Director of Corporate Development

Kentucky Educational Television, (KET) has a full-time position opening at its Lexington Kentucky network center: Director of Corporate Development
Used by more than two million people each week, KET is Kentucky’s only statewide media organization, and broadcasts into 8 states and 10 media markets, along with providing live and on-demand streaming services. In addition to offering high-quality PBS programming, KET annually produces hundreds of hours of award-winning local productions and creates nationally recognized educational resources.

This is a unique opportunity to work with an outstanding, respected, and trusted public media team, and to support a wide variety of public affairs and general productions, including Kentucky’s only nightly statewide news program, six locally produced series, and ongoing special programs.

As the Director of Corporate Development, the individual selected for this role will plan and direct all aspects of a comprehensive fundraising program designed to ensure sustainable revenue, primarily from the business sector, for KET programs, services, and events.

KET’s facilities are located in beautiful “horse country” with a thriving community that offers affordable living, outstanding educational opportunities, and world class sporting events. This is an opportunity to join the Commonwealth Fund team and to become a part of and grow with one of the most respected public media organizations in the country.

Our ideal Candidate will:
Create, execute and evaluate fundraising strategies to secure and grow broadcast, event,digital, education and community sponsorships from corporate partners. Includes local/regional/national companies, nonprofits, and government agencies with the scope, capacity, affinity, and inclination to support KET, plus advertising agencies representing these entities.

Understand KET’s vision, programs and services in order to align needs with funding opportunities, and to communicate/articulate a case for support.

Build and manage an individual portfolio of corporate partners and prospects focusing on making connections and retaining current donors in their renewal cycle. Also responsible for identifying and qualifying leads and securing new and lapsed underwriters/sponsors. Includes writing, designing and presenting funding proposals and ensuring all contacts and research are up to date in the database.

Responsible for tracking and meeting individual and team revenue goals, expense budgets and weekly contact metrices. Includes oversight of portfolio assignments of corporate partners. Accountability is based on fundraising achievement.

Oversight of administrative/database functions such as donor recognition across all platforms; pledge entries, invoicing and acknowledgments; and the facilitation of on-air production, web, and traffic processes in coordination with KET staff.

Continuously identify sponsorship opportunities across the full spectrum of KET’s services. Includes the creation of broadcast program packages; leveraging on-air pledge drives, Family Fun Club, football parking, education workshops and more; and refining partner benefits. Draft and execute year-round Strategic Plan.

Responsible for corporate sponsorships for events. Includes recruitment and engagement of volunteers, collateral and solicitations, identifying new sponsorship opportunities, event recognition and seating, and stewardship/acknowledgments.

Effectively lead, coach and mentor the Corporate team. Carry out supervisory duties including participating in hiring, training, planning, and directing work for staff; reviewing job descriptions as scheduled in order to provide performance oversight and timely feedback to staff; resolving issues; and monitoring attendance and leave requests in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws.

In collaboration with KET Marketing, develop a communications plan and facilitate the promotion of sponsorship opportunities, corporate events, community partnerships, testimonials, and the advantages and impact of corporate giving to KET.

Working with agency-wide staff, help reinforce a culture of philanthropy to advance the common goals.

Serve as an ambassador and advocate of KET’s programs and services.

Successful applicants will have the following minimum qualifications, skills, and experience:

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three years of experience in fundraising, sales or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred

Demonstrated success in fundraising, media sales or resource development

Track record in building effective partner relationships

Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication skills

Computer proficiency and database management skills

Self-supporting administrative, marketing and office skills

Public media, corporate outreach and supervisory experience preferred

Frequent travel and occasional evening/weekend hours required

Working with KET has its benefits!

KET offers a creative, engaging work environment with opportunities to collaborate and advance professionally. Additionally, employees are offered paid time off, several health insurance plan selections, and retirement savings options.

The salary will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and is non-commissionable.

Connect with us now by applying at and please send questions to View email address on click.appcast.io.