America’s leading Jewish news organization, a reader-supported nonprofit, seeks an ambitious, innovative development professional to take our development program of major donors and foundations to new heights. This singular moment for Jewish news is a time of real opportunity to grow the Forward’s support.
About The Forward
The Forward is the leading Jewish voice in American journalism, providing clarity in a chaotic world. We deliver award-winning news; fresh and vibrant cultural coverage; and a full spectrum of relevant and respectful opinion columns. This is an exciting period of growth and innovation for the Forward, as post-October 7th we are reaching new audiences and serving a community hungry for journalism through a Jewish lens, driven by inquiry rather than ideology. Founded in 1897 as a Yiddish broadsheet, we have been fully digital since 2019, and reach 1.5 million people a month around the world and across generations. We continue to publish essays, videos and puzzles in Yiddish, honoring our heritage and captivating the ever-evolving Yiddish world.
The Forward is on an upward trajectory, as we grow the audience and launch new products including newsletter, social media packages, virtual events and more. Our momentum has increased since we took down our paywall in late 2023 to make our journalism free and accessible to all, creating great potential for the new head of Advancement.
The Role
The Vice President of Advancement will take the Forward’s development efforts to the next level, matching our award-winning journalism with an equally ambitious and effective development program focused on major gifts and philanthropies. This role will build a healthy development department into a fundraising powerhouse. The VP of Advancement will manage our three-person team to expand a dedicated base of supporters into a larger community with long-term commitments, both growing our major donor base and driving significant increases in support from existing major donors; support and grow our institutional giving programs; and grow our fundraising program to support new projects for the Forward that will showcase our work and galvanize greater support.
Our new VP will bring energy and a deep commitment to the importance of independent Jewish journalism and its role in a healthy democracy. This role requires a seasoned leader with a track-record of success in major gifts and foundations, strong external relationship-building skills, excellent team management abilities, a talent for communicating the Forward’s mission in a compelling way, and deep knowledge of the Jewish philanthropic world.
Core Responsibilities
The VP will drive key initiatives, including:
- Increase Donated Revenue
- Grow the Forward’s major donated revenue ($2.9MM in 2024) significantly – both through our annual campaign, and by creating/launching/completing special campaigns. Grow contributions from existing major supporters (individuals and foundations) and from prospects among our 20,000-member Forward membership pool.
- Lead Major Donors and Foundations Programs
- Identify, engage, solicit, and steward donors and foundations, with a focus on securing gifts of $100,000+. Create and manage your own portfolio as well as those of other staff and lay leaders.
- Fundraising Strategy and Infrastructure:
- Lead the design and implementation of a major-gifts development program for multi-year growth, aligning goals with the Forward’s long-term strategy. Oversee fundraising systems, planning processes, and team operations for better effectiveness and efficiency.
- Collaborative Leadership:
- Partner closely with the CEO to identify fundraising priorities, approaches, and measurable targets. Develop a comprehensive roadmap for diversified revenue generation, including benchmarks, donor prospects, expense planning, and timelines.
- Visibility and Outreach:
- Elevate the Forward’s presence on the national Jewish philanthropic landscape and the wider world of journalism, highlighting its impact on Jewish communities, media, and culture. Serve as an enthusiastic brand ambassador in communities across the country.
- Diversify Revenue Streams:
- Oversee and innovate on key development areas, including special events, donor-driven initiatives, sponsorship programs, and grant funding opportunities.
Qualifications
Skills and Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in fundraising leadership.
- Deep background in major gifts, institutional giving, and strategic donor strategy
- Strong track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting five-to-seven figure gifts from individuals and foundations
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven success in managing and motivating high-performing development teams.
- Familiarity with journalism, cultural institutions, and the Jewish community.
Personal Qualities:
- A proactive, results-driven approach with creativity and ambition
- Ability to create relationships and really connect with all kinds of Forward readers
- Innovative thinker and creative problem solver
- Highest integrity, diplomacy, warmth, and collaborative spirit.
- Deep passion for the Forward’s mission and commitment to excellence in journalism and storytelling
What We Offer
- Hybrid work structure: Work onsite 1-2 days per week in our NYC office
- A generous benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, 401k with company match after first year, Short and Long Term Disability (STD/LTD), Flexible Spending Plan, Transit plan, generous vacation including Jewish holidays
- Opportunity to have direct and positive impact on strengthening independent Jewish journalism at a time when the community needs it most
- Salary range: $175,000 – $205,000, commensurate with experience
Application Process
To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@forward.com, subject line “VP Advancement”
