Vice President of Philanthropy, Major Gifts

What background and skills do you have? (We know not all strong candidates will have all the skills we list. That’s OK. What else do you bring to the table? Please tell us!):

• 10+ years of experience in major gifts or principal gifts fundraising.

• Proven track record securing $100K–$1M+ individual gifts.

• Demonstrated success building major gift strategies across multiple regions or markets.

• Experience partnering closely with CEOs and Boards in high-level solicitations.

• Strategic thinker capable of building systems while executing tactically.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate journalism impact into compelling investment cases.

• Experience in journalism, media, democracy, civic engagement, or adjacent mission-driven sectors is a plus.

• Familiarity with Salesforce and data-driven fundraising environments.

• Comfort operating in a fast-growing, ambitious organization scaling toward national leadership.

• Approaches work with intellectual honesty, seeks truth, and engages thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.

• Values inclusive practices, demonstrating a commitment to antiracism and equality, and building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve.

• Brings a desire to develop subject-matter expertise, operates with transparency, and earns trust through integrity and continuous learning.

THE LEADER WE ARE SEEKING

The successful candidate will be:

• A builder who thrives in growth environments

• A strategist who sees both the forest and the trees

• A relationship-driven fundraiser who inspires confidence and urgency

• A partner to executives and board members

• A believer in the power of trusted journalism to rebuild civic life

A DEFINING MOMENT 

Vision 2030 is our blueprint for leading a civic revival. This role is central to realizing it.

For the right leader, this is not just another fundraising job.

It is an opportunity to help rebuild America’s civic fabric — and to build one of the most innovative, ambitious nonprofit news organizations in the country.

If you are ready to secure transformational investments in democracy’s future, we want to meet you.

Civic News Values, here’s how that shows up in our work together:

• We work as one team.
  Rebuilding local news requires collaboration. We actively nurture a harmonious environment of dignity, respect, and professionalism. We assume good intent, support one another’s growth, and have a team-oriented approach to solving  problems together.

• We pursue truth with intellectual honesty.
  Our work demands rigor. We seek facts, challenge assumptions, and engage thoughtfully with perspectives different from our own. We follow the evidence wherever it leads.

• We practice inclusive journalism.
  Strong civic life depends on representation and trust. We commit to antiracism, equity, and inclusive practices. We build meaningful relationships with the communities we serve and reflect their realities in our reporting.

• We earn trust every day.
  We develop subject-matter expertise. We operate transparently. We take responsibility for our work and keep learning so our journalism remains credible, relevant, and strong.

This full-time, remote-eligible position may be based anywhere in the continental United States. Civic News Company already has a presence: Chicago, Colorado, Indianapolis, Newark, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, New York City, and Washington, D.C. 

The salary range is $170,000 - $195,000; final salary will be determined based on level of experience and geographic location, with a generous benefits package, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance

• Time off that truly supports rest, including 20 days of PTO, a paid one-week recess, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 12 paid holidays in 2026

• Retirement support through a 401(k) with a 4% employer match that is immediately vested

• 100% paid parental leave: 18 weeks fully paid, plus a 2-week part-time return-to-work ramp-up

• Flexible Spending Plan for eligible medical or childcare expenses

• Annual professional development stipend

• Employer-provided life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

• Monthly reimbursement for cell phone and internet expenses

Civic News Company recognizes a staff bargaining unit, Civic News Company, affiliated with the Writers Guild of America, East, a labor union representing thousands of members who write content for news and online media, motion pictures, and television. This position is not included in the Civic News Company bargaining unit.

Physical Requirements of the Job

This role is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting and regular use of standard office equipment, including computers and phones, for up to 8 hours per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Civic News Company Commitment

Civic News Company is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We believe restoring civic trust requires a plurality of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. Civic News Company is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applicants and employees from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to races, colors, national origins, ancestries, creeds, religions, genders, ages, disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientations, and marital statuses. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our shared vision.

Civic News Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Civic News Company is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Civic News Company can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Civic News Company can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.