The American Prospect (TAP) is a dynamic national magazine (six issues per year) and daily website about ideas, politics, and power, praised by Politico (“a liberal bulwark… flexing some Biden-era muscle”), the Columbia Journalism Review (“the magazine of the moment”), and the Washington Post (“If you want to understand what’s happening inside the Biden administration and the broader Democratic Party, the Prospect is a must-read.”). 

TAP seeks a publisher to run business operations, increase readership and engagement, and enhance fundraising. This is an opportunity to take a leadership role with an influential nonprofit journalism outlet that is renowned for successfully informing public policy. The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in leadership and management roles. Publishing experience is preferred, as the job involves all aspects of the business of journalism. Experience managing websites is helpful. Experience building and growing nonprofit organizations is a plus. 

Responsibilities 

As publisher and business development manager, you will be responsible for identifying business opportunities, managing partnerships, and driving audience growth for the company. Your primary focus will be on increasing revenue through strategic initiatives and relationship building, expanding TAP’s readership and donor base. You will also be responsible for oversight of bookkeeping and accounting, as well as human resources for a small but mighty staff (currently 14 employees). 

• Financial and office management: Plan and present annual budget, track income and expenses, and report monthly on cash flow. Supervise administrative staff and activities, oversee and coordinate meetings and events, and handle correspondence. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures as well as legal regulations, handling confidential information with discretion and professionalism. 
• Audience development: Identify key strategies for increasing and monetizing audience growth and formulate actionable plans to capitalize on them, overseeing email automation and newsletter strategy and customer service for raising funds from print subscriptions and digital memberships. 
• Fundraising: Work with senior staff and TAP’s nonprofit board of directors to identify potential opportunities for funding, sharing trends, needs, and information on the competitive landscape with the executive team. This includes developing pitches, and talking to potential donors. Manage the grant application process, including deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance. 
• Sales and revenue generation: Supervise advertising sales efforts, developing persuasive presentations and proposals for potential clients.
• Communication and collaboration: Nurture and maintain relationships with donors, partners and vendors, negotiating partnership agreements and work contracts to mutual benefit. Supervise the technical aspects of TAP’s publishing systems. Collaborate with internal teams, including TAP’s bargaining unit, to align content production and operational strategy, and support execution. Foster a positive, inclusive and productive work environment.

Requirements

• Expert skills in QuickBooks, Google Workspace, online payment and banking applications including PayPal and Stripe, and experience with additional software-as-a-service integrations pertinent in the publishing and grant application fields. Familiarity with postal regulations is key.   
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and fundraising stewardship.
• Excellent writing, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. 
• Prior experience in fundraising development, nonprofit management and the publishing field are all extremely beneficial. 

Key competencies

• Financial acumen and fundraising strategy.
• Team leadership and management.
• Relationship building and collaboration.
• Program and project management.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and communication law and ethics.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and managing audits. 

Position type: Full-time, exempt.

Compensation: Salary starts at $120,000 plus benefits, based on experience.

Location: Hybrid remote; Washington, D.C. preferred. Must be able to work in the United States. Occasional travel for meetings and workshops. 

Work schedule: TAP is a hybrid remote organization, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and stakeholders in many time zones. Attendance at certain meetings and events is required, but schedules are otherwise flexible, with an expectation of 37.5 hours each week. 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 20 days paid vacation and 10 health days accrue in the first year; 11 holidays, plus Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. Flexplan, retirement account, family leave, and more. 

Equipment: TAP will provide the software and hardware necessary for this position.

Selection timeline: TAP will begin reviewing applications on April 18, 2024, and will preference those received before that date. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Applicants will be informed if they are advancing to an interview, and all applicants will be notified when the role is filled.

TAP is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.