NPR is a thriving, independent, mission-driven, nonprofit multimedia organization established in 1970. Uniquely among news and media organizations, it is also a membership organization of separately licensed and operated public radio organizations across the United States. NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility, and NPR employees do too. They are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, including journalism, music and culture, and digital media. Every day, NPR employees and Member Stations touch the lives of tens of millions worldwide.
With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists, 16 international bureaus, and hundreds of NPR Member organizations in all 50 states, NPR is never far from where a story is unfolding. Relying on hundreds of skilled journalists in the United States and abroad, NPR stays on top of breaking news, follows the most critical stories of the day, and tracks complex issues over the long term. In a time of media fragmentation and sound bites, people come to NPR for fact-based, independent journalism and civil conversation that examines and respects differing perspectives.
NPR is the most trusted news-centric brand in the United States and is second only to PBS in measured media brands. NPR is known for responsible, rigorous journalism without sensationalism. Compelling storytelling is at the heart of this. NPR’s journalists strive for mastery of the narrative form, with reporting that transports you to the places where news is happening and connects you with the people at the heart of every story.
NPR programming can be found on broadcast radio, mobile devices, smart speakers, and other evolving platforms. NPR connects with you, wherever you are and wherever the news takes us.
NPR is seeking a Chief Development Officer and President of the NPR Foundation (CDO) who will lead the strategic design and execution of a comprehensive national fundraising program consistent with NPR’s reputation for innovation and excellence. The CDO will oversee the adoption of benchmark best practices and the development of creative strategies that continue to expand NPR’s donor base and philanthropic revenue. This individual will supervise a small team of direct reports while providing direction and oversight for an overall, geographically distributed development staff of 40 across the areas of Individual Giving, Institutional Giving, Planned Giving, Collaborative Philanthropy, Digital Philanthropy, Donor Relations, Operations, and Database Analytics.
The CDO will embody the highest standards of professionalism in developing fundraising systems and in executing high-touch frontline fundraising: as an influential member of the executive management team; as an effective partner to NPR’s President and CEO, NPR Foundation Board of Trustees, NPR Board of Directors, and the NPR Network; as a mentor and role model for a team of development professionals and support staff; and as a lead ambassador to high-level partners and donors. The CDO will serve as the catalyst in strengthening a culture of philanthropy intended to permeate all areas of NPR, leading efforts to build and sustain relationships that advance NPR and its Member Stations’ ability to provide high-quality, independent content that plays a critical role in the lives of the American public and of people around the world. The CDO will develop processes and relationships to ensure that fundraising strategies are mutually beneficial to NPR and its Member Stations, accomplishing both national and local goals and lifting the entire NPR system to new levels of giving.
NPR has a compelling case for public and private support driven by its journalistic excellence, the urgency of safeguarding and sustaining independent journalism, and the brimming energy surrounding the 2024 appointment of new President and CEO Katherine Maher. This highly favorable platform for fundraising is complemented by ongoing efforts to strengthen NPR and Member Stations’ collective reach by launching collaborative programming and a new initiative to bolster local and regional journalism, aligning well with an organizational priority of advancing collaborative NPR-Member Station fundraising efforts. In many respects, NPR is exceedingly well positioned to engage both nationally and regionally focused philanthropic support and expand the donor base.
While NPR will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience.
- Mission & Values Alignment: commitment to NPR’s mission, public radio, and high-quality journalism; values-driven, self-aware, and dedicated to personal and professional growth.
- Fundraising & Campaign Leadership: 15+ years of progressive experience securing major and planned gifts from individuals, families, foundations, and corporations, including stewardship, development operations, and large-scale campaign leadership; deep experience with digital fundraising strategies and infrastructure, including data analytics, market segmentation, and testing; affiliate-structured organization experience preferred.
- Management & Operational Excellence: 10+ years of management experience overseeing staff and designing world-class fundraising operations; a track record of catalyzing change and driving productivity through clear objectives and performance standards; strong business and fiscal management expertise.
- Philanthropy Expertise: deep knowledge of modern fundraising best practices, donor motivations, and evolving philanthropic trends, including research, cultivation, stewardship, and face-to-face solicitations; agility in coordinating executive partnerships, optimizing branding and donor engagement, and deploying senior colleagues and trustees to maximize fundraising impact.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: proven success in developing and executing complex, innovative fundraising strategies that engage diverse stakeholders and secure six to eight-figure gifts; ability to move prospects through the development pipeline effectively.
- Marketing & Communications: experience in strategic marketing and communications to support fundraising goals, with the ability to leverage various channels, identify spokespeople, and engage audiences effectively.
- Board & Volunteer Leadership: expertise in identifying, inspiring, and motivating board members and volunteers to build a strong philanthropic network.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: ability to extract and analyze data to inform prospect engagement, measure success, and adapt strategies as needed.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: strong organizational efficiency and project leadership skills, with a history of working across teams to achieve measurable goals; agile in adjusting strategies to meet objectives.
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive place to work that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
NPR has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link and/or directed to the leader of the search team:
https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22027
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement
DSG Global
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174
[email protected] | 212.542.2587