Senior Director of Development and Partnerships

Verite News is a nonprofit news organization with a two-fold mission to produce in-depth journalism that serves the whole community while training, developing and mentoring a new generation of minority journalists.

Verite produces in-depth, data-driven investigative reporting aimed at finding solutions to chronic problems, engaging in deep-dive analyses of government and private actions that impact the community while generating thoughtful historical and narrative presentations that help enhance the shared sense of community and belonging.

To sustain that mission, Verite is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Development and Partnerships who is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all annual fundraising initiatives to support the mission and strategic goals of Verite News. This role oversees major and annual giving, planned giving, grants, sponsorships, donor relations, and fundraising-related event coordination. The Director plays a key leadership role in donor cultivation and stewardship, while also managing key relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual supporters. This position reports to and works collaboratively with the President/CEO to foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Design and lead a comprehensive development strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle, including:
• Initiating contacts with prospective donors (individuals and businesses).
• Developing cultivation strategies and moving prospects toward solicitation and closure.
• Making direct solicitations when appropriate.
• Maintaining stewardship with current donors to deepen engagement and giving.
• Manage the annual fund, including strategy, campaign design, segmentation, and evaluation.

Major & Planned Gifts

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, maintaining a portfolio of donors and prospects with capacity for significant giving.
• Coordinate the Planned Giving Initiative, including solicitation strategies, marketing materials, and tracking of secured and realized gifts.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor intentions and gifts in donor records.

Grants & Sponsorships

• Oversee and manage the grant writing process collaborating with the Development Manager to identify, research, and develop proposals to private foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Cultivate and secure corporate sponsorships for events and programs.

Donor Research & Relationship Management

• Conduct prospect research and analysis to inform cultivation strategies, understand donor trends, and identify new giving opportunities.
• Monitor donor and prospect contacts to ensure thoughtful and strategic relationship-building.
• Maintain accurate and confidential donor records in development database(s); generate timely acknowledgment and stewardship communications.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with the President/CEO and other senior leaders to engage stakeholders in fundraising.
• Serve as a visible and active ambassador for Verite News in the community.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Capable of working independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to establish and expertly manage professional and interpersonal relationships with all organization members and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates exceptional professional level written and verbal communication skills.
• Is open and receptive to new ideas and constructive feedback.
• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates flexibility in work assignments and willingness to play an active role in the success of our branding communications
• Be highly organized with the ability to implement systems and follow-up processes
• Motivated self-starter who can work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Fundraising, Communications, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit development with a proven record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles, platforms and grant funding sources.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally.

Location: New Orleans, LA

Compensation: commensurate with experience.

We're committed to building an inclusive company that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people who are differently abled.