KPBS Mid-level Development Officer

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

11d

About The Position

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community through informative, cultural, entertaining, and educational television, radio, and digital programming. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS advances the university’s educational and community-service mission by informing, enlightening, and empowering its audience. The Development Division manages and grows major, mid-level, planned, endowment, campaign, and annual membership giving at the Producers Club level and above. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Mid-level Development Officer manages a portfolio of current and prospective mid-level members, defined as donors contributing $600–$5,000 annually. The position identifies donor capacity, elevates engagement, and increases philanthropy from the membership pool. Working with Development, Membership, and organizational partners, the officer cultivates donor relationships and builds a pipeline from Membership to Major Gifts. The role creates opportunities for donors and prospects to deepen their connection to KPBS’s mission, understand its programs and initiatives, and align their philanthropic interests with meaningful impact. The position allocates approximately 80% of its time to fundraising, 10% to operations and administration, and 10% to other assigned duties. The successful candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at the time of hire. A job offer is contingent on satisfactory background-check clearance, including a criminal record check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, or Business; additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
At least two years of progressively responsible experience.
Demonstrated experience in philanthropic fundraising, including successful donor cultivation and gift solicitation.
Ability to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with donors, colleagues, and external partners.
Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of public media and KPBS programming.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams to coordinate donor engagement, share information, and advance organizational goals.
Knowledge of CRM systems and databases.
Knowledge of fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices for donor engagement, cultivation, stewardship, and revenue growth.
Ability to take initiative and use strong interpersonal skills to advance objectives.
Strong grammar, composition, and attention to detail when drafting correspondence.
Ability to plan, manage, and complete projects on time, within budget, and within established scope.
Ability to maintain data integrity through accurate, transparent, and timely reporting of stewardship activities.
Ability to manage multifaceted priorities and project timelines effectively.
Organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to meet critical deadlines.
Knowledge of and ability to follow established protocols and operational guidelines.
Ability to apply cultural competency and sensitivity when engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at the time of hire.
Must receive satisfactory clearance from a background check, including a criminal record check.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, development, or a related field.
Experience with membership or fundraising program management, developing donor communication strategies, and implementing stewardship plans.
Familiarity with major gifts programs, public media fundraising, and donor cultivation events.
Proven experience cultivating and stewarding relationships with mid-level and annual donors.
Proficiency with donor management databases and fundraising software.
Understanding of philanthropic practices, donor demographics, and motivations for giving, with familiarity in specialized financial reporting.
Experience achieving measurable fundraising outcomes in an organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $20 million.

Responsibilities

Manage a tiered portfolio of 400–600 current and prospective mid-level members through planned touch points, timely communications, and a focus on retention and increased giving.
Develop and achieve portfolio revenue goals, monitor giving trends, and forecast revenue for sustained growth.
Cultivate and steward current and prospective mid-level donors through phone, email, meetings, and other engagement channels.
Strengthen donor relationships and deepen engagement through in-person stewardship, including participation in Producers Club activities and other donor and community events.
Ensure donor-centric communications in solicitation, acknowledgement, stewardship, and customer-service materials.
Participate in writing, editing, image sourcing, and content approval.
Work with department leadership to analyze financial trends, key performance indicators, and testing results, using data to inform current and future strategies.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, documenting outreach, calls, member interactions, email communications, and new or updated donor information.
Understand KPBS programs and initiatives and communicate the organization’s mission and impact to donors and prospects.
Collaborate with Development, Membership, and cross-functional partners to coordinate donor engagement, share information, and advance fundraising and organizational goals.
Support donor cultivation, stewardship, and organizational initiatives by attending events and representing KPBS in the community.
Monitor fundraising trends, especially public media giving trends, and continue learning about effective fundraising approaches and solutions.
Assist with strategic initiatives and projects as needed.

Benefits

Access to campus facilities and staff perks, including a weekly farmer’s market, eateries, community events, and entertainment.
Hybrid schedule and remote-work flexibility options, varying by position.
10 vacation days, 1 personal day, and 13 holidays off, including four or more days off over winter break.
Local employee discounts.
Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts, and events.
Discounts on local attractions, entertainment, restaurants, and memberships.
Free wellness classes and programs.
Staff pop-up events.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Sick leave accruals and paid leave options.
Discounted on-site childcare, based on availability.
Opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
Flexible spending accounts.
Employee assistance program.
Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan.