About The Pivot Fund

The Pivot Fund empowers independent, community-rooted news outlets serving underrepresented urban and rural communities. We provide funding and strategic support that strengthens local news ecosystems and helps build a more inclusive democracy.

Position Overview

The Pivot Fund is seeking a mission-driven, collaborative and innovative Director of Programs to develop and execute strategic plans to help our grantee partners maintain sustainability and generate trusted news and information. The director will work with grantees as they develop revenue streams, as well as operational and editorial capacity.

The director will supervise a small, dynamic team dedicated to empowering grantees by providing thought leadership, mentorship, training and hands-on support. The director also helps identify and select news outlets for grants, while fostering communications with grantees.

The ideal candidate understands the hyperlocal media landscape, has management experience in for-profit or nonprofit media, and a proven ability to coach first-time and small publishers.

Major Responsibilities

Identify prospective grantees, develop tailored outreach and pitches, and lead funding selection
In conjunction with grantees and portfolio managers, develop and manage plans to strengthen grantee sustainability
Develop and lead asset audits of first-time grantees, focusing on revenue, audience, and content growth opportunities across platforms
Inform The Pivot Fund’s strategy and programming through learnings and data drawn from our work with grantees
Lead annual grantee evaluations and direct grant renewals
Work with the leadership team to design and participate in funder education opportunities

Grantee Support & Coaching

Coach grantees on philanthropic and earned-revenue models, providing support, when needed, to develop and launch products and services that strengthen the organizations’ sustainability
Identify resources and partnerships to help build grantee capacity and sustainability
Cultivate a dynamic peer-learning ecosystem where grantees collaborate, share best practices, and innovate together through organizing regular convenings and training sessions
Maintain a database of grantees, respond to inquiries from, and conduct outreach to prospective grantees

Internal Leadership

Lead Pivot’s Portfolio team on best practices, tools, and templates that can strengthen sustainability across grantee partners
Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Portfolio Manager and Communications Manager
Share insights and learnings from revenue-building work to support field-building and organizational strategy
Coordinate with the Communications Manager to amplify grantees’ work and provide lessons for the field

Qualifications and Skills

Leadership experience in media, journalism, or philanthropy strongly preferred
Knowledge of revenue sources (events, sponsorship, and advertising), content management tools, and how to drive audience growth
General management experience, including budget responsibility, is strongly preferred in prior roles
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft and edit engaging narratives
Demonstrated experience working effectively with historically marginalized communities and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion
Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (e.g., business, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and remote work environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines
Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and auto insurance showing as an insured driver on the policy
Open to travel for the role up to four times a year

Compensation & Benefits

Location: Full-time, remote position (U.S.-based).
Salary Range: $130,000 to $145,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Time Off: Generous PTO policy offered to all full-time employees.
Healthcare & Wellness:
Healthcare coverage, including medical, vision, and dental.
Free membership in One Medical, a digital health and virtual care service.
Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
401 (k) plan.
Insurance & Protection:
Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
Life Insurance.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience to hello@thepivotfund.org with “Director of Programs” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Pivot Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies.

The Pivot Fund jobs

Director of Programs