Director of Development and Partnerships

The Providence Eye (pvdeye.org), a digital news organization based in Providence, RI, seeks a full-time Director of Development and Partnerships to join our newsroom. This will be our first time hiring a full-time person to focus on revenue generation, which has been largely volunteer based to date.

Founded in 2023, The Providence Eye aims to close the gap in local reporting left by corporate media consolidation and modern shifts in news consumption. We aim to provide quality community journalism that speaks to issues in each of Providence’s diverse neighborhoods, from Wanskuck to Wayland to Washington Park.

We believe that Providence is a unique city with a rich history, present, and future. We aim to be a reliable source of both practical civic information for residents, as well as a source for in-depth reporting about the issues that affect Providentians most urgently, equipping them with the context they need to be engaged citizens.

Please be advised that this position requires that the candidate live in Rhode Island and reside within a commutable distance to Providence, RI. 

To sustain our mission, The Providence Eye is seeking an experienced Director of Development and Partnerships who is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all fundraising initiatives.  This role oversees major and annual giving, grants, sponsorships, donor relations, advertising, and fundraising-related event coordination. The Director plays a key leadership role in donor cultivation and stewardship, while also managing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual supporters. This position works collaboratively with the Publisher  to foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

What You’ll Do…

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Design and lead a comprehensive development strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle, including:
  • ◦ Initiating contacts with prospective donors (individuals and businesses).
  • ◦ Developing cultivation strategies and moving prospects toward solicitation and closure.
  • Making direct solicitations when appropriate.
  • Maintaining stewardship with current donors to deepen engagement and giving.
  • Manage the annual NewsMatch period, including strategy, campaign design, segmentation, and evaluation.

Individual Gifts

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, maintaining a portfolio of donors and prospects with capacity for significant giving.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor intentions and gifts in donor records.

Grants & Sponsorships

• Oversee and manage the grant writing process to identify, research, and develop proposals to private foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Cultivate and secure corporate sponsorships for events and programs.
• Publicize advertising opportunities for venues/event sponsors in The Providence Eye calendar

Donor Research & Relationship Management

• Conduct prospect research and analysis to inform cultivation strategies, understand donor trends, and identify new giving opportunities.
• Monitor donor and prospect contacts to ensure thoughtful and strategic relationship-building.
• Maintain accurate and confidential donor records in development database(s); generate timely acknowledgment and stewardship communications.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with the Publisher, Board members, and others to engage stakeholders in fundraising.
• Serve as a visible and active ambassador for The Providence Eye in the community.

Requirements:

• Proven record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Motivated self-starter who can work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and expertly manage professional and interpersonal relationships with all organization members and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates exceptional professional level written and verbal communication skills.
• Is open and receptive to new ideas and constructive feedback.

• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates flexibility in work assignments and willingness to play an active role in the success of our branded communications.

What we offer…

• Unique opportunity to help build a local news outlet.
• $55,000 salary
• We put 3% salary toward a SIMPLE IRA that vests immediately without a match requirement from you.
• Generous stipend for health insurance.
• 9 paid holidays a year.
• 10 days of paid vacation a year.

How to apply

Email [email protected] and include a cover letter and your resume.

Please apply by January 25, 2026.

 

The Providence Eye is committed to building an inclusive organization that represents the people and communities we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in our hiring.