Major Gifts Officer - Milwaukee PBS

Description

Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer, the Major Gifts Officer leads all activities necessary for the successful implementation and growth of a select portfolio of supporters, soliciting and securing major and planned gifts. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and analysis in decision‑making in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assignments are completed independently and are reviewed through conferences with department and station leadership.

• Major Gift Leadership: Leads solicitation of major and planned gifts, oversees the development of new strategies and initiatives that contribute to the growth of the major gifts program, including special and restricted gifts projects. Manages the qualification process of new prospects and cultivates select mid‑level donors to build a pipeline for major gifts. Maintains paper and electronic files for major and planned giving programs.
• Communications Oversight: Drafts written materials and coordinates mailings including appeals, renewals, acknowledgement letters, invitations, newsletter communications, proposals and reports. Executes major donor, planned giving and memorial gift acknowledgement process. Leads creation of on‑air messaging designed to thank and cultivate donors in the Leadership Circle and Legacy Society.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Provides timely assistance and customer service to Leadership Circle and Legacy Society donors via phone and email. Meets regularly with Leadership Circle donors and schedules station tours; plans and executes recognition events. Leads management of strategic partnerships and tracks special projects for reports to key stakeholders.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Establishes, maintains, and enhances positive work relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Demonstrates consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, valuing honesty, truthfulness, and accuracy. Addresses all student and employee behavior in a confidential, respectful manner.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards within public television. Actively organizes and/or participates in work groups, trainings, workshops, seminars, committees, and professional associations to promote continuous learning.
• Other duties:
  Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for efficient operation of the division and support of institutional objectives.

• Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards and all MATC policies.
• Required education and experience:
  Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in a non‑profit, donor‑centric environment, including at least three (3) years working directly with major and planned gift donors.
• Preferred education and experience:
  Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience in a non‑profit, donor‑centric environment, with at least three (3) years working directly with major and planned gift donors.
• Required licensure/certification:
  Must have a valid driver’s license and current insurance in acceptable amounts.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and techniques; appreciation of public television; donor portfolio management; problem solving and critical thinking; innovative use of technology; effective communication; collaborative relationships with a diverse audience; flexible scheduling; professional image; cultural competency; computer proficiency; independent work and leadership; workflow and deadline management.

This position supports Milwaukee PBS and is available to start as soon as possible.

1.0 FTE (40 hours per work week). Monday through Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Position is eligible for hybrid/flexible work.

Salary based on the 2025/2026 rates, midpoint of the salary range, and years of experience credit and internal salary equity.

Submit completed application, resume, and cover letter. Education will be verified prior to offer.