Join The Public Source

NOW RECRUITING

Business Developer

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial business developer to lead efforts to diversify and strengthen our revenue streams while contributing to the long-term sustainability of our publication.

Working closely with the editor in chief and audience engagement editor, the business developer will build revenue models grounded in our editorial mission, political orientation, and commitment to public-interest journalism. They will play a central part in strengthening our institutional resilience and ensuring that our work remains financially independent and accountable to our readers and communities.

This is a senior, cross-organizational position that requires a deep understanding of the alternative media landscape, the structural challenges facing journalism in the region and globally, and the ability to imagine and implement creative, principled, and durable solutions to funding challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Strategy and Media Sustainability

• Lead the development and implementation of a diversified, mission-aligned revenue strategy, including grants, memberships, partnerships, events, and other innovative funding models
• Co-develop medium- and long-term sustainability plans in coordination with organizational leadership
• Monitor trends in media funding, philanthropy, and audience-supported revenue, and translating them into practical opportunities for the organization
• Track revenue performance and funding pipelines, and regularly assessing risks and opportunities

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Cultivate and manage relationships with individual donors, philanthropic institutions, foundations, and mission-aligned partners
• Lead the development of funding proposals, concept notes, budgets, and reports in close coordination with the editorial team
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with regional and international media organizations, journalism networks, and allied institutions
• Help build a diverse and sustainable funding base that reduces dependence on single donors and short-term project funding

Collaboration Across the Publication

• Work closely with the audience engagement editor to explore how audience growth, community engagement, and membership initiatives can strengthen financial sustainability
• Coordinate with the impact editor to ensure fundraising and partnership efforts align with the organization's editorial priorities and public interest impact goals
• Collaborate with editorial leadership to ensure that all revenue activities respect the publication's autonomy, capacity, and values 

Institutional Development and Systems

• Contribute to building internal systems for fundraising, partnership management, reporting, and institutional learning
• Support the development of organizational policies and practices related to funding ethics, partnerships, and donor engagement
• Produce regular internal updates and strategic reports on sustainability, funding trends, and organizational growth

Qualifications

• At least 8-10 years of experience in media development, business development, fundraising, or strategic partnerships, preferably within independent media, nonprofit journalism, or mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated understanding of the political, economic, and structural challenges facing independent media in the region and globally
• Proven track record of developing and managing diversified revenue streams and long-term funding strategies
• Strong experience writing proposals, concept notes, and donor reports
• Ability to navigate complex partnerships while safeguarding editorial independence and institutional integrity
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Highly self-driven, organized, and comfortable working across teams and competing priorities
• Clear commitment to public-interest journalism
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Arabic is a strong asset

The Fine Print

• Location: Beirut, Lebanon (hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work)
  Candidates based in Lebanon are strongly preferred. Only exceptionally qualified candidates based outside the country will be considered 

• Start date: August 15, 2026

• Employment type: Contract-based

• Compensation: Commensurate with experience (contract range $12,000-$18,000)

• Contract: Performance-based and renewable, based on performance and funding

• Application Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged, as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying — rather than a summary of your experience — and your interest in our publication and its mission, along with your CV, through the application form at the bottom of this page. A portfolio showcasing relevant fundraising, partnership, or business development work is a plus but not required.

Open Call for Contributors

We invite editors, writers, and experienced or aspiring investigative journalists to join us as contributors.

Applicants are asked to send a resume, a brief cover letter explaining their interest in collaborating with The Public Source, and a writing sample.

We’re always looking for curious and passionate contributors with great research, reporting, or editing skills — and the ability to be self-disciplined while working collaboratively.