Careers: Director of Development

The Opportunity

The crisis in local news poses a severe threat to democracy and the health of communities. Rebuild Local News believes that in addition to improved business models and increased philanthropy, public policy plays a crucial role. 

Rebuild Local News develops public policies to strengthen local news – and then works on the state and national level to pass effective legislation. Our pathbreaking “policy menu” helped lead to laws and programs passing in New York, Illinois and California, worth $225 million over five years. We are working in another dozen states. Rebuild Local News also runs the Rebuild Local News Coalition, which unites newsrooms, labor unions, and civic organizations committed to revitalizing local journalism. Collectively, the groups in the Coalition represent over 3,000 newsrooms and thousands of journalists, working together to safeguard the future of local news. 

The organization aims to dramatically increase public support for local news through laws on the federal and state level that help support civically important news while protecting editorial independence.

Rebuild Local News seeks its first Director of Development to lead fundraising strategy, implement a major gifts program, and execute development operations. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a growing nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing local news across the country. This role requires an individual who is passionate about the mission of supporting local journalism, with a strong focus on building and executing fundraising strategies that ensure the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development will work closely with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors to create and implement strategies that advance the organization’s goals and maximize its impact.

Primary Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will excel in the following areas:

Comprehensive Development Strategy and Execution

• Lead the creation of a comprehensive fundraising plan to support organizational growth, with a focus on diversifying revenue streams.
• Guide the development of donor cultivation and stewardship strategies, ensuring long-term relationships and sustainable funding.
• Lead and oversee all fundraising activities, including individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, foundations, and events.

Relationship Cultivation and Management

• Cultivate and maintain quality, long-term relationships with donors across the country, ensuring strong engagement and ongoing support.
• Grow Rebuild Local News’ major donor program including managing a portfolio of high-impact individual donors, crafting and executing direct asks, and building a pipeline of prospective donors.
• Work closely with the executive leadership team on foundation relationships to continue to steward existing funders and identify new foundation relationships.
• Develop messaging that connects donors’ values to the organization’s work, demonstrating the importance of a vibrant local news ecosystem to democracy and healthy communities.

Reporting and Analysis

• Develop reports for leadership and the board of directors to show progress towards goals, giving trends, and opportunities for leadership engagement in fundraising activities.
• Oversee the preparation of proposals, reports, and other fundraising materials for donors and funders.
• Develop and maintain donor databases and CRM systems to ensure data accuracy, reporting, and effective relationship management.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Communications

• Grow and lead the development team, fostering a collaborative, results-driven, and inclusive work culture.
• Advocate for the mission of rebuilding and supporting local news, ensuring that donors are motivated by the impact of their contributions on local journalism.
• Collaborate with the Campaign team to identify and foster possible funding partnerships in specific localities.

About the Organization

Rebuild Local News is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to advance public policies to counter the collapse of local news, revitalize community journalism, and strengthen democracy.

The Rebuild Local News team is deeply connected to its mission and supportive of each other’s goals and overall well-being. They are an entirely remote, distributed team and strive to maintain a healthy, fun, and productive workplace, working alongside smart, energetic colleagues who enjoy one another and the work.

Additional Preferred Attributes

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role focused on fundraising strategy and team management.
• A passion for and experience in nonprofit sectors related to journalism, media, or public policy, along with an understanding and network of donors, foundations, or corporate sponsors with an interest in supporting media or democracy-building initiatives.
• Proven track record of securing five- and six-digit gifts from major donors, with experience in developing strategies to expand high-net-worth donor contributions.
• Strong familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
• Proven track record of working as an effective fundraiser and collaborative manager in a remote, distributed team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the organization’s mission and vision to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Creative and open to experimenting with new ideas and strategies while remaining nimble and adaptable to ever-changing circumstances.
• Willing and available for periodic travel when necessary.

Think you are Rebuild Local News’ first Director of Development?

To apply, click on the link to the Director of Development position profile at Armstrong McGuire. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

Review of candidates will begin in March and continue until the position is filled.

The compensation range for this position is $120,000-140,000.  

Rebuild Local News offers generous time off and pays employee premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance plans, and covers most of the cost for eligible dependents for medical insurance. Employees are also offered voluntary enrollment in a full suite of other health coverage options, including disability insurance, life insurance, Health FSA / Dependent Care FSA and more.

Rebuild Local News values equity and inclusion, recognizing that a variety of backgrounds and experiences strengthens our ability to create positive change. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces equity and ensures everyone feels valued and heard.  

Rebuild Local News is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Rebuild Local News believes in fair, transparent, and equitable compensation. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.  

About Armstrong McGuire

Armstrong McGuire is a leading executive search, fundraising and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning.