Director of Development

About The Organization

The Examination produces fearless journalism for a healthier world, investigating health threats and empowering communities, covering tobacco, big food, pollution and more.

The Examination is an independent nonprofit newsroom – the only news outlet that solely focuses on investigating preventable health threats and empowering people in harm's way. Our journalism draws on the scientific method and rigorously-collected evidence. It is informed by research showing that certain industrial products and practices are responsible for more than a third of all global deaths. The goal is not only to elevate health risks, but to deliver vital information to communities and stakeholders that can use it to drive change.

Through our journalism, the Examination has been able to elevate health crises that do vast harm but get insufficient attention, and draw attention to those responsible. We've reported on dietician social media influencers who are paid to promote ultra-processed and high-sugar food, the tobacco industry's efforts to sell a new generation of addictive products, how oil wells and lead recyclers are threatening local communities and much more.

We partner with news organizations and engage with communities across the globe to help bridge the knowledge and accountability gap, exposing and explaining health risks and inequities, and pointing the way to possible solutions.

Our ultimate ambition journalism that informs public discourse, inspires positive change and leads to a healthier world.

About The Position

The pay range for this position is $140,000 to $170,000 a year, commensurate with experience

We are seeking an experienced Director of Development to join our growing organization. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies, building and maintaining relationships with donors and overseeing the work of the larger development team. The ideal candidate will have prior experience fundraising for a nonprofit organization with global ambitions. News or public health experience would also be helpful. Most of all, we are seeking someone excited to embrace the opportunities, and challenges, presented by supporting the work of a start-up news outlet working to bring about a healthier world through independent investigative journalism.

Key Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

Strategy and Leadership

• As our inaugural Director of Development, create and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to support our mission and goals
• Build a development function that enables the organization to not only produce world-changing reporting, but also disseminate stories, enabling meaningful action at the community level
• Create a strategy to diversify revenue streams, ensure that we have a robust pool of both individual and institutional donors, ensuring we are positioned for sustainable growth beyond the current funder's commitments
• Manage a Senior Development Associate, supporting their growth, mentoring and supporting skills development while also holding them accountable for meeting goals
• Develop programs and strategies to manage a portfolio of donors, overseeing all, including stewardship, solicitation, and recognition activities, with an eye toward meaningful donor engagement
  
  

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Win project-level funding and larger and unrestricted grant funding by investing in the cultivation of key foundations that align with our mission and work
• Work closely with the editorial and operations team to create compelling proposals, grant applications and donor reports, leveraging organizational assets to attract new donors and keep them engaged
• Refine and maintain a donor database and lead data analysis to inform fundraising strategies and enable strategic decision-making
• Collaborate with The Advisory Council, a group of accomplished leaders in media, public health and journalism spheres, to support their ongoing fundraising activities
• Stay up to date with trends in nonprofit fundraising and incorporate new strategies as appropriate
• Retain and collaborate with outside fundraising consultants to drive best-in-class creative and innovative fundraising activities.
  
  

Who You'll Work With

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director and will supervise a Senior Development Associate. They will frequently collaborate with reporters, data managers, and other leaders to leverage their work in fundraising, to elevate The Examination's work to stakeholders with fidelity.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities. The pay range for this position is $140,000 to $170,000 a year, commensurate with experience. This position, like all positions at The Examination, is fully remote but will require travel for donor meetings and staff events.