The Fund for Investigative Journalism seeks Director of Operations
The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is seeking a Director of Operations to help the organization fulfill its mission of supporting freelance and independent investigative journalists.
The Director of Operations oversees all office operations and procedures to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency and reports directly to the Executive Director.
Founded in 1969, FIJ makes grants to journalists who have great tips, ideas, and sources, but need financial resources to accomplish groundbreaking investigations and tell stories that otherwise would not be told. FIJ reviews proposals from investigative journalists three to four times a year, making about 45 to 50 grants annually.
FIJ is governed by a board of accomplished investigative journalists who uphold the highest standards of unbiased, nonpartisan investigative journalism. In its field, FIJ is unique as a longstanding organization of journalists that helps fellow journalists, by raising funds to sustain independent watchdog reporting.
Job responsibilities:
Promote FIJ and its grantees
- Promote grantees’ work on FIJ website, through social media, and in newsletters.
- Write and design brochures that promote FIJ to potential grantees and fellows.
- Write and design brochures that promote FIJ to potential supporters.
- Track grantees’ work and outcomes, communicate results to donors and the public.
- Conduct outreach at journalism conferences and through social media.
Manage grant application and selection process
- Communicate with applicants and grantees from their first inquiry through project completion.
- Facilitate board review of grant applications.
- Operate programs that provide mentors and pro-bono legal guidance to grantees.
Donor appreciation, fundraising support
- Manage donor appreciation correspondence.
- Update website frequently to recognize donors.
- Help develop impact reports and other information to report back to foundations and other donors.
Operations/Administration
- Update website content; suggest improvements.
- Troubleshoot and maintain website, or supervise vendor.
- Assist executive director with board meeting communications and logistics.
- Assist executive director with administrative functions.
- Maintain electronic and paper filing systems; guide ongoing transition from paper to electronic.
- Maintain office calendar of deadlines for fundraising, partnerships and donor reporting, and grant application and review process.
- Help write foundation progress reports.
- Supervise temporary office personnel to keep donor and grantee lists current.
- Evaluate donor and grantee management systems; recommend improvements.
Special Projects
- Help organize 50th Anniversary Event.
Other duties as required.
Professional skills required: Strong organizational, writing, and technology skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate organization’s mission and fundraising goals to potential supporters, in person and in writing. The ideal candidate would initiate ideas to improve FIJ’s programs and outreach to independent and diverse journalists. Proficiency in Word and Excel. Familiarity with or willingness to learn basic Quickbooks functions.
Specific technology requirements: Must have advanced knowledge of WordPress to update Website and troubleshoot occasional issues, ability to generate email newsletters, and use Photoshop or equivalent to edit images. Familiarity with Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets and willingness to learn how to work with Google’s suite of cloud-based applications. Salesforce knowledge would be a plus.
General technology requirements: Successful applicant would be the chief technology expert for FIJ, able to juggle technological issues with projects and administrative duties that advance FIJ’s mission. Must be familiar with file-sharing systems.
The ideal candidate is experienced in handling a broad range of tasks, is flexible, able to work independently, and desires a part-time position. The candidate may work remotely on occasion.
The position is located in Washington DC.
Experience: 5 years experience in communications, nonprofit management, and/or fundraising, preferred.
Terms: Part-time position (20 hours/week); compensation includes contribution to health insurance plan.
The Fund for Investigative Journalism is an equal opportunity employer.
Deadline to apply: Friday, October 5, 2018
Send cover letter, resume and two short writing samples to Sandy Bergo, executive director, at [email protected], with subject heading: Director of Operations position.