Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations

WTTW (Chicago PBS) and WFMT (Classical radio) are seeking a Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations. The Director plays an essential role in securing funding and managing relationships with institutional donors (foundations, corporations, and governments). This role supports the Development Department’s overall $20M revenue goals, with a focus on securing $3-5M from foundations, corporations and select government entities in support of Window to the World Communications (WTTW and WFMT).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee strategy and execution around all institutional funders, in close collaboration with the senior director of development and the chief development officer. Manage and mentor one direct report.
• Direct oversight and management of the organization’s foundation, corporate, and government grants portfolio.
• Ensure excellence in grant writing and grants management (e.g., proposals, reporting, compliance, completion/sign off, and renewals). Create, develop, and maintain internal reports and systems as related to project tracking, updating digital files and databases, etc.
• Represent WTTW | WFMT in the funder community; orchestrate meetings between funders, senior staff, and program producers; prepare trustees and senior staff for funder meetings; and act as an effective ambassador liaison both internally and externally.
• Work closely with the development and program staff in a supportive, collaborative environment to identify key ideas and projects that advance the mission of the organization; leverage our contacts to open doors and advance the development team’s efforts; and market organizational priorities effectively to foundation, corporate, and government funders.
• Support the senior director of development as necessary and actively participate in the development department’s cultivation and stewardship activities, including special events and other activities.
• Lead by example with a positive attitude, team-centric behavior, and a results-oriented, focused approach to developing relationships both externally and internally that result in increased revenue for WTTW | WFMT.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented.
• Able to multitask and meet a rigorous schedule of deadlines.
• Capable of leading and supporting front-line fundraising activities such as donor meetings and site visits.
• Comfortable providing behind-the-scenes support to senior leadership, development colleagues, and program producers.
• Interest and proficiency with document and graphic design.
• Experience with modern nonprofit database use and customization.

EXPERIENCE:

• Must have 5+ years of grant writing with a proven track record of demonstrable results and successes.
• Experience in gathering, compiling, and presenting written and verbal information ranging from research to stewardship.
• Knowledge of organizational and project budgets, audits, and other financial documents.
• Familiarity with Tessitura database functions and reports a plus.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree a plus.