Planet Detroit – Detroit, MI (Hybrid / Metro Detroit preferred)

About Planet Detroit

Planet Detroit is an award-winning nonprofit newsroom that delivers quality journalism about climate, health, and the environment in Detroit and Michigan. Rooted in Detroit, we’re on a mission to drive informed action through community-centered independent environmental and climate reporting and information. We amplify local voices, hold power accountable, and spotlight solutions to inspire hope across Michigan and the Great Lakes.

We’re seeking a Chief Partnerships & Revenue Officer to lead our donor, sponsorship, and partnership strategy — ensuring sustainable revenue for independent journalism that matters. 

We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive, equitable newsroom where people from historically underrepresented communities can thrive and shape our coverage.

Please find more information about us here.

The Opportunity

This is a full-time leadership role for a relationship-driven fundraiser and connector who knows how to grow revenue through partnerships, grants, and community engagement. You’ll work directly with the Executive Editor and Advisory Board to expand Planet Detroit’s financial base while deepening trust with donors, sponsors, and grassroots partners.

What You’ll Do

Revenue & Partnerships (Primary Focus)

  • Own our annual revenue goal across grants, major donors, sponsorships, and membership, with sub-targets for each stream.
  • Grow Planet Detroit’s member revenue by 15%–20% year-over-year.
  • Establish and steward sponsorships and partner relationships that align with our mission.
  • Build and manage a strong donor/sponsor pipeline, meet weekly prospecting and call targets, and deliver quarterly board-ready dashboards.

Grants & Donor Stewardship

  • With support from the Executive Editor, research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals and reports, managing deadlines and communication with key funders.
  • Retain donors by creating consistent communication touchpoints (impact reports, thank-yous, events).
  • Represent Planet Detroit at a minimum of two events per month.
  • Develop, manage, and promote Planet Detroit-led donor stewardship events (webinars, workshops, discussions,  live/virtual), with a minimum of 10-12 per year.

Systems & Strategy

  • Ensure accurate data and efficient donor communications.
  • Leverage tech tools, partners, and systems for pipeline management, segmentation, and retention strategies to scale Planet Detroit’s revenue growth.
  • Be willing to write a handwritten thank you and engage staff in doing the same.

What Success Looks Like In This Role

  • You’ve closed multiple new partnerships and sponsorships within six months.
  • Members and donors are growing steadily, with high retention.
  • Grants are secured and submitted on time, with new institutional funders added to the mix.
  • Planet Detroit is visible at key civic events and hosts consistent, well-attended development-related programming.
  • Our advisory board has clarity and confidence in revenue projections through your dashboards.

What We’re Looking For

  • 4+ years of experience in fundraising, partnerships, or development.
  • Proven success in securing donors, sponsors, or corporate/community partnerships.
  • Experience building inclusive partnerships across diverse communities; ability to incorporate feedback from community members into outreach and stewardship.
  • Strong grant writing and stewardship track record.
  • Skilled communicator: persuasive writing and confident public speaking.
  • Organized and systems-driven: adept with CRMs, ESPs, and donor management platforms (we use HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and Donorbox).
  • Entrepreneurial: both a strategic thinker and a hands-on doer.
  • Passion for civic engagement, climate, and environmental health.
  • An understanding of the media business is desirable. 

About You

  • You’re a natural connector who inspires trust.
  • You have a growth mindset and love the challenge of growing revenue for mission-driven work.
  • You’re energized by building partnerships that make a difference in Detroit.
  • You balance vision with execution — and you’re excited to roll up your sleeves.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 base, with potential performance incentives tied to growth.
  • Benefits: Health, 401k match, PTO + more.
  • Schedule: Full-time, flexible hybrid. Some evening/weekend meetings and occasional travel. We work out of a shared coworking space in Midtown Detroit.
  • Reports to: Executive Editor.

👉 To Apply
Send your resume and a brief cover letter to connect@planetdetroit.org. In your cover letter, tell us about the biggest revenue or partnership win of your career — and why it mattered. Use the subject line Revenue Director. This position will be open until filled.

Planet Detroit is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to pay equity and transparent hiring practices.

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.