Major Gifts Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Who Are We

We are a global community that is driven by the creative spirit of Los Angeles. Through an inspiring mix of music, news, and culture, we bring joy and connection – online, in-person and on the radio. Always excellent, accessible, and often unexpected, we are a constant source of fuel for the imagination, education and good vibes. At least, that is what our members tell us. As NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California and a community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW is the next generation of public media.

How You’ll Make An Impact

The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Vice President of Individual Giving and will play a key role in fostering and growing the major giving program at KCRW, driving a leading source of revenue for the organization. Responsibilities include qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major-giving prospects and Champion-level donors (giving $5,000+ annually) through regular in-person meetings, engaging written communication, and donor events, with the ultimate goal of soliciting six-figure donations. In addition, the Major Gifts Officer will maintain accurate donor records in KCRW’s CRM, and assist with broader communications for the Development team.

• Independently manage and strategically grow a portfolio of 150–200 major donors and high-capacity prospects, with accountability for securing five- and six-figure gifts.

• Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects, building a pipeline of donors with the potential to deepen their engagement and support of KCRW.

• Develop and execute individualized donor engagement and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the rest of the Development team.

• Exercise independent judgment in determining cultivation timelines, solicitation approaches, gift structuring, and stewardship strategies.

• Lead high-level donor engagement efforts through strategic in-person and virtual meetings, exercising independent judgment in cultivation and planning.

• Continue to grow and shape the structure and tactics of the major gifts program at KCRW, in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Individual Giving.

• Contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline analysis to support organizational planning and budgeting.

• Design and implement strategic fundraising initiatives tied to priority organizational moments, including KCRW Music’s 50 Year Anniversary

• Partner with and leverage KCRW leadership, Board members, hosts, producers, and colleagues across the organization to create meaningful opportunities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Develop high-level proposals, impact reports, and case materials tailored to major donors and institutional prospects.

• Represent KCRW externally in high-level donor meetings, community events, and strategic engagement opportunities.

• Concept, attend, and support key Development events, including evening and weekend engagements as required.

• Maintain oversight of donor engagement documentation and revenue tracking within KCRW’s CRM with the rest of the Development Team.

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience,  including direct responsibility for cultivating and securing five- and six-figure gifts.

• Demonstrated success independently managing a major gifts portfolio and meeting or exceeding revenue goals.

• You’re a curious person who is able to quickly build relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and high-level donor presentations.communicating face-to-face, in writing and on the phone. 

• Ability to work independently, prioritize strategically, and exercise sound judgment in complex fundraising scenarios.

• You are detail-oriented and strategic. As far as you’re concerned, anything worth doing is worth doing right, every single time. 

• Experience with Salesforce or similar donor database to manage donor activity and revenue pipeline 

• You love being around people and enjoy one-of-a-kind music, news and culture events at night and on the weekends.

• Availability to attend evening and weekend events as required.

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or related field.

• You’re software savvy and have worked with Salesforce and/or Hubspot.

• Experience working in nonprofit media, arts, or cultural institutions.

• Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000

• Position type: Exempt/Salary

• Hybrid work schedule for select positions.

• Sick leave award

• Vacation leave accrual

• Paid holidays

• Health insurance (including medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and AD&D) eligibility

• 403(b) with company match after 2 years of employment

• Passionate office environment surrounded by an incredible community of curious and talented colleagues

• KCRW is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - read more here to determine your eligibility