Director

The Miami Foundation seeks a strategic and collaborative leader with a demonstrated passion and commitment to American democracy to serve as the inaugural Director of Press Forward, a national initiative to strengthen communities and democracy by supporting local news, rebuilding local journalism, and improving the dissemination of civic information throughout the United States. This is an opportunity to be forward-thinking on how to support the reimagination and revitalization of local news, and strategically fund efforts that will rapidly enhance and help sustain local news.

Under a set of shared values and priorities to guide their grantmaking, a coalition of donors have come together with a more than $500 million investment over the next five years to re-center local news as a force for community cohesion; support new models and solutions that are ready to scale; and close longstanding inequities in media ownership, philanthropy, and journalism. 

The Director will forge new connections across the ecosystem of local news, to ignite greater interest and enthusiasm for inclusive journalism that is community-centered and identify opportunities for innovation. The successful candidate will be responsible for making important decisions on the strategic allocation of resources based on active consultation with those in the field closest to communities and must communicate fundamental decisions with reason and clarity to build consensus. Ensuring long-term success for Press Forward will mean securing additional support and strengthening existing funding partners, therefore, the Director needs to be an excellent relationship builder, with instincts and appetite for fundraising. They should be able to articulate a compelling vision that excites donors and takes Press Forward into the future.

The Director will work closely with the Management Committee and Advisory Council of Press Forward, comprised of founding donors, partners, journalism experts, and practitioners from the field. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately. For more details, including the full position description, and to submit inquiries, nominations, and applications with cover letters, please see below. 

Karen Avery is leading this search with Berlinda Mojica.