Job Title:
Manager of Individual Giving
Company: Pulitzer Center
Location: New York City, NY
Created: 2026-03-16
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Manager Of Individual GivingThe Pulitzer Center seeks a strategic relationship builder to transform how individual donors connect with our mission of supporting independent journalism on critical global issues. This isn't about transactional fundraisingit's about building a movement of engaged supporters who see themselves as partners in strengthening journalism's role in democracy and global understanding.As Manager of Individual Giving, you'll serve as a key driver in growing our individual donor program, creating pathways for people to move from first-time supporters to deeply invested advocates. You'll design engagement strategies and events that help donors see the direct impact of their support: journalists uncovering climate stories in vulnerable communities, students connecting global issues to local action, and communities accessing information that mainstream media overlooks.This role is for someone who believes fundraising is fundamentally about relationships, storytelling, and shared purpose. Someone who can translate complex journalism projects into compelling donor experiences, who thrives on building genuine connections, and who sees data not as numbers but as insights into how people want to engage with our mission.If you're energized by the challenge of building sustainable revenue streams while cultivating meaningful donor relationships, this role offers significant creative freedom and strategic impact.ResponsibilitiesDonor Strategy & Portfolio ManagementManage and grow a portfolio of 150-200 individual donors giving $1,000-$25,000 annuallyDesign and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to donor interests and capacityCreate personalized engagement plans that connect donors to specific programs, journalists, and impact storiesIdentify and qualify major gift prospects from existing supporter base and new networksAchieve annual fundraising goals while building sustainable long-term relationshipsDonor Experience & CommunicationsCraft compelling solicitation materials including appeals, proposals, and impact reportsDesign creative stewardship touchpoints that demonstrate impact and build connection: journalist updates, behind-the-scenes content, program spotlightsCollaborate with Communications and Editorial teams to develop donor-facing content that showcases journalism quality and impactOrganize donor engagement opportunities: briefings with journalists, exclusive events, virtual conversations on global issuesEnsure all donor interactions reflect the organization's values and strengthen relationship momentumProgram Development & InnovationBuild and expand mid-level giving program ($1,000-$9,999) with targeted strategies for acquisition and retentionDevelop creative giving vehicles: monthly sustainer programs, matching gift campaigns, legacy giving initiativesDesign engagement pathways that move donors up the giving ladder based on interests and capacityTest and refine approaches based on data analysis and donor feedbackCollaborate with Development leadership to integrate individual giving with broader fundraising strategyData Management & AnalysisMaintain accurate, comprehensive donor records in CRM system (Salesforce)Track metrics including retention rates, upgrade rates, average gift size, and portfolio productivityAnalyze giving patterns to inform strategy and identify opportunitiesGenerate reports for leadership on fundraising performance and trendsEnsure compliance with donor acknowledgment timelines and organizational policiesQualificationsRequired Qualifications3-5 years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success managing individual donor portfoliosProven track record of meeting or exceeding annual fundraising goalsExcellent relationship building skills with ability to cultivate donors across giving levelsExperience in developing, producing, and managing fundraising and donor eventsStrong written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narrativesStrategic thinking combined with attention to detail and follow-throughExperience with donor database management (Salesforce experience strongly preferred)Analytical skills with comfort using data to inform strategy and measure successEntrepreneurial mindset with ability to build programs and test new approachesPassion for journalism, storytelling, and the role of media in democracyCommitment to equity and inclusion in fundraising practicePreferred QualificationsExperience in nonprofit journalism, media, or education sectorsKnowledge of international development, global affairs, or social justice issuesExperience with planned giving or monthly sustainer programsGrant writing skillsEstablished networks within philanthropic or journalism communitiesFamiliarity with issues including climate change, democracy, human rights, global healthSuccess MetricsYour impact will be measured by:Revenue Goals: Achievement of annual individual giving revenue targetsPortfolio Growth: Expansion in number of donors and average gift size across portfolioRetention: Strong donor retention rates (70%+ for current donors)Upgrades: Success moving donors to higher giving levelsPipeline Development: Consistent identification and qualification of major gift prospectsDonor Satisfaction: Positive feedback from donors about their experience and engagementProgram Innovation: Development and testing of new giving programs and engagement strategiesOperational Excellence: Accurate, timely donor records and acknowledgmentsCompensation & BenefitsSalary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experienceComprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, generous PTO, professional development supportRemote work arrangement with flexibility for work-life balanceLocation & Work ArrangementThe ideal candidate will be based in either New York City or Washington DC. Qualified candidates from all geographic regions will be considered, however, a relocation reimbursement will not be offered for this position. The role requires in-person participation at New York City and Washington DC based meetings with leadership, team members, donors, and partners.Travel Requirements: This role requires domestic and global travel for:Meetings with donors, prospects, and partners.Fundraising-related events and related donor activities.Team meetings and organizational eventsConferences and professional developmentThe ideal candidate will be comfortable with both in-person relationship building and virtual donor engagement across time zones.Employment at the Pulitzer CenterThe Pulitzer Center is an equal opportunity employer. The Center is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where the individual differences among us, whether in terms of race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, physical challenge, or marital or family status, are (i) understood, respected, and appreciated, (ii) recognized as a source of strength, and (iii) valued as qualities that enrich the environment in which we work. See our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement for details.