Vice President of Philanthropy, Healthbeat
Civic News Company
Remote-eligible position may be based anywhere in the continental United States, with a preference for Atlanta, New York, or Washington, DC.
Anticipated Start Date: 8/4/2025
Description
Civic News Company, parent company of the nonprofit newsrooms Chalkbeat, focused on telling the story of education in America; Votebeat, dedicated to in-depth reporting on elections and voting; and Healthbeat, covering public health and health policy both nationally and locally, is seeking a Vice President of Philanthropy, Healthbeat to focus on building and leading Healthbeat’s fundraising strategy and revenue engine, driving long-term growth, and contributing to major strategic decisions including identifying locations for future Healthbeat bureaus in close partnership with the Editor-in-Chief, Civic News Company. The Vice President will also serve as a key member of the Civic News leadership team.
This is a role for a builder – someone who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments where experimentation, ambition, and agility are the norm. The VP will design and execute the strategy to grow Healthbeat’s revenue from just under $1M to $6M+ annually in the next 3-5 years and, over time, build and lead a high-performing development team. There is significant momentum among funders across the country who are eager to support systemic change, and Healthbeat is uniquely positioned to meet that moment.
As the CEO of Civic News Company describes it: “By investing in Healthbeat, supporters play a critical role in ensuring that every community in the United States has the public health information it needs to thrive.” The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial frontline fundraiser with a track record of ambitious revenue growth, comfort operating in nimble environments, and a deep belief in the role of journalism in improving public health outcomes.
A builder of effective teams, the inaugural VP will also be a compelling communicator who can galvanize donors, partners, and communities around Healthbeat’s mission and future. They will bring an infectious passion for the essential role of journalism across communities and the curiosity and adaptability to grow with an organization that is evolving at pace. This is an opportunity to join a one-of-a-kind, mission-driven team – and to build, scale, and sustain something transformational. This role reports to the Chief Philanthropic Officer.
Responsibilities
The key responsibilities for this role include: Frontline Fundraising and Relationship Management Build and manage a robust portfolio of high-level individual and institutional donors, including the strategic identification and cultivation of prospects. Serve as the primary relationship manager for key funders, including existing relationships with KFF and the Gates Foundation, while expanding Healthbeat’s reach into the broader philanthropic community.
Personally lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, with a focus on long-term relationship building and strategic alignment. Fundraising Strategy and Execution Design and lead a bold, best-in-class fundraising strategy to grow Healthbeat’s revenue from just under $1M to $6M+ over the next 3-5 years. Develop a clear, long-term vision for development, ensuring that fundraising efforts prioritize relationship-building and align with Healthbeat’s mission and its unique role in the public health/journalism ecosystem.
Collaborate across Civic News Company to align fundraising priorities, surface stories of impact, and ensure the development strategy supports Healthbeat’s broader mission and national expansion goals. Champion a culture of philanthropy internally, ensuring fundraising is integrated into business decision-making. Collaborate closely and share best practices with colleagues leading development at Chalkbeat and Votebeat.
Requirements
What background and skills do you have? (We know not all strong candidates will have all the skills we list. That’s OK. What else do you bring to the table? Please tell us!):
Proven success building and scaling a strategic approach to fundraising that effectively incorporates diverse revenue streams; a track record of driving significant growth.
Demonstrated excellence in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-level funders – ideally individual and institutional – and closing significant gifts and grants in the five-figure-plus range.
Experience utilizing shared development operations services with other fundraisers in a highly collaborative way.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and donor materials.
Experience with optimizing data and a CRM to drive decision-making and activities.
Deep commitment to the importance of values-based, advocacy-free journalism in driving positive systemic change and protecting democracy
Entrepreneurial, start-up mentality and approach; excited to shape something new and drive Healthbeat’s growth
Strategic thinker with strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Adaptable, optimistic, and grounded by a sense of humor and humility.
olutions-oriented, highly collaborative, with a can-do attitude in working with all departments and employees across the organization; eager team player
Bonus points if you’ve got: Experience in public health and/or journalism sectors. Experience working with local and national funders.
This full-time, remote-eligible position may be based anywhere in the continental United States, with a preference for Atlanta, New York, or Washington, DC. Civic News Company already has a presence: Chicago, Colorado, Indianapolis, Newark, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Occasional travel, up to 25% of the time, may be required for team meetings, fundraising initiatives, or partner events.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
The salary range is $155,000-$180,000; final salary will be determined based on level of experience and geographic location, with a generous benefits package, including: Medical, vision, and dental insurance 20 days of PTO and a paid one-week recess 401(k) matching program Paid parental leave
How to Apply for this Job
Submit a resume and cover letter as one PDF to HealthbeatVP@pbrsearch.com using the subject line: Last Name First Name – Letter Resume
About the Organization
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