PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be submitted via American University's online application system: https://jobs.american.edu/JobPosting.aspx?JPID=271

Description:
This position is one of several, new full-time positions WAMU is currently hiring. WAMU is the 9th market nationwide in terms of population, and has enjoyed at least 10% increase in individual donors and contributions year-to-year for the past 5 years. The station is in the early stages of capital campaign planning, and is about to launch a station in Ocean City, MD this summer. 2011 is the station's 50th year of service to the greater Washington DC area. This position will work as a member of the WAMU major giving team to advance WAMU s major and planned giving programs. An intimate understanding of the mission of public media is critical to the success of this individual, and tying the strategic objectives of WAMU to donor philanthropy will be emphasized. He/She is responsible for maintaining an active portfolio of donors and soliciting progressively larger gifts above $1,000, while building on the current success of the station s giving programs. Consistent with American University gift acceptance guidelines, he/she will regularly communicate with American University s Director of Planned Giving regarding prospective estate and deferred gifts intended for WAMU. This position is considered a key station-based solicitor and the station s initial point of contact for planned giving donors. As an integral position in the WAMU philanthropic giving program, will work to build a donor-centered program that encourages individuals to share in WAMU s vision by investing through direct or deferred gifts.
Educational Requirements:
An undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution is required.
Minimum Requirements:
The Major and Planned Giving Officer must have excellent written and oral communication skills and a documented track record of successfully soliciting and managing current and prospective benefactors at the major gift level. A familiarity with and commitment to public radio is essential, along with the enthusiasm necessary to engage with individuals on behalf of WAMU. Computer literacy and experience working with applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel are required; A minimum of five years of progressively responsible major gift fundraising experience is required along with knowledge of prospect management, donor cultivation and solicitation, and donor relations is required. Attention to detail and ability to analyze and articulate reasons for giving, set priorities, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines to achieve results, maturity and integrity are required for success. Candidates must be comfortable with a flexible work schedule, including occasional travel for major donor cultivation both within and outside the metropolitan Washington, DC area and work some nights and weekends.
Preferred Requirements:
He/she should have outstanding social skills, instincts, and judgment. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious and motivated professional who values a collaborative working environment and who will be able to establish strong, interpersonal relationships with WAMU s donors and volunteer leaders. Experience with Team Approach, Crescendo Interactive, and various prospect research programs is desirable.
Additional Information:
Mature and professional, self-motivated, and creative, he/she must be able to demonstrate a highly sophisticated understanding of all aspects of the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process, whether utilizing station staff, the General Manager, development advisory council members, or making successful solicitations him/herself. The ideal candidate will be an active listener to public radio and will possess a desire to continue learning and growing in the profession. The candidate must have a genuine appreciation for and sincere commitment to the mission of WAMU and public radio. Previous experience working in public broadcasting station/network development highly preferred. Successful experience in fundraising for deferred gifts highly preferred. CFRE not required but desirable.