Director of Donor Relations
2 days ago
Tacoma
Job DescriptionSalary: $85,000-$95,000 About us: KNKX is a Western Washington public media organization, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent dual-format station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best music and news content to an audience of nearly a million on-air and online. KNKX engages with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate in order to offer great music and meaningful stories that educate, inspire, and expand horizons. We have offices/studios in Seattle and Tacoma, and offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, voluntary vision/life insurance, 401K (with a 5% employer match), flexible spending account, mass transit pass, employee assistance programs, and generous vacation and paid holidays. KNKX offers a hybrid working environment. This position requires three days a week in-office, and is based in our Tacoma location with occasional work in the Seattle location. General Description The Director of Donor Relations oversees the administration and execution of KNKXs 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 KNKXs 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. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Management • 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 KNKXs long-term fundraising strategy. Donor Relations, Stewardship & Events • Oversee all donor acknowledgement processes across multiple channels to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and donor-centered messaging., • Plan and manage special donor eventsfrom 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. Data, Systems & Reporting • 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. Collaboration & Cross-Department Partnership • 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. Team Leadership & Management • 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. Other Duties • Contribute to special campaigns, organizational projects, and additional tasks as assigned. Qualifications • 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, Raisers Edge and Luminate preferred. Core Competencies • 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 organizations 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. Additional Information and Conditions of employment: Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. KNKX is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor it. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at . This position will stay open until the position is filled, therefore it would be in your best interest to apply early. Applicants will be reviewed weekly starting in January.