VP, Philanthropic Development

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

 

The Associated Press seeks a dynamic leader with a demonstrated track record of success in raising extensive funding, along with operating experience within a philanthropy environment, for the role of vice president and head of philanthropic development. This position serves as the senior advancement executive in the organization and can be based in New York or Washington, D.C.

 

The vice president will lead a growing team dedicated to developing diverse funding that will broaden AP’s news report and its suite of products and services that support and strengthen local, regional, national and global news markets. We’re looking for someone who will be a passionate and authoritative ambassador for AP's mission of delivering accurate, nonpartisan journalism, more important today than perhaps it ever has been in AP’s 178-year history.

 

Responsibilities: In this role, you will design and implement a comprehensive vision and strategy for managing and growing philanthropic funding in pursuit of AP’s most ambitious journalism. You will work alongside the executive team of the Associated Press, including the president and CEO, and will help to develop an independent board of directors. You should have superior financial management capabilities and highly persuasive negotiation and presentation skills, and you enjoy networking to cultivate contacts and relationships. You will be charged with building funding capacity as the media landscape continues to shift and evolve.

 

You’ll lead our talented, geographically distributed Philanthropic Development team through an exciting period of expansion, growing this 10-person team in the immediate future. You’ll guide and support your staff to identify funders, develop new partnerships, grow major gifts and steward long-term relationships with institutional foundations and high-net-worth individuals and families. We’re looking for someone who is energized by this unique opportunity to take AP's philanthropic development to the next level.

 

This job is for you if you’re ready to:

 

• Set and meet ambitious goals for fundraising, supported by data-driven decision making that aligns with AP’s strategic priorities.
• Leverage your frontline experience to deepen relationships with senior foundations officials, major donors, family foundations and offices, donor advisors and philanthropic advisors.
• Champion AP’s standards for editorial integrity, values and principles – including AP’s standards for working with partners – while safeguarding the newsroom’s editorial independence.
• Collaborate with AP staff worldwide to incubate innovations and develop initiatives that will support AP's role within the global news ecosystem.
• Regularly travel throughout the U.S. and in key international markets to raise awareness and expand AP’s funding capacity.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• 10+ years of progressive senior advancement and leadership experience in 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations supporting mission-driven work, such as public media, university development, science, health or democracy-related initiatives.
• A successful track record of hands-on donor cultivation and stewardship, with a proven history of building partnerships and closing myriad grants and gifts at the 7-figure level and higher. Experience developing and directing a capital campaign or endowment campaign a major plus.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including sophisticated public speaking, written communication and listening across cultures. You have the credibility and charisma to articulate your ideas in clear, compelling ways that will excite and motivate people to support the work we do.
• A demonstrated history of visionary leadership. You are a collaborative manager who can motivate, inspire and build trust; and you’re passionate about mentoring and empowering your staff. Experience working with journalists and editorial teams is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to juggle complex projects and ruthlessly prioritize. You’re a nimble and creative problem-solver who can quickly pivot and adapt as the news industry evolves.

 

Required Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience. Advanced degrees are a plus.
• An unwavering passion for our mission of delivering accurate, fact-based, nonpartisan journalism.
• A commitment to actively supporting a divers