C-SPAN is one of the nation’s most trusted nonpartisan public institutions, providing unfiltered access to government, public affairs, civic dialogue, and democratic process. Founded in 1979, C-SPAN reaches audiences through three television networks, digital platforms, podcasts, newsletters, social media, radio, and a video archive of more than 300,000 hours of public affairs coverage.

C-SPAN is entering a defining period of transformation, expanding audiences, modernizing operations, diversifying revenue, and investing in people while preserving its strict independence and nonpartisan mission. With philanthropy now central to its future sustainability, C-SPAN seeks its inaugural Chief Development Officer to build a comprehensive fundraising program from the ground up.

The Opportunity

This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of a national civic institution at a moment of extraordinary opportunity.

Working closely with CEO Sam Feist and the senior leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will design and lead an enterprise-level development strategy capable of securing major, principal, and transformational gifts. The successful candidate will bring deep fundraising expertise, executive presence, and a demonstrated ability to build strategy, systems, teams, and relationships that support long-term growth.

This leader will help C-SPAN expand philanthropic support while protecting the organization’s credibility, editorial independence, and public trust. For a leader who is motivated by mission, complexity, and the chance to shape something enduring, this role offers a platform to have national impact while building a development program of uncommon significance.

The salary range for this role is $220,000-$240,000.