Director, Journalism Fund

The E.W. Scripps Company; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Scripps Howard Foundation seeks a Director of Journalism Strategies to lead the development and coordination of journalism education programs and philanthropic strategies for the Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation, serving as the national journalism leader for the organization.

You will build strategic partnerships with journalism organizations, academia, funders, and industry leaders; oversee grantmaking, evaluate outcomes, and guide program strategy to strengthen journalism talent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred.
• Generally, 8+ years of experience in journalism, journalism education, philanthropy, fundraising, program leadership or a related field preferred.
• Prior people management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of journalism education programs, philanthropic initiatives, and strategic priorities that advance the mission of the Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with journalism organizations, academic institutions, funders, donors, and industry leaders to strengthen journalism talent pipelines and expand program impact.
• Serve as a recognized leader and subject matter expert in journalism education and philanthropy, providing insights, recommendations, and thought leadership on industry trends, opportunities, and emerging needs.
• Collaborate with internal, board, and external stakeholders to develop and implement innovative initiatives that support current and future journalists and advance the profession.
• Direct journalism grantmaking activities, including evaluation, award administration, grantee relationship management, outcomes assessment, and continuous improvement of the grant portfolio.
• Oversee key journalism programs and special initiatives, including the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and other mission-driven projects.

Skills

Leadership

Partnership development

Strategic thinking

Communication

Board reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Scripps Howard Foundation is seeking a Director of Journalism Strategies to direct, develop and coordinate an array of journalism education programs and philanthropic strategies for the Scripps Howard Fund and Scripps Howard Foundation as outlined in the strategic plan. This position serves as the national journalism leader for the organization, cultivating and maintaining relationships with leaders in the journalism industry, journalism education and funding communities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead the development and execution of journalism education programs, philanthropic initiatives, and strategic priorities that advance the mission of the Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with journalism organizations, academic institutions, funders, donors, and industry leaders to strengthen journalism talent pipelines and expand program impact.
• Serve as a recognized leader and subject matter expert in journalism education and philanthropy, providing insights, recommendations, and thought leadership on industry trends, opportunities, and emerging needs.
• Collaborate with internal, board, and external stakeholders to develop and implement innovative initiatives that support current and future journalists and advance the profession.
• Represent the Fund and Foundation in industry associations, conferences, and external partnerships, promoting the organization's leadership in journalism and journalism education.
• Develop and execute fundraising and donor engagement strategies, including cultivation, stewardship, and identification of new funding opportunities to expand mission impact and diversify revenue sources.
• Direct journalism grantmaking activities, including evaluation, award administration, grantee relationship management, outcomes assessment, and continuous improvement of the grant portfolio.
• Monitor and evaluate program and grant performance by reviewing outcomes, impact metrics, and grantee reports, and provide recommendations to enhance effectiveness and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee key journalism programs and special initiatives, including the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and other mission-driven projects.
• Lead and develop the journalism education team by providing strategic direction, coaching, performance support, and resource planning to ensure high-quality program execution and achievement of organizational goals.
• Prepare comprehensive board reports and present key updates, outcomes, and strategic recommendations during board meetings.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred.
• Generally, 8+ years of experience in journalism, journalism education, philanthropy, fundraising, program leadership or a related field preferred.
• Prior people management experience preferred.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Passion for journalism and journalism education.
• Strategic, innovative and future-oriented thinker and planner.
• Ability to collaborate, influence and build effective partnerships across institutions, organizations and associations.
• Demonstrated ability to design, organize, manage and evaluate programs, projects and events.
• Ability to understand and communicate trends affecting journalism, journalism education and journalism funding.
• Understanding of the critical role of fundraising in advancing journalism education initiatives, with demonstrated support of donor engagement, stewardship and revenue-generating opportunities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare board-level materials and present strategic recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder service skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.

#LI-SM2 #LI-Onsite

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

We are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.” As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.” As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.