What's Happening?
The Moth, a global storytelling nonprofit, is actively recruiting for a Vice President for Business & Partnerships (VPBP). This newly established executive role is designed to significantly expand the organization's earned revenue and partnership strategies
during a period of substantial growth. The VPBP will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will be responsible for leading commercial initiatives across various sectors, including sponsorships, strategic and distribution partnerships, licensing and adaptation, and the MothWorks corporate storytelling workshop program. The position is full-time and salaried, with a compensation range of $160,000 to $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The role is hybrid, requiring two in-office days per week in New York City. The Moth emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, aiming to build a culturally vibrant team that reflects the communities it serves. The application review process is ongoing through September 14, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This strategic hire signifies The Moth's ambition to scale its operations and financial sustainability, moving beyond traditional nonprofit funding models to embrace more robust commercial strategies. By focusing on earned revenue through diverse partnerships and corporate programs, The Moth aims to secure its long-term future and expand its reach. The emphasis on maintaining artistic integrity while pursuing commercial growth highlights a critical balance many mission-driven organizations face. Success in this role could set a precedent for how storytelling nonprofits can leverage their unique content and brand to generate significant revenue, potentially influencing the broader nonprofit sector's approach to business development. The role's focus on building scalable systems and cultivating transformative partnerships underscores a shift towards more sophisticated business practices within the nonprofit storytelling space, ensuring the organization's continued ability to inspire and connect diverse audiences.
What's Next?
The Moth will continue to review applications for the Vice President for Business & Partnerships role on a rolling basis until September 14, 2026. Following the selection and onboarding of the new VPBP, the organization is expected to implement a more aggressive commercial strategy. This will likely involve the development of new revenue models, the establishment of annual and multi-year revenue goals, and the identification of new market opportunities. The VPBP will also be tasked with building and leading a high-performing revenue team, setting key performance indicators, and fostering a culture of innovation. Furthermore, the new executive will collaborate closely with the VP of Marketing & Communications to align partnership strategies with audience growth and engagement goals, and with the Executive Producer to ensure artistic integrity in all commercial endeavors. The success of this role will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of The Moth's growth and its ability to expand its global impact.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of this executive position reflects a broader trend within the nonprofit sector where organizations are increasingly adopting business-minded approaches to ensure sustainability and expand their impact. The Moth's emphasis on balancing ambitious revenue goals with its core mission of inspiring open sharing and understanding highlights the ethical considerations inherent in commercializing artistic and cultural endeavors. This move could spark discussions within the storytelling community about the potential benefits and pitfalls of such strategies, including questions of artistic autonomy, audience perception, and the potential for mission drift. The success of this role could serve as a case study for other cultural institutions seeking to diversify their funding streams while staying true to their foundational values. It also underscores the growing recognition of storytelling as a valuable commodity in various sectors, from corporate training to media production, opening new avenues for creative and social impact.
