Head of Strategic Partnerships

The Head of Strategic Partnerships will lead efforts to expand and diversify AJP’s donor base and pipeline, with a focus on securing transformational seven- and eight-figure gifts. Working closely with the CAO, CEO, and programmatic teams, the Head of Strategic Partnerships will design and execute strategies to cultivate new high-impact funders. This role will serve as a senior representative of AJP, building external partnerships and inspiring philanthropic investment in local news.

Your strategic leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing AJP’s mission to rebuild local news as a cornerstone of our democracy.

The Head of Strategic Partnerships will have the following responsibilities:

• Strategic fundraising leadership and partnership development
  Partner with the CAO to develop and implement strategies for achieving ambitious multi-year fundraising goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit seven- and eight-figure gifts from new donors, with a focus on transformational investments.
• Identify and develop creative partnerships with corporations, managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that drive value for both AJP and its grantees; this includes leading cross-team collaboration, navigating diverse interests, and ensuring partnerships are effectively structured and executed to maximize impact.
• Lead on donor engagement and stewardship for their portfolio, ensuring alignment with AJP’s mission and values.
• Leverage data and market insights to identify trends and opportunities in journalism philanthropy and corporate partnerships and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Act as a senior external representative of AJP, articulating the organization’s vision and value to diverse audiences.
• Build and strengthen relationships with new prospects to expand AJP’s donor base.
• Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities to expand AJP’s network, leverage creative strategies to engage with key stakeholders, attend and represent AJP at high-impact events to raise visibility and foster partnerships, and position AJP in influential spaces.

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CAO and executive team, contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align fundraising efforts with programmatic goals and outcomes and to create compelling cases for support and tailor proposals.
• Support the development of external-facing materials, including proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Play an active role on the Advancement Team and leadership role within the organization; mentor Advancement staff, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.