Now five years old, The Media Consortium has moved from a period of growth and experimentation to a more strategic realization of its mission. They seek a Director with excellent strategy and organizational development experience to work with the Consortium’s leadership and members to deepen the organization’s strategic direction and impact.

Organize and direct the Media Consortium, a dynamic and growing network of 50 leading progressive media organizations in the country. The mission: to amplify independent media’s voice, increase our collective clout, leverage our current audience and reach new ones.  They accomplish this mission by fulfilling their five strategic principles.

• Foster Collaboration and Coordination
• Build and Diversify Media Leadership
• Focus on Audience Development
• Bring Money and Attention into the Sector
• Support Innovation in Journalism and Business Models

Job Requirements

Organizational Development

• Work with TMC Coordinating Committee, MC members, and MC contractors to implement the organization’s strategic principles that fulfill The Media Consortium’s mission and goals.
• Oversee ongoing membership recruitment and engagement strategy with staff
• Organize quarterly coordinating committee conference calls and annual in-person meeting
• Hire and supervise TMC staff and contractors, (2-5 people per year)
• Develop new strategic allies and partners that will help fulfill The Media Consortium’s mission and projects

Finances/Fundraising

• Work with coordinating committee and fiscal sponsor Foundation for National Progress to develop and oversee annual budget
• Work to create revenue generating services which support both member and Consortium needs
• Create and implement annual fundraising strategy to support The MC and MC-related projects
• Work with the Foundation for National Progress’s Chief Executive Officer on all financial and accounting matters
• Develop and maintain relationships with foundations and individual donors

Project Oversight and Membership Support

• Organize annual Media Consortium member meetings and additional small group meetings throughout the year
• Oversee implementation and development of current TMC projects including its Incubation and Innovation Lab, MediaWires project, Independent Media Internship program (http://www.themediaconsortium.org/projects/)
• Identify capacity building and networking opportunities for MC members
• Work with Media Consortium staff, members, allies, and contractors to identify, develop and implement new projects and partnerships that fulfill The Media Consortium’s mission and goals
• Support information sharing and collaboration among MC members

Communications

• Represent The Media Consortium at conferences, meetings and other public venues. Deploy and prepare Coordinating Committee and other members for the same.
• Develop The Media Consortium’s web site and promotional materials in coordination with strategic planning and project needs

Skills and Qualities Required

• Passion for progressive journalism and media
• Deep understanding of and ability to communicate current and future trends in the evolving journalism and new media environment and of independent media’s relationship to politics and organizing
• Inclusive, consultative leadership style
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising
• Strong organizing/convening skills
• 3-5 years experience supervising staff and consultants
• Innovative and strategic thinker with great follow through
• Excellent sense of humor and equanimity

Skills and Qualities Desired

• Expansive knowledge of individuals and organizations within the progressive media landscape
• Track record of generating impact on a small budget

How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to director AT themediaconsortium.com by December 15, 2010.  No phone calls please. Women and people of color strongly encouraged to apply.

Status: Full-time
Where: Flexible. Preferred in Chicago, DC, NYC or SF.
Salary: Competitive salary, based on experience. Benefits included.