Vice President, Local Strategy & Growth

Capital B is a first-of-its-kind local and national nonprofit news organization reporting for Black communities across the country. Cofounded by CEO Lauren Williams (former senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Vox) and Chief Audience Officer Akoto Ofori-Atta (former managing editor of The Trace), Capital B has successfully launched three award winning newsrooms, including local operations in Atlanta, GA and Gary, IN.  As we continue to grow, we are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to help us identify, develop and fundraise for new local newsrooms. 

The Vice President of Local Strategy and Growth will play a critical role in Capital B’s ambitious future plans by leading market research and identifying new markets, forming community partnerships, and securing the philanthropic funding needed to establish sustainable and impactful local newsrooms. 

The ideal candidate is a connector, a strategist and a fundraiser, equally skilled at engaging with foundations, high net-worth individuals, media experts, civic leaders, and everyday citizens. They will be responsible for identifying information gaps, assessing market potential and providing recommendations to the executive team.    

This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, a self-directed, proactive approach and the ability to own and lead a project from inception to completion while managing the details related to successfully launching and establishing the infrastructure to sustain local newsrooms. 

This role will report to and work closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and requires up to 30% travel. 

Salary Range: $175,000 - $195,000

Location: Remote

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth market research and community listening sessions to evaluate news and information gaps as well as the philanthropic landscape to identify viable expansion locations
• Establish and lead a community based advisory group composed of civic leaders, local stakeholders and media experts to develop audience focused newsroom strategies
• Develop data-driven recommendations on where Capital B should expand next
• Cultivate and secure major philanthropic gifts (5 to 7 figures) from institutions, foundations and high net-worth individuals to help launch newsrooms and meet annual project-based fundraising targets
• Oversee the end-to-end process of launching a new newsroom from market research to funding development and implementation
• Collaborate with internal teams to align growth plans with Capital B’s mission and operational capacity
• Manage project budgets, contracts and external partnerships related to expansion efforts
• Represent Capital B at industry events, donor meetings and at community and other networking opportunities to enhance brand visibility and donor engagement
• While this is a remote role,  travel and in person meetings are required  (approximately 1-2 trips a month for 1-2 nights each)

What You’ll Bring:

• 10+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, business development, media strategy or related field
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and growing philanthropic revenue for an organization
• Strong strategic planning, project management and critical thinking skills
• An entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in fast paced environments and excels at problem solving
• A detail-oriented and meticulous approach to daily and ongoing work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to create compelling narratives for funders and stakeholders
• Detail oriented, organized, and highly analytical with experience in prospect research and data driven decision making
• Ability to set priorities, work independently and collaboratively and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with different communities and build strong and enduring relationships
• Flexibility and willingness to get your hands dirty with a growing, start-up development team
• Creativity, boldness, and innovative ideas about how to build the pipeline of journalism funders
• A deep understanding of the importance of journalism for our democracy and how Black audiences and storytelling fit within that imperative
• Experience in media, in journalism or non-profit organizations preferred but not required

• A compassionate, supportive workplace
• Unlimited PTO + company holidays
• 20 weeks parental leave
• 12 weeks caregiver leave
• 401K
• Dental, health, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health and dependent care flex plans
• Short-term disability
• Professional development fund
• Monthly phone and internet stipend

Please submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re the right person for this role.

Capital B is open to candidates with a diversity of experience, and we know that some very strong candidates won’t have all of the qualifications we list. Don’t be shy — apply!