Major Gifts Officer

KCRW • Santa Monica, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Vice President of Individual Giving and will play a key role in fostering and growing the major giving program at KCRW, driving a leading source of revenue for the organization. Responsibilities include qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major-giving prospects and Champion-level donors (giving $5,000+ annually) through regular in-person meetings, engaging written communication, and donor events, with the ultimate goal of soliciting six-figure donations. In addition, the Major Gifts Officer will maintain accurate donor records in KCRW’s CRM, and assist with broader communications for the Development team.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct responsibility for cultivating and securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated success independently managing a major gifts portfolio and meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Curious person who is able to quickly build relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and high-level donor presentations.
• Communicating face-to-face, in writing and on the phone.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize strategically, and exercise sound judgment in complex fundraising scenarios.
• Detail-oriented and strategic.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar donor database to manage donor activity and revenue pipeline.
• Love being around people and enjoy one-of-a-kind music, news and culture events at night and on the weekends.
• Availability to attend evening and weekend events as required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or related field.
• Software savvy and have worked with Salesforce and/or Hubspot.
• Experience working in nonprofit media, arts, or cultural institutions.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and strategically grow a portfolio of 150–200 major donors and high-capacity prospects, with accountability for securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects, building a pipeline of donors with the potential to deepen their engagement and support of KCRW.
• Develop and execute individualized donor engagement and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the rest of the Development team.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining cultivation timelines, solicitation approaches, gift structuring, and stewardship strategies.
• Lead high-level donor engagement efforts through strategic in-person and virtual meetings, exercising independent judgment in cultivation and planning.
• Continue to grow and shape the structure and tactics of the major gifts program at KCRW, in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Individual Giving.
• Contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline analysis to support organizational planning and budgeting.
• Design and implement strategic fundraising initiatives tied to priority organizational moments, including KCRW Music’s 50 Year Anniversary
• Partner with and leverage KCRW leadership, Board members, hosts, producers, and colleagues across the organization to create meaningful opportunities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop high-level proposals, impact reports, and case materials tailored to major donors and institutional prospects.
• Represent KCRW externally in high-level donor meetings, community events, and strategic engagement opportunities.
• Concept, attend, and support key Development events, including evening and weekend engagements as required.
• Maintain oversight of donor engagement documentation and revenue tracking within KCRW’s CRM with the rest of the Development Team.

Benefits

• Sick leave award
• Vacation leave accrual
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance (including medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and AD&D) eligibility
• 403(b) with company match after 2 years of employment
• Passionate office environment surrounded by an incredible community of curious and talented colleagues
• KCRW is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree