Director of Donor Relations

About us

KNKX is a Western Washington public media organization, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent dual-format station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best music and news content to an audience of nearly a million on‑air and online. KNKX engages with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate in order to offer great music and meaningful stories that educate, inspire, and expand horizons.

We have offices/studios in Seattle and Tacoma, and offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, voluntary vision/life insurance, 401K (with a 5% employer match), flexible spending account, mass transit pass, employee assistance programs, and generous vacation and paid holidays. KNKX offers a hybrid working environment. This position requires three days a week in‑office, and is based in our Tacoma location with occasional work in the Seattle location.

The Director of Donor Relations oversees the administration and execution of KNKX’s major and planned giving programs, working in close partnership with the Director of Major and Planned Giving. This position provides leadership for the data and gift processing team, ensuring efficient systems, accurate reporting, and timely, donor‑centered communications.

This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a collaborative working style. The Director builds meaningful relationships with a wide range of constituents and helps shape the strategies that drive donor engagement. A key focus of the position is cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors at the $1,500+ level through personalized communications, special opportunities, and thoughtfully designed donor events.

In addition to securing annual General Operating support, the Director of Donor Relations leads fundraising efforts for KNKX’s evolving priorities, including capital initiatives, special campaigns, and other strategic projects.

The position supervises the Individual Giving and Database Coordinator and Member Services Manager and reports to the Senior Director of Development.

• Execute and contribute to planning for the annual fundraising and communication plan for the major and planned giving programs, in partnership with the Director of Major and Planned Giving.
• Support major and planned giving efforts by developing messaging, donor materials, and the donor experience across the giving cycle.
• Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen major and planned giving programs in alignment with KNKX’s long‑term fundraising strategy.

• Oversee all donor acknowledgement processes across multiple channels to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and donor‑centered messaging.
• Plan and manage special donor events—from intimate home gatherings and live studio sessions to major gift receptions at larger station events.
• Write and oversee distribution of impact reports for donors at all giving levels.
• Support donor stewardship activities through customized communications, donor touchpoints, and opportunities for engagement.

• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of donor data; partner with database staff to maintain strong data hygiene practices and timely gift processing.
• Track major giving KPIs, campaign progress, and donor engagement trends; produce regular reports for internal leadership and board‑level stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of known bequests and future commitments; track and report on the planned giving pipeline.
• Oversee stock gift handling and related acknowledgement processes.

• Partner with the Development team on joint initiatives, including fund drives, public events, and integrated campaigns.
• Provide insights on donor interests, trends, and opportunities to inform broader fundraising strategy.
• Manage vendor relationships and annual contracts related to major and planned giving programs.