Director of Philanthropy

Kentucky Educational Television, (KET) has one full-time position opening at its Lexington or Louisville, Kentucky network centers:

Director of Philanthropy

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 Philanthropy, the individual selected for this role will plan and direct all aspects of a comprehensive leadership giving program designed to ensure sustainable revenue from private giving sources for KET programs, services, and campaigns while building long-term relationships and advancing KET’s mission.

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 a comprehensive philanthropy strategy to secure and grow $1,500+ annual leadership and sustaining gifts; board campaigns; restricted grants; and endowment, estate and blended gifts.

Develop data-driven operating plan that advances the KET mission and fundraising success.  Responsible for tracking and meeting monthly revenue goals and expense budgets.  Accountability based on achievement in fundraising and defined matrices.

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

Research high‑potential prospects across individuals, corporations and foundations, and manage a high‑value portfolio of qualified prospects.    

Build donor‑centered relationships to retain, upgrade and secure new contributions.  Explore gifting vehicles (stocks, DAFs, IRAs, planned giving).  Routine moves include statewide visits, event engagement and writing personalized appeals/acknowledgements.

Collaborate with KET leadership to identify grant funding needs in the areas of education, local production, outreach, technology and other opportunities that arise.   Execute full scope of the grant process, from research and relationship building to proposal writing and reporting. 

Expand planned giving program.  Involves knowledge of bequests, annuities, trusts, and other life income gifts; working with financial and legal advisors; marketing; and tracking intentions and expectancies.
Grow existing endowment funds and explore the feasibility of ongoing endowed efforts.
Serve as the staff liaison for a regional board as needed, providing fundraising guidance, meeting support, event management, and board communication.

Supervise and oversee the duties of the Philanthropy Services Coordinator, including execution of the mid-level giving program, and provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to the Philanthropy team.

Collaborate with the President and Fund management team on overall leadership development, strategic planning, marketing, financial protocols, event and auction logistics, volunteer and intern management, and technical assistance, while seeking and participating in training opportunities.

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 securing both annual operating funds and restricted gifts

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Computer proficiency and database management skills; self sufficiency required

Availability for frequent statewide travel and extended work hours

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. 

Connect with us now by applying at , and please send questions to View email address on ketkentuckyeducationaltelevision.applytojob.com .