Or over two years of relevant experience
• Two or more years of experience in journalism, media, nonprofit management, or related fields.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive, self-motivated, adaptable team player
• Passion for supporting hyper-local BIPOC-led newsrooms and advancing social impact

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the media industry and communities we serve

This is a full-time, remote position. The salary is $68,000 annually.

The Pivot Fund celebrates diversity and encourages applicants of all backgrounds. You may not have all the skills listed in this job posting. But if you believe you have what it takes to perform the job, we encourage you to send a resume, cover letter, and work samples to susan@thepivotfund.org.

The Pivot Fund is a new venture philanthropy organization dedicated to investing in independent BIPOC-led community news. Ready to make a difference? Join us in empowering local communities through journalism. Together, let’s strengthen our democracy through informed communities.