Development & Communications Director

Role and Responsibilities

The Development & Communications Director is a

dynamic individual who secures, cultivates and grows Pioneer PBS’s generous donor base. They have an outgoing personality and a demonstrated history of successfully soliciting financial gifts, able to manage all aspects of the station’s annual fundraising plans. They are responsible for leading Membership, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Event and Outreach/Engagement aspects of Pioneer PBS. They will execute grant writing, grant management and reporting for Legacy, MACP, LCCMR and other production and general operating grants annually. Finding innovative ways to reach audiences through broadcast and digital means. In addition, this position works closely with the President/General Manager in leading the organization and strategizing the future growth for Pioneer PBS.

This role is an effective written and spoken communicator and relationship builder with a passion for the mission of public media. They will make regular presentations to an array of internal and external constituents and have strong presentation and data analysis skills. They are responsible for brand management and leading the communications team that includes the Pioneer PBS website and social channels.

Functional Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Development Director – 70% time

• Researches reputable funding opportunities for general operating as well as project grants  
• Builds relationships in the grant community and delivers revenue goals for the organization
• Creates high quality, persuasive proposals and helps to meet all application, renewal, and reporting criteria.
• May also work with coordinators or other grant writers as needed.  
• Create and manage a grant deadline for proposals reporting calendar. Informs the appropriate staff of approaching due dates and deliverables to ensure that tasks are completed on time.     
• Work independently to obtain all necessary data for submission of grant reports and grant budgets. File required grant reports.   
• Control the billing, accounting, reporting, and other administrative tasks to guarantee the grant procedure is conducted successfully.      
• Prepare financial or budget plans in conjunction with the General Manager.        
• Assists the organization in community building by being active in the community and supporting membership in the sharing the Pioneer PBS story.     
• Lead Engagement & Outreach planning meetings and support staff executing community engagements.        
• Report in-depth information about the organization’s development to the GM & Board of Directors.
• Manage a budget related to the department that includes expenses for communication, membership, major gifts, planned giving and Event/Outreach activities as well as hitting revenue goals across those areas as well as grant goals.
• Major Donor cultivation including donor visits, group presentations, event planning, seminars and tours.
• Planned Giving Prospects cultivation including visits, group presentations, event planning, seminars and tours.
• Recognize the importance of confidentiality when visiting with donors, families, businesses.
• Work with the boards on fundraising/donor engagement.
• Write letters, on air scripts/program guide articles.
• Analyze performance of mail, web, air, major gifts, planned giving initiatives, current vs past years.
• Create and adhere to a donor stewardship plan and inform GM and Board about the state of membership and large gifts.
• Inform other managers about the state of the department on a weekly basis/ during/after drives/major gifts.
• Cross train everyone under this department to maximize best practices, and to cover vacations, sickness or other vacancies.
• Recruit and work with volunteers whether on campaign/stuffing/phones or events.
• Work with vendors such as CDP that perform outsourcing of efforts on regular basis.
• Attend meetings and seminars related to our work.
• Lead by example a team of underwriting and membership staff.

Communications Director – 30% time

Oversight and supervision of Communications Department Staff with respect to:

• Write press releases promoting local programs and station developments
• Website Content Management (Via BENTO CMS)
• E-Newsletter Creation and Contact Database Management
• Social Media Content Creation/Management
• Creation of digital-first video content
• Graphic Design Oversight (Membership, Online, Productions, Logos and Other Projects)
• Management of Online Video Portal, video organization and upload (YouTube, PBS Manager, Facebook and other social media platforms)
• Website
• Analytics (Weekly Reports to Management & Production Teams
• Google Adwords “Search” Ad Management
• Manage external communications in collaboration with station leadership including bi-monthly publication of the Pioneer Preview Guide.
• Working cooperatively with representatives of all Pioneer departments to advance Pioneer’s mission
• Public Speaking and Public Relations as one of the key faces of Pioneer PBS
• Maintain organization-wide adherence to Pioneer PBS brand guidelines
• Compliance with all Pioneer PBS policies, FCC Guidelines and State and Federal Laws
• Serves as a leader on the Management Team to insure smooth operation and employee retention within all departments. Behaves as a role model for other employees in the organization.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

The Development and Communications Director will have a high school diploma, and advanced certification in philanthropy, and/or have a demonstrated understanding of external communications and branding as well progressive success in fundraising. The Communications and development Director will be expected to be one of the key faces of Pioneer PBS.

Preferred Skills

Strong supervisory and leadership skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. Thorough understanding of state and federal grant requirements. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate when appropriate. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or other organization software as needed to do the work.

This position is required to tell Pioneer PBS’s story and convince others to support the organization financially. It requires strong writing and communication skills with preferred skills as a progressively successful fundraiser. Excellent ability to analyze data and recognize trends in giving and make organizations improvements as needed.