Director of Donor Relations

KNKX Public Radio•Tacoma, WA

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Donor Relations oversees the administration and execution of KNKX’s major and planned giving programs, working in close partnership with the Director of Major and Planned Giving. This position provides leadership for the data and gift processing team, ensuring efficient systems, accurate reporting, and timely, donor-centered communications. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a collaborative working style. The Director builds meaningful relationships with a wide range of constituents and helps shape the strategies that drive donor engagement. A key focus of the position is cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors at the $1,500+ level through personalized communications, special opportunities, and thoughtfully designed donor events. In addition to securing annual General Operating support, the Director of Donor Relations leads fundraising efforts for KNKX’s evolving priorities, including capital initiatives, special campaigns, and other strategic projects. The position supervises the Individual Giving and Database Coordinator and Member Services Manager and reports to the Senior Director of Development.

Requirements

Must have at least 7 years’ experience fundraising in nonprofits, at least 2 of which include Major Donor Cultivation and Solicitation
BA degree preferred; experience may substitute education
Demonstrated leadership experience
Must work evenings and weekends as needed
Must have reliable transportation
Competency in Microsoft Office programs with strong word processing and spreadsheet skills.
Competency in Google Suite programs with strong word processing and spreadsheet skills.
Competency in donor database applications, Raiser’s Edge and Luminate preferred.
Fundraising skills and knowledge of donor cycle, fundraising best practices and the donor code of ethics in fundraising and goal-setting.
Strong writing skills and experience writing for direct mail, email, live presentations and other case documents.
Knowledge of and experience in moving donors along the giving cycle from identification to stewardship.
Ability to work with a variety of people.
Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the organization.
Interest in media, journalism and music and a dedication to promoting the organization’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships across departments.
Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
Demonstrated record of completing assignments.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong public speaking skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in relation to information and documentation.
Ability to work independently.
Attention to details and ability to maintain accurate records.
Experience working with a donor database and other digital resources to track donor behavior and moves management.

Responsibilities

Execute and contribute to planning for the annual fundraising and communication plan for the major and planned giving programs, in partnership with the Director of Major and Planned Giving.
Support major and planned giving efforts by developing messaging, donor materials, and the donor experience across the giving cycle.
Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen major and planned giving programs in alignment with KNKX’s long-term fundraising strategy.
Oversee all donor acknowledgement processes across multiple channels to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and donor-centered messaging.
Plan and manage special donor events—from intimate home gatherings and live studio sessions to major gift receptions at larger station events.
Write and oversee distribution of impact reports for donors at all giving levels.
Support donor stewardship activities through customized communications, donor touchpoints, and opportunities for engagement.
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of donor data; partner with database staff to maintain strong data hygiene practices and timely gift processing.
Track major giving KPIs, campaign progress, and donor engagement trends; produce regular reports for internal leadership and board-level stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records of known bequests and future commitments; track and report on the planned giving pipeline.
Oversee stock gift handling and related acknowledgement processes.
Partner with the Development team on joint initiatives, including fund drives, public events, and integrated campaigns.
Provide insights on donor interests, trends, and opportunities to inform broader fundraising strategy.
Manage vendor relationships and annual contracts related to major and planned giving programs.
Supervise the Member Services Manager and Individual Giving & Database Coordinator, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.
Partner with the Senior Director of Development and Director of Major and Planned Giving to set and meet annual revenue and expense goals.
Recommend and implement new strategies to grow philanthropic support.
Contribute to special campaigns, organizational projects, and additional tasks as assigned.