The Opportunity: America’s leading Jewish news organization, a reader-supported nonprofit, seeks an ambitious, innovative development professional to take our program of major donors and foundations to new heights. About The Forward: The Forward is the leading Jewish voice in American journalism, fully digital since 2019, reaching 1.5M people a month with award-winning news, vibrant cultural coverage, and a spectrum of opinion. Momentum has increased since the paywall came down in late 2023. The Role: The VP of Advancement will elevate development efforts focused on major gifts and philanthropies, managing a three-person team to expand a dedicated base of supporters and significantly increase support from existing major donors; support and grow institutional giving; and develop fundraising programs that showcase our work. The VP brings energy, deep commitment to independent Jewish journalism, and a track record with major gifts and foundations, strong relationship-building, team management, compelling mission communication, and deep knowledge of the Jewish philanthropic world. Core Responsibilities: - Increase donated revenue, significantly growing major donated revenue (baseline $2.9MM in 2024) via annual and special campaigns; grow contributions from existing major supporters and prospects among our 20,000-member pool. - Lead major donors and foundations programs: identify, engage, solicit, and steward donors and foundations, focusing on $100,000+ gifts; manage your portfolio and others’. - Build fundraising strategy and infrastructure aligned to long-term goals; oversee systems, planning, and team operations. - Collaborative leadership with the CEO to set priorities, approaches, and measurable targets; develop a roadmap for diversified revenue. - Visibility and outreach: elevate the Forward on the national Jewish philanthropic landscape; serve as a brand ambassador nationally. - Diversify revenue streams: oversee special events, donor-driven initiatives, sponsorships, and grants. Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in fundraising leadership. - Deep background in major gifts, institutional giving, and strategic donor strategy. - Strong track record soliciting five-to-seven-figure gifts. - Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. - Proven success managing and motivating high-performing teams. - Familiarity with journalism, cultural institutions, and the Jewish community. Personal Qualities: Proactive, results-driven, creative; relationship builder; innovative problem-solver; high integrity, diplomacy, warmth, and collaboration; deep passion for the mission. What We Offer: Hybrid structure (onsite 1–2 days/week in NYC), generous benefits (health, life, 401k with match after first year, STD/LTD, FSA, transit, generous vacation including Jewish holidays). Salary range: $175,000–$205,000. Application: Send cover letter and resume to jobs@forward.com, subject line “VP Advancement”.