REVITALIZING LOCAL NEWS

The Alliance Powering the Work

Research shows that nine in ten Americans believe local news is essential for building strong communities, yet the field is facing urgent challenges: shrinking resources, thinly stretched newsrooms, and communities left without access to the information they need. Press Forward is a nationwide, nonpartisan network of funders working to change that.

Through large-scale investments, local Chapters, and field-building initiatives, the coalition is driving capital, energy, and coordination into one of the most important movements of our time: revitalizing local news to protect and advance American democracy. Launched in 2023 with leadership gifts from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Knight Foundation, KFF, Skyline Foundation, Democracy Fund, the Ford Foundation, and others, Press Forward has already:

• Grown its donor base five-fold to more than 110 donors. Collectively, the funder network has distributed over $400 million into the field.
• Distributed $20 million in grants to more than 200 local newsrooms, nearly 40% led by people of color and one-quarter serving rural communities.
• Allocated $22.7 million to strengthen the infrastructure to allow local news outlets to develop, scale, and sustain.
• Launched 42 Chapters across 32 states that are championing local news in their own communities.

Building on this early success, Press Forward is now seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead a five-year, $250 million development campaign to ensure the movement’s growth and sustainability.

Press Forward is anchored by The Miami Foundation, a trusted institution that since 1967 has invested more than $770 million in strengthening communities and today manages more than $570 million in philanthropic assets. The Foundation provides the civic and financial backbone that bolsters this fast-growing national coalition. Press Forward staff are employees of the Foundation.

Recognizing the significance of this leadership hire, Press Forward and The Miami Foundation have retained Vitric Advisors to guide the search for the Chief Development Officer. Vitric is a boutique strategy consulting firm that partners with foundations, collaboratives, and coalitions to navigate complex challenges through executive advising, strategic planning, organizational development, and leadership searches. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be managed confidentially by Vitric Advisors.

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The Miami Foundation seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Chief Development Officer to serve as Press Forward’s chief fundraising executive and lead architect of a national effort to raise $250 million over five years. This is a rare opportunity to lead a philanthropic campaign with extraordinary momentum and visibility—and to help expand the field of news philanthropy from the ground up.

The Chief Development Officer will not only drive fundraising strategy and execution, but also build the systems, stories, and partnerships that will sustain a national movement for local news. They will activate a robust donor network, cultivate new sources of support, and forge relationships with foundation, high-net-worth individuals, and community funders across the country.

Reporting directly to the Press Forward Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer will serve as a key member of the initiative’s senior leadership team and a thought partner in shaping Press Forward’s long-term impact. This is a fast-paced, high-visibility role for a leader who thrives on ambition, strategy, and execution—and who is passionate about fueling work that strengthens democracy from the ground up.

Areas of Impact

Expanding National Fundraising Capacity

• Design and execute a national fundraising strategy to meet or exceed Press Forward’s, five-year, $250 million campaign goal
• Translate organizational priorities into compelling cases for support across donor types
• Provide transparent reporting on fundraising performance to funders and partners
• Advise on organizational strategy, positing, and partnerships as a member of the senior leadership team

Building Donor Relationships Nationwide

• Serve as chief relationship manager for a portfolio of top funders and prospects
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new donors—including those beyond traditional journalism and civic leaders
• Leverage the coalition’s robust donor network to spark new connections and multi- level partnerships
• Tailor engagement strategies for high-net-worth individuals, institutional funders, and local philanthropists

Growing and Leading a High-Performing Team

• Hire, manage, and grow a small team of fundraising staff
• Mentor two current staff dedicating half their time to donor relationships (institutional and individual)
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture grounded in accountability and creativity

Elevating Local News as a Philanthropic Priority

• Represent Press Forward at major donor meetings, philanthropic convenings, and national forums
• Contribute to field-building efforts that position local news as essential to democracy
• Partner with communications staff to develop compelling collateral, campaigns, and donor messaging

Strengthening Fundraising Systems and Infrastructure

• Enhance systems for donor tracking, stewardship, reporting, and analytics (Salesforce)
• Collaborate with operations staff to develop performance dashboards and scalable workflows
• Ensure data integrity, timely follow-up, and clear moves management

QUALIFICATIONS

The Miami Foundation seeks a relationship-oriented, adaptable, and creative leader to join a dynamic, growing remote team as Press Forward’s Chief Development Officer. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of experience designing and leading ambitious fundraising strategies, particularly for national initiatives or large-scale organizations. They are a strategic thinker and relationship builder, with a proven ability to grow philanthropic support, develop strong pipelines of prospective funders, and align resources with bold, mission-driven goals. This is an opportunity for a collaborative leader to help shape the future of local news by driving the resources and relationships that will sustain the movement.

Background & Experience

• Proven success identifying and securing six- and seven-figure gifts or grants
• Experience designing and leading large-scale fundraising efforts (ideally with an organization that raises at least $25 million annually)
• Expertise in cultivating high-net-worth individuals and stewarding major donors
• Record of leading fundraising teams with a focus on coaching and capacity-building
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to tailor messaging across audiences
• Experience building or strengthening fundraising systems and infrastructure in fast- paced, entrepreneurial settings
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other donor CRM platforms
• Background in philanthropy, journalism, or media a plus (not required)
• Strong alignment with The Miami Foundation’s team values and enthusiasm for a nationwide initiative focusing on impact at the local level

Mindset & Attributes

• Energized by ambitious goals and a fast-moving, entrepreneurial culture
• Bold thinker with a creative mindset and appetite for turning big ideas into action
• Courageous and risk-tolerant—comfortable experimenting, learning, and adapting along the way
• Strategic and resourceful, with strong follow-through and a builder’s instinct
• Collaborative and inclusive leader, skilled at earning trust and fostering relationships
• Brings clarity and structure to evolving situations without needing all the answers
• Deep belief in the role of local news in sustaining a healthy democracy
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for donor meetings, team gatherings, and events

SALARY & BENEFITS

The annual salary for this position within the Press Forward national initiative starts competitively at $190,000, with flexibility depending on experience and qualifications. The Miami Foundation also offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, flex spending and dependent care accounts, professional development stipend, paid time off, cell phone stipend, gym reimbursement, and the opportunity to establish a Staff Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), which the Foundation will match when you contribute $500 to your fund.

The Miami Foundation does not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include hiring and firing staff, selecting volunteers, selecting vendors, and providing services. The Miami Foundation practices and champions inclusiveness. The organization honors the diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds of all members of the community. Candidates from traditionally marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.

This is a remote position open to candidates anywhere in the continental United States. Regular travel is required.

TO APPLY

Submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] (subject: “Press Forward CDO Search”) to apply or recommend a candidate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a target hire by the end of 2025.