Director of Funding Initiatives (part-time contract employee)
Local Media Association, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association serving the local news media industry, and Local Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association, seek an experienced and well-versed Director of Funding Initiatives to facilitate and grow LMA and LMF relationships with major philanthropic funders of local news, and lead efforts on behalf of our constituents in the local media industry who enact programs and projects using these funds.
The Director will work closely with our CEO Emeritus on preparing funding “pitches,” proposals and applications, periodic progress reports to current funders, researching new opportunities and nurturing relationships with foundations and other funders.
The Director, working with the LMA/LMF team, will help lead and administer the LMF Local News Fund (resembling a “fiscal sponsorship” program), which accepts grants and donations to support journalism and community education programs from news organizations across the U.S.
- Provide strategic and operational support on all LMA and LMF funding programs (including funding for our collaboratives and labs, and funding for programs enacted by our constituents in the industry).
- Oversee LMF’s fundraising process including: financial management of grants (or records of receipts and disbursements of funds), fundraising reporting, and donor databases.
- General communications and relations with foundations and other donors.
- Assist with corporate and foundation fundraising. Manage tracking system for proposals and reports; assist fundraisers with grant application and submission process.
- Research prospective funders to acquire additional grant revenue for LMA/LMF programs.
- Manage annual state charitable registrations, renewals, and financial reporting process.
- Manage periodic fundraising team meetings and create solicitation materials.
- Serve as grant writer and prospect researcher for local media organizations who contract services with LMA/LMF.
- Serve as staff expert on journalism funding (IRS requirements, compliance issues, agreements/MOUs, etc.) for LMA collaboratives.
- Oversee LMF’s Local News Fund program; vet all potential projects; provide support, training and best practices for participant news organizations; and manage reporting processes.
- Serve as primary point of contact for Local News Fund projects. Assist with the vetting, onboarding, and ongoing management of projects and the news organizations that enact them, ensuring compliance with all legal, financial and organizational requirements.
- Coordinate production of and help write LMA/LMF’s quarterly email newsletter for funders and constituents.
- Manage LMF’s own year-end fundraising campaign.
- Work with finance/accounting team to manage financial tracking of grants and programs, by project and by year.
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, philanthropic studies, business administration, public policy and/or journalism. Advanced degree not required but is a plus.
- Minimum of three years of experience in philanthropic funding development and management. Media industry experience is a plus but not required.
- Demonstrated success in preparing and delivering funding proposals, “pitch decks,” grant applications and supporting materials.
- Demonstrated success in completing required periodic reports to funders and other stakeholders, both narrative and financial.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace productivity applications, as well as web-based applications for data analysis, document management and other relevant computer programs. Experience with web-based grant tracking systems such as Little Green Light is a major plus.
- Comfort and efficiency with a fast pace of both program management and hands-on work.
- Experience working with foundations acting as fiscal sponsors or fiscal agents is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with grant accounting principles and requirements.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication, management and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Position details: Nonexempt/Hourly, up to 27 hours per week, part-time contract employee for 1 year, renewable subject to funding.
Location: Anywhere in the continental United States with reliable broadband internet access. Local Media Association and Local Media Foundation are virtual organizations. Exact work schedule is negotiable, but most LMA/LMF business is conducted weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Starting: ASAP, preferably in August 2025. The position will remain open for applications until filled.
Reports to: LMA co-Chief Executive Officer. The Director will also perform substantial work for our CEO Emeritus, who leads funder relationships.
We are a virtual organization. Candidates should be self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. We offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. LMA/LMF encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Interested in the job? If so, please send a résumé, cover letter and any other materials that might help us understand your experience and qualifications, by email to [email protected] with “Director of Funding Initiatives” in the subject line.