[Hiring] Development Director @Capital B

Role Description

The Development Director will be responsible for maintaining and growing our philanthropic budget by soliciting major gifts and foundation grants and directing the operations of our overall development team. More than a portfolio manager, we’re looking for a catalytic fundraiser — someone who will build Capital B’s major donor program from the ground up and fundamentally change the scope of major giving at this organization, now and for years to come.

The right candidate will have a vision for what it looks like to bring in transformational, institution-defining gifts: the kind that get Capital B to the next level, lets us build out the fullness of our editorial vision, serve the maximum possible audience, and create the financial foundation for sustained, long-term impact. This is a rare opportunity to do something genuinely consequential for the Black press and Black communities.

This role presents a special opportunity to help build a sustainable future for Black news, supporting the efforts of Capital B’s journalists to bring high-quality, trustworthy reporting to our audiences.

The Development Director will actively expand fundraising by leading a program of rigorous prospecting, research, deep relationship building, and innovation. This position reports to the Chief Revenue Officer and works closely with the executive team. In addition to managing their own portfolio, the Development Director will lead the day-to-day operations of the development team. Some travel is required.

Salary: $130,000–$150,000, based on experience

Location: Remote

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field, including a demonstrated track record of securing six-figure gifts
• Management experience and a track record of growing philanthropic revenue for an organization
• Demonstrated ability to create successful cultivation and stewardship strategies that lead to long-term donor relationships
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and analytical skills, including experience with prospect research and data-driven decision making
• Experience with CRM software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write and edit compelling donor communications, proposals, and briefing materials
• A builder mentality — including a willingness to contribute to all aspects of the development process and get your hands dirty as Capital B grows
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholders, including foundation staff, high net-worth individuals, journalists, board members, and community partners
• Creativity, boldness, and innovative ideas about how to build the pipeline of journalism funders
• A deep understanding of the importance of journalism for our democracy and how Black audiences and storytelling fit within that imperative
• Familiarity with journalism and/or equity work preferred; experience in nonprofit organizations a plus
• Empathy, kindness, and patience
• A genuine connection to Capital B's mission and an understanding of why journalism matters in Black communities and in our democracy.

Requirements

• Design, build, and manage Capital B’s major donor program by creating the infrastructure, relationships, and solicitation program to attract and close transformational individual gifts
• Steer all aspects of Capital B’s institutional and major gift giving, from relationship management to grant writing and reporting to prospecting
• Manage and expand an existing portfolio of donors and foundations through rigorous prospecting, deep research, and sustained relationship building and cultivation
• Work closely with CRO & CEO to develop and execute multi-year plans around outreach, pitching, and goals to align with annual budget needs and growth strategy
• Collaborate regularly with:
  • CRO on special projects grants, corporate giving, and event revenue
  • Chief audience officer on the small donor membership program, maintaining an understanding of its operations in order to create, own, and execute a clear advancement strategy for the program list, and to align on semi-annual drives and giving campaigns
  • Editorial leadership to maintain an up-to-date understanding of Capital B’s editorial plans and mission, and for potential donor meetings
  • Finance and operations team on grant reporting, project budgets, and revenue forecasting
• Organize 2–3 virtual and in-person convenings for current and prospective funders a year
• Manage the development team — a full-time staff of two, plus any outside consultants or freelancers — and lead the day-to-day operations of the development functions, including event planning and supporting grant and gift proposal writing across the team

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($130,000–$150,000)
• Generous PTO and company holidays
• 20 weeks parental leave and 12 weeks caregiver leave
• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and short-term disability
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Professional development fund
• Monthly phone and internet stipend