The National Press Club Journalism Institute believes a strong democracy depends on a well-trained, free press. The Institute’s portfolio includes professional development opportunities for journalists and strategic initiatives that advance press freedom in the U.S. and beyond.

The Development Manager is responsible for growing and diversifying philanthropic support for the Institute. This role partners closely with the executive director and board leadership to expand institutional support, build a stronger major gifts and individual giving program, and increase unrestricted income in support of press freedom and journalist training. 

This position is both strategic and hands-on, designed for a mission-driven fundraiser who wants ownership of results and the opportunity to meaningfully increase philanthropic revenue at a national organization with growing impact. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Partnering with the executive director to develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on increasing total philanthropic revenue, strengthening individual giving, and reducing overreliance on any single funding source. In the first year, this role will focus on strengthening core fundraising operations while laying the groundwork for expanded grant and major giving growth.
• Leading foundation and institutional fundraising, including prospect research, proposal development, reporting, and relationship stewardship, in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Building and managing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding mid-level and major gifts ($10,000+).
• Managing fundraising for the Institute’s established annual events, with a focus on maximizing net revenue and donor conversion into ongoing support.
• Establishing and executing an annual development communications plan that enhances donors’ connection to our work.
• Ensuring accurate and timely completion of core fundraising administrative tasks, with systems and processes designed for efficiency.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape and trends related to journalism and democracy work.

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Growth in total philanthropic revenue over time
• Increased individual donor revenue and retention
• Expansion of the major gifts pipeline
• Improved fundraising systems that support sustainable growth

Qualifications (required): 

• A clear commitment to the power of journalism and importance of a free press to a democracy
• At least five years of direct experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated experience contributing to revenue growth, donor upgrades, or expansion of a fundraising program
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and cultivating philanthropic relationships
• Project management experience: outstanding organizational skills, adaptability, and coordination among stakeholders 
• Proven writing skills and the ability to articulate a strong narrative
• Diplomatic and professional approaches to problem solving
• Ability to work well in a collaborative, small-team environment
• Tech savvy with exceptional skill for database/CRM management and data analysis 

Graphic design, social media, audio and video editing, and other production skills are welcomed but not required.

Work environment

National Press Club Journalism Institute staff currently work a hybrid schedule, with at least three days in office weekly. Fully remote work is not available for this position.  

Salary and benefits

The salary band for this position begins at $90,000. 

Benefits include: 

• Health insurance (medical, vision, and dental)
• Generous PTO policy, plus 11 paid holidays
• Optional 401(k) participation, with an employer match 
• Optional commuter benefit
• Access to on-site fitness center at the National Press Club
• Annual learning and development stipend

To apply

To apply for this role, please send a cover letter, your resume, and at least one development-focused work sample to NPCJI Executive Director Beth Francesco at bfrancesco@press.org. Please use the subject line Application: Development Manager. 

About the Institute: 

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes First Amendment values by equipping journalists in Washington, D.C., and nationwide with the skills, knowledge, standards, resources, and networks to empower and inform the public. The Institute is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club. 

The National Press Club Journalism Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, country of origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws.

About National Press Club Journalism Institute

The National Press Club is the World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists™. It serves its members through professional development activities that bolster their skills, through services that meet the changing needs of the global communications profession and through social activities that build a vital media community in Washington and around the world. Membership at the National Press Club is made up of professionals who work, study, or participate in activities that involve creating, producing, or distributing news or other content as part of the newsgathering process. The Club is where news happens in the nation’s capital and is a vigorous advocate of press freedom worldwide. The National Press Club is an equal opportunity employer.

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