Director of Business Development

Director of Business Development

Location: Remote (U.S.) | Reports to: CEO | Works closely with: Chief Development Officer

Direct reports: Director of Learning, Research & Evaluation (and others as applicable)

Status: Full-time, Exempt

About The Pivot Fund

The Pivot Fund empowers independent, community-rooted news outlets serving underrepresented urban and rural communities. We provide funding and strategic support that strengthen local news ecosystems and help build a more inclusive democracy.

Position Overview

The Pivot Fund is seeking a mission-driven, entrepreneurial, and strategic Director of Business Development to design and execute strategies that grow and diversify revenue, with a primary focus on earned income through landscape analysis, consulting, and sponsorships.

This role will own and grow Pivot’s earned-revenue pipeline and will work closely with the CEO and Chief Development Officer to build a repeatable, scalable approach to generating revenue aligned with Pivot’s mission and values. The Director of Business Development will also advise the organization’s Portfolio team on best practices, tools, and templates that help grantee partners build sustainable revenue over time.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in for-profit or nonprofit media revenue development, along with a strong track record of driving revenue growth across multiple streams. This role will lead complex

revenue-generating efforts, including corporate sponsorships, membership models, and earned-income ventures.

Major Responsibilities

Earned Revenue Growth & Business Development

• Build, manage, and close a strong pipeline of earned revenue opportunities, including landscape analysis, consulting engagements, and other Pivot Fund products and services
• Identify prospective clients and partners, develop tailored outreach and pitches, and move opportunities through the sales cycle to signed agreements
• Develop pricing models, proposals, and contract templates that support scalable and repeatable earned-income growth

Sponsorships & Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and steward corporate and institutional sponsorships for Pivot Fund products, offerings, and convenings
• Develop sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities aligned with Pivot’s mission, brand, and audience
• Partner with other organizations (including nonprofit entities) to develop joint funding, sponsorship, and revenue opportunities

Innovation & New Revenue Streams

• Design and test earned-revenue models aligned with The Pivot Fund’s mission and assets
• Explore, launch, and iterate on products and services that advance Pivot’s work and strengthen local news ecosystems
• Initiate innovative ventures with corporate, individual, and institutional funders inspired by Pivot’s unique expertise, network, and reputation

Data, Strategy & Performance Management

• Establish KPIs and systems to measure, monitor, and forecast revenue pipelines in conjunction with the CEO and Chief Development Officer
• Use data and metrics to drive decision-making, refine strategies, and report progress to leadership and key stakeholders
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Director of Learning, Research & Evaluation to align research products, learning goals, and evaluation efforts with Pivot’s earned revenue strategy and organizational priorities

Support for Grantee Partners

• Advise Pivot’s Portfolio team on best practices, tools, and templates that can strengthen revenue sustainability across grantee partners
• Share insights and learnings from revenue-building work to support field-building and organizational strategy

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Leadership experience driving and implementing revenue growth within nonprofit or for-profit organizations (media, journalism, or philanthropy experience strongly preferred)

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (e.g., business, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience

Proven track record of growing revenue through:

• New product development and new business ventures
• Philanthropic stewardship and institutional giving
• Membership, donor, or customer acquisition and retention programs
• Marketing, branding, and strategic partnerships

General management and P&L responsibility in prior roles strongly preferred

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling narratives and make data-informed cases for support

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience building and managing pipelines, forecasts, and dashboards

Demonstrated experience working effectively with historically marginalized communities and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and remote work environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, remote position (U.S.-based).

Salary Range: $115,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Time Off: Generous PTO policy offered to all full-time employees

Healthcare & Wellness

Healthcare coverage, including medical, vision, and dental

Free membership in One Medical, a digital health and virtual care service

Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Insurance & Protection

Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

This is a full-time, remote position (U.S.-based).

Salary Range: $115,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Time Off: Generous PTO policy offered to all full-time employees

Healthcare & Wellness

Healthcare coverage, including medical, vision, and dental

Free membership in One Medical, a digital health and virtual care service

Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Insurance & Protection

Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

English