The Lenfest Institute: Head of National Programs  

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism seeks a full-time Head of National Programs to lead the Institute’s work with news organizations across the country. The Institute’s national portfolio empowers the next era of local journalism with programs that are unique and provide essential support for local news organizations transitioning to and building a sustainable digital future.   

The primary current national programs include:   

• Communities of Practice: We currently manage four communities of practice: the News Philanthropy Network (more than 2,000 individual members), theAudience Development Community(more than 350 individual members), theStatewide News Collective(29 member organizations), and theEngaged Cities Community (9 member organizations).  

• Beyond Print: This program includes grants, experimentation, convenings, idea-sharing and publishing to ensure important local news organizations make the transition to a predominantly digital future.  

• Advisory Services: We advise news organizations exploring changes of ownership structure, such as to nonprofit status, and with their financial and business planning. We work with them to develop pitch decks if they are startups, to help them design useful regular financial data and metrics, and to plot a path to a sustainable digital future.   

• Fiscal sponsorships of companies and projects:As a public charity, rather than a private foundation, The Lenfest Institute can use its tax status and reliable, efficient administrative capabilities to help news organizations and supporting organizations achieve their goals. We sponsor both companies, such as National Trust for Local News and Capital B while they were awaiting an IRS ruling on their non-profit status, and projects, such as the Lenfest Local News Infrastructure Fund.   

• Convenings and other work in support of the Institute’s national strategy. 

Job activities: 

• Serve as a key member of the Institute team and collaborate regularly with internal departments, consultants, partners and other stakeholders.  

• Attend Board meetings, and work closely with Board committees on goals and direction of national programs.  

• Manage staff of two plus consultants working on various national projects. Set goals, ensure they are met, and find and hire consultants through equitable processes. 

• Develop and manage the budget for National programs and grants. 

• Work directly with news organizations to understand their needs, advise them, and bring resources to bear. 

• Represent the Institute in convenings, meetings, and forums for the benefit of local news. 

• Design and administer programs and grants to advance the mission of the Institute and to serve local news. 

• Collaborate with the Institute’s editorial and communications staff to share lessons, create playbooks and tool kits, and publish case studies and other resources to help local news organizations achieve long-term digital sustainability and advance the Institute’s mission 

Experience and qualifications: 

The ideal candidate is an organized and self-motivated team member with a track record in program management and experience in the news industry.  

Things we look for in an ideal candidate: 

• At least 10-years of experience leading teams and producing results. 

• Understanding of the local news industry, its challenges and opportunities. 

• Familiarity with the operating issues that local news organizations face. 

• Consulting experience and/or an MBA preferred. 

• Excellent writing and presentation skills. 

• A mission-driven person, who cares about local news, innovation and democracy and is committed to equity in all aspects of the work.  

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including being comfortable facilitating large group meetings, and a natural curiosity to learn about people from a variety of backgrounds.  

• Ability to juggle multiple projects, work with various stakeholders and contractors, and connect with people across time zones. 

• Familiarity with using digital tools to stay organized, communicate transparently, and collaborate with team members remotely.  

• A great collaborator who works well with advancement, finance, operations, and others. 

• Ability to work with funders on ideas for National Programs, in cooperation with the Institute’s Advancement team.  

• A person who takes initiative.