Summary

The North Carolina Local News Lab Fund (the Fund) is a pooled fund working to build a more inclusive news and information ecosystem in North Carolina. Through the application of a race, class and systems analysis, the Fund supports efforts to ensure everyone in North Carolina can find and trust useful news and information they need to thrive. To do that, we fund community-serving organizations with an emphasis on filling reporting gaps, expanding distribution, and telling a complete story of North Carolina's diverse and resilient communities.

To date, the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund has invested more than $6 million in 50+ organizations serving within 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. In addition to its own grantmaking, the Fund mobilizes additional philanthropic resources to support its mission and its network. Alongside funding, the Fund engages in intentional ecosystem strengthening, through building the core strength of its grant partners, weaving statewide networks through convenings and matchmaking, and providing advice and counsel to a broad array of organizations and leaders who make up the philanthropic, news and information landscape. The Fund serves as the state-based affiliate of Press Forward, and in September of 2024 the Fund launched Press Forward Charlotte. Together, Press Forward North Carolina and Press Forward Charlotte work to fuel investment in Charlotte and the state’s news and information ecosystem and spur collaboration among funders.

The Fund now seeks a champion for inclusive local news and information as its next Director. This is a unique opportunity to guide a mission-driven organization with deep community ties and a proven impact model into its next chapter of impact and growth. The Director will lead the Fund at a pivotal moment, advancing a strategic and statewide vision, galvanizing funders around a shared commitment to civic information, deepening community partnerships, ensuring the Fund’s long-term sustainability and fostering a cohesive, inclusive team culture. They will work closely with the Fund’s Advisory Board, dedicated staff and fiscal sponsor to advance the organization’s mission and aspirations.

To Apply

More information about the Fund can be found at: www.nclocalnews.org

This search is being led by Emily Wexler and Danielle Higa of NPAG. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s candidate portal. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by March 2, 2026.

The Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities, women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.