Description
Vice President, Development, The Forward
The Forward is America’s leading voice in Jewish journalism, delivering incisive coverage of the issues, ideas, and institutions that matter to American Jews.
Founded in 1897 as a Yiddish broadsheet, the Forward’s independent, non-ideological perspective on world and national news, and its unparalleled coverage of Jewish arts, culture, and opinion, have made it the most influential and widely read nationwide Jewish publication today. The Forward reaches more than 100 million viewers annually across its website, social media, email newsletters, events, and podcasts, and has been honored with more journalism awards than any other Jewish media organization. Learn more at www.forward.com.
The Forward seeks a Vice President, Development to lead an ambitious fundraising program at a pivotal moment for the American Jewish community. Reporting to the CEO, this role is a key member of a collaborative executive team and will guide the development program into its next phase of growth—expanding major gifts, strengthening foundation support, and diversifying revenue to support bold new initiatives, editorial priorities, and audience engagement.
This is a singular opportunity for a strategic, relational, and results-driven leader to build on recent momentum and elevate the Forward’s presence within Jewish philanthropy and among funders of independent media. The Vice President, Development will serve as a visible ambassador for the organization, balancing high-level strategy with hands-on donor engagement while leading and inspiring a small, high-performing development team.
Key Responsibilities
Development Strategy and Revenue Growth
- Activate a multi-year strategy to grow revenue through major gifts and foundation support.
- Partner with the CEO and senior leaders to identify fundraising priorities, targets, and timelines.
- Elevate the Forward’s visibility within Jewish philanthropy and among independent media funders.
- Engage the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts and staff the Development Committee.
Major Gifts, Foundations, and Donor Engagement
- Direct and grow a portfolio of major donors and foundations, with a focus on increasing average gift size.
- Lead annual major gifts fundraising campaigns, including challenge and matching gifts.
- Design and oversee effective moves management from cultivation through stewardship.
- Support donor engagement events with fundraising components.
Departmental Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing development team of three.
- Set clear goals, priorities, and expectations; support professional growth and accountability.
- Partner with Finance, Membership, and Communications teams to strengthen fundraising systems and donor pathways.
Experience, Skills, and Qualities
The Forward is seeking a leader deeply committed to independent journalism and its role in a healthy democracy, who brings:
- At least 10 years of fundraising leadership experience, including five years managing teams
- A proven record securing five- to seven-figure major gifts from individuals and foundations
- Strong knowledge of Jewish philanthropy and donor communities
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience building compelling cases for support and coaching others to do the same
- Strong financial and project management acumen
- High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative leadership style
- Integrity, warmth, diplomacy, and disciplined execution
Compensation
The budgeted salary range for this role is $210,000 – $225,000, commensurate with experience, with a comprehensive benefits package.
Working Location
This role is based in New York City with a hybrid schedule of 2–3 days per week onsite, and limited travel (approximately 5–10%).
Application Process
The Forward has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm that exclusively serves the nonprofit sector. Interested applicants should submit a PDF resume and a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for this role. Direct confidential inquiries to TheForward@good-insight.org. View the full job description and upload application materials at good-insight.org/careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability.
