Description

Are you passionate about democracy and making our local governments and institutions accountable to the public? Keeping the public informed about the latest issues affecting everyday life here on the Peninsula? Do you want to help make sure local news continues to thrive in the Bay Area?

The Embarcadero Media Foundation is seeking a passionate Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts and secure the financial resources needed to fulfill our mission. This is a part-time position (20-30 hours/week) that can accommodate people who need flexibility with their schedules.

About Us

We believe in the vital importance of local news as a cornerstone of healthy democracy. We seek to enhance the quality of life and democracy in the San Francisco Bay Area by reporting and publishing high quality local news and information that lead to a more informed, equitable, engaged and cohesive community. 

After serving our communities as a for-profit company for over 40 years, we have just converted to non-profit status to focus on our public value and rely more explicitly on our communities to maintain our sustainability. Our publications include the Palo Alto Weekly, Pleasanton Weekly, the Almanac and hyperlocal digital news sites and newsletters serving 11 communities on the Mid Peninsula and Tri-Valley. 

We’ve earned tremendous trust in our communities through our decades of delivering our high quality journalism. In 2023, we earned 36 awards for our work from the California News Publisher Association and we are commonly seen by our readers as the voice of the community. Our opportunity is to be able to tap into this goodwill and the significant resources of the communities we serve. We need a great storyteller, organizer and networker who can help us unlock ongoing support to continue our mission, expand into new underserved communities and develop projects that dig deeper into the issues that will define life in our communities for years to come.

Lead the Charge for Sustainable News

As Development Director, you will be instrumental in ensuring the financial future of Embarcadero Media Foundation, enabling us to continue supporting:

• Investigative journalism: Exposing injustices and holding those in power accountable.
• Community storytelling: Amplifying diverse voices and fostering understanding within our communities.
• Sense of place: Expose all the latest news and changes happening within our communities that give citizens an ability to understand and engage with dynamic change.
• Civic engagement: Empowering residents with the information and tools needed to participate in local decision-making.
• Innovation in local news: Supporting experimentation and new models to ensure long-term sustainability of local journalism.

About the Role

As Development Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability of our organization. You will lead and manage all aspects of our fundraising program, including:

• Major gifts fundraising: Cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors to secure major gifts.
• Grant writing: Researching and applying for grants from a variety of public and private funders.
• Donor stewardship: Building and maintaining strong relationships with all donors to cultivate ongoing support.
• Fundraising strategy: Working with the leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with our mission and goals.
• Data analysis: Tracking and analyzing fundraising data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Program development: design processes and communications tools that build a large funnel of potential donors and move candidates through the funnel to become sustaining donors.
• Team coordinator: Fundraising is a group activity that involves the CEO, board members and staff and getting the team organized and aligned is key to success.

You will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the senior leadership team, contributing to the strategy and management of the company on an ongoing basis. You will also work closely with our Head of marketing and contribute to our:

• Membership program: Contribute to planning and messaging around membership drives, help structure membership our program for higher levels of giving and look for ways to convert existing members into more significant giving.
• Events: Plan and execute fundraising events for major contributors and work with the marketing team on broader events that engage our community and can lead to recruitment for greater support in the future.

Compensation and Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Three weeks vacation
• Opportunity to work for a mission-driven organization that makes a real difference in your community.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Be a part of a team of passionate journalists and changemakers.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to publisher@embarcaderomedia.org.

We know that great candidates don’t always have all the required background and experience. If you love this and want to help, please reach out for a discussion. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Passion for local news and civic engagement.
• Experience with early stage non-profits and the ability to develop this new function in our organization. 
• Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and other forms of funding.
• Highly organized and methodical at managing information and programs.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Located in the Bay Area with a deep love for our region and the communities we serve.