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Employment Opportunities

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Currently Open Positions:
Associate Director Major Gifts – WMUK

Associate Director Major Gifts – WMUK

Western Michigan University (WMU) Advancement and WMUK-FM seek an Associate Director Major Gifts – WMUK to join our growth-oriented development team, supporting our strategic mission in a post-federal funding environment, through targeted philanthropic revenue.

Position Description

The Associate Director Major Gifts – WMUK is primarily responsible for identifying and promoting relationships with major donors with an emphasis on emerging gifts for WMUK-FM (the Station).This position will exist as a shared position within WMU Advancement and the Station. As part of the development team this position may provide support for engagement events and membership campaigns. This is a full-time benefits-eligible position.

Station Overview

WMUK-FM is public radio from Western Michigan University and a founding NPR member station. We are the Kalamazoo-based NPR affiliate for the West Michigan region. Situated halfway between Detroit and Chicago, 102.1 FM is our flagship NPR News and Information service, broadcasting across West Michigan and Northern Indiana. Classical WMUK broadcasts 24/7 on 89.9 FM and the HD-2 channel of 102.1 FM.

Our mission is to share knowledge, explore ideas and tell compelling stories that engage listeners and communities across Western Michigan and beyond. Our vision is to become the regional NPR station of choice for a growing community of public radio listeners and supporters.

Primary Duties

  • Develops, organizes and promotes relationship strategies for major gift prospects in assigned portfolio based on fundraising best practices with an understanding of public media.
  • Qualifies major gift prospects, including determining the interest and affiliation with public radio in general, and the Station in particular.
  • Builds and stewards relationships with donors and prospects through personal engagement, ongoing communication and coordinated strategies, to strengthen their involvement and deepen their connection with WMUK-FM.
  • In collaboration with University Advancement personnel, continually refreshes portfolio based on engagement history and wealth screening data; maintaining accurate and timely records of all donor interactions in the CRM system.
  • Crafts major gift proposals and agreements.
  • Works with the Station development team developing and executing giving campaigns.
  • Logistical support for development events as needed. May participate in on-air membership campaigns.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
  • Three years' relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, or related field.
  • Willingness to travel locally, and occasionally outside of West Michigan. Demonstrated professionalism.
  • Capable of motivating, volunteers and donors.
  • Strong self-motivation.
  • Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.
  • Ability to take direction and follow instructions from one or more reporting lines.

Desired Qualifications

  • Knowledge of and experience in public media development, particularly in the areas of major donor cultivation and/or corporate philanthropy.
  • Five years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts or high-income donor engagement.
  • Proficiency with Salesforce donor databases.
  • Proven success in building productive relationships with high-level gift prospects, key business leaders, staff, non-profit leaders, institutional boards, volunteers, or donors.

Reports to

Direct reporting to WMU Advancement Interim Assistant Vice President, Leadership/Major Gifts, with secondary reporting WMUK Director of Development.

Pay Range

This is a full-time benefits-eligible position that will consist of 40 hours of work per week with a minimum starting salary of $82,890, depending on experience and applicable skills.

Application Requirements

For official description, qualifications and application procedures, visit: www.wmujobs.org Only applications submitted via wmujobs.org site will be considered. Posting # S1339P. This position is open until filled.

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.