Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Principal Gifts
at High Country News
🏢 About High Country News
High Country News is the nation's leading independent source of in-depth reporting on the Western United States, with a mission to inform and inspire action on behalf of the region's diverse natural and human communities. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization that values journalistic integrity and environmental stewardship, with a remote-first culture that attracts passionate advocates for the West.
About This Role
As Director of Principal Gifts, you will lead the fundraising department and personally secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations to support the organization's $3.4 million annual goal. This role is crucial for sustaining independent journalism and shaping philanthropic strategy in collaboration with executive leadership.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing a major donor's giving history and drafting a personalized cultivation plan, meeting with the Executive Director to align on fundraising priorities, and checking in with team members on their portfolios. You might also prepare a report for the board on progress toward the $3.4 million goal and research potential foundation partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who High Country News Is Looking For
- Proven track record of closing 6- and 7-figure gifts and legacy gifts, ideally in a nonprofit or journalism-adjacent field.
- 7+ years of fundraising experience with expertise in major donor cultivation, moves management, and grant writing.
- Strong supervisory skills with experience hiring, training, and managing a fundraising team to meet ambitious goals.
- Familiarity with the Western United States' environmental and cultural issues, and a passion for independent journalism.
📝 Tips for Applying to High Country News
Tailor your resume to highlight specific dollar amounts and success rates for principal gifts you've secured, especially 6- and 7-figure commitments.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising experience to supporting independent journalism or environmental causes.
Demonstrate familiarity with High Country News by referencing specific articles or series that align with your philanthropic interests.
Mention any experience with planned giving or legacy gifts, as this is emphasized in the requirements.
Prepare a brief outline of how you would approach the first 90 days in the role, focusing on donor portfolio review and team management.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for the mission of independent journalism and the Western United States.', 'Specific examples of closing major gifts and managing a fundraising team.', 'Your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in fundraising for a nonprofit media organization.', 'Your strategic vision for growing the principal gifts program and achieving the $3.4 million goal.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read recent issues of High Country News to understand their editorial focus and impact.
- → Review their annual report and donor recognition materials to identify major supporters and giving levels.
- → Study their website's 'Support Us' section to understand their current fundraising appeals and donor tiers.
- → Research the competitive landscape for environmental journalism nonprofits to identify potential partnership opportunities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention High Country News or its mission.
- Focusing solely on fundraising tactics without demonstrating strategic thinking or leadership ability.
- Ignoring the remote-work aspect; be prepared to discuss how you manage a distributed team and build culture virtually.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to High Country News!