Manager, Local News Sustainability (Remote)

Are you ready to make a real impact in the world of journalism and our democracy? At Report for America, we're on a mission to rebuild local news in the U.S. by supporting the journalists and newsrooms that produce local news and the communities that depend on it. We're a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the next generation of journalists and helping local newsrooms become more financially stable. We’re an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning, independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization.

About Us: 

Report for America (RFA) is a transformative national service program dedicated to revitalizing local journalism by placing skilled journalists in newsrooms to cover under-reported issues and communities. RFA supports newsrooms by providing grant funds to cover the journalist’s salary, enabling newsrooms to leverage new reporters to engage with untapped audiences and generate additional revenue. In its mission to nurture both the next generation of journalists and newsrooms, RFA offers essential fundraising support, training, and peer engagement. These initiatives focus on critical topics such as philanthropy and innovative tools like AI, empowering newsrooms to sustain their operations and better serve their communities. In 2023 alone, RFA helped local newsrooms raise an impressive $7.4 million, contributing to a remarkable total of $30 million in local revenue generated since the program's inception. Join us in supporting the future of local journalism and ensuring that every community has access to the vital stories that matter most.

The Opportunity: 

The Manager, Local News Sustainability will work with partner newsrooms to build their capacity to raise local philanthropic support. In concert with the Director of Local News Sustainability, this role will engage in one-on-one mentorship and host cohort-based fundraising training both in-person and through virtual tools. 

What You’ll Do:

• Assess Newsroom Needs: Conduct thorough evaluations of partner newsrooms to identify specific challenges and opportunities, providing tailored support to enhance their sustainability and impact.
• Provide Direct Local News Sustainability Support: Offer hands-on assistance and resources to help newsrooms implement effective strategies for growth and fundraising, ensuring they can thrive in their communities.
• Prioritize and Assign Deliverables: Strategically prioritize and delegate tasks and deliverables to newsroom partners, ensuring alignment with their goals and maximizing efficiency in meeting project timelines.
• Track Newsroom Success Stories: Monitor and document the achievements of partner newsrooms, showcasing their impact and growth to inspire further support and engagement.
• Draft Campaign Materials: Collaborate with newsroom partners to create compelling campaign materials that effectively communicate their stories, needs, and fundraising goals.
• Create Donor Profiles: Develop comprehensive profiles for both individual and institutional donors, highlighting their interests, giving history, and alignment with our mission to enhance targeted outreach and relationship-building.
• Review Grant Proposals: Evaluate grant proposals submitted by newsroom partners, providing constructive feedback and ensuring alignment with funding opportunities and organizational objectives.
• Write Letters of Support: Craft impactful letters of support for newsroom partners seeking funding, emphasizing their contributions to local journalism and community engagement.
• Oversee Fundraising Software: Manage the fundraising software platform, ensuring its effective use for fundraising and reporting, while also approving related expenses to maintain budgetary compliance.
   

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or philanthropic advising.
• A genuine passion for local journalism and a deep understanding of journalism philanthropy is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in training or mentoring individuals in one-on-one or cohort settings.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and effective project management capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative nonprofit environment, working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
   

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Join us in reshaping the future of local journalism! If you're ready to lead, inspire, and drive change, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become a crucial part of the Report for America mission!

The GroundTruth Project and Report for America is an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

The GroundTruth Project and Report for America believes in fair and equitable pay. 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.