Director of Development

Investigative Reporters and Editors, a $3.5 million educational nonprofit dedicated to fostering excellence in investigative journalism, and the largest journalism organization in the nation, is seeking a Director of Development with a passion for journalism and experience in fundraising. This person is responsible for planning and executing new and existing fundraising initiatives to advance the IRE mission and expand our impact.

He/she/they drives growth in institutional funding by researching and identifying new grant opportunities, including foundations as well as accepted commercial entities; leads all aspects of sponsorship and exhibitor/recruiter solicitation for IRE’s three annual conferences; cultivates and stewards meaningful, long-term relationships with IRE donors and funders, including for major gifts, the annual end-of-year campaign and legacy giving; and works with established supporters and new prospects to meet budget goals.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, organized and creative, but also enjoy working as part of a collegial team, dedicated to serving our members and protecting the First Amendment. We need someone who is eager to talk about why journalism is vital to democracy and why our work deserves support. The Director of Development works with key staff members to meet strategic goals, and maintains productive working relationships with colleagues, IRE members and the IRE Board of Directors as well as our external partners. The Director of Development is an employee of the University of Missouri with full benefits. While IRE has its headquarters at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri, this is a remote working position. There is some travel and occasional work on weekends and holidays.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required; at least three years of direct experience in journalism and two years in fundraising is preferred.