We seek an experienced, collaborative and proven innovator to lead the work of identifying opportunities to leverage our various assets for broad change and outsized impact in the nation’s information ecosystem. At Knight Foundation, we know our financial capital is one of several levers at our disposal for change. To punch above our weight, we also harness our expansive network and our unique combination of local and national perspectives.

Knight’s journalism program is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for local news. Over the past ten years, the foundation’s strategic focus has been on stimulating the reinvention of business models for local journalism, advancing digital transformation and investing in tools and infrastructure that drive cost efficiencies and create new revenue streams. These efforts aim to strengthen journalism’s role in building thriving communities and sustaining democratic values.

In September 2023, Knight co-launched the national collaborative funding effort, known as Press Forward. As part of the effort, Knight doubled its commitment to journalism from $150 million to $300 million over five years aiming to enhance the growth and sustainability of local news organizations across the country.

Today, we seek a collaborative leader with a bold vision and a deep passion for building sustainable ecosystems of quality information. This role requires a forward-thinking approach to reimagining how journalism serves communities by embracing innovative methods of news production, distribution and consumption. The ideal candidate will be committed to fostering trust in journalism and adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape, ensuring that local news organizations not only survive but thrive in the digital age.

The Organization

Knight Foundation supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Our approach is inclusive and nonpartisan. We value freedoms of speech and the press, and we often embrace new and innovative technology to achieve our goals. Our drive to create positive change is amplified by our ability to collaborate internally and with our partners. We look for authenticity, agility, and accountability, knowing we are at our best when we leverage our collective strengths and experiences. We proactively approach our work with a sense of pride and responsibility–adapting, as needed, to the changing realities in our communities.

Knight Foundation’s Journalism Program

Knight Foundation’s journalism strategy supports the First Amendment and the crucial role of journalism in a democracy to inform the community. To shape a thriving journalism landscape, we emphasize technology that facilitates community engagement with journalists to drive positive change in local contexts. Knight also understands the importance of local media models and methods that advance the practice of journalism, build trust, reach new audiences and generate revenue to ensure a sustainable future.

The Role

Reporting directly to and working closely with president & CEO Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, the vice president/journalism will be responsible for leading the strategic, programmatic, financial and people management operations for Knight’s journalism program while working collaboratively with colleagues to identify cross-programmatic opportunities to maximize Knight’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, communication and evaluation of program plans, strategies and outcomes in line with foundation strategy.
Actively collaborate with the president & CEO and programmatic colleagues to identify and shape cross program opportunities that scale our impact.
Lead, manage and inspire the team in the planning, design, development, implementation and assessment of grantmaking strategy.
Apply smart business principles to identify sustainable investments that advance impact.
Regularly assess the role of grant investments to identify and support durable new approaches to engaging current and emerging audiences in quality, independent news and information.
Work to measure and capture learning and insights that inform current and future programmatic work.
Work with the communications team to strengthen how the program’s goals, insights and outcomes are shared with key audiences.
Participate in senior management team planning and exercise accountability and fiduciary oversight in making decisions for the foundation.
Represent Knight Foundation to a wide range of stakeholders, including grantees, thought leaders, other nonprofits, business and civic leaders through meetings, newsletters, speeches, convenings, briefings and interviews.

Things we look for in a successful candidate

A track record of successful leadership of organizations with executive responsibilities.
Demonstrated understanding and commitment to journalism as a vehicle of reliable information necessary for an informed citizenry in a democracy.
Strong orientation of business sustainability; ability to spot and leverage key trends for impact.
Expert understanding and application of digital technology to program opportunities.
Drive to get results.
Works in collaborative, inclusive ways across the organization.
Communicates effectively, orally and in writing.
Willing to travel for convenings, events and to represent Knight Foundation in community.

Applications, including cover letters and resumes and nominations should be sent to the attention of [email protected].

Knight Foundation offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.