POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Manager of Donor Communications and Digital Fundraising
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5073
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Community Support
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Manager of Donor Communications and Digital Fundraising creates and oversees
communications that strategically convey Ozarks Public Broadcasting’s (KSMU Radio and Ozarks Public Television) case for support to internal and external stakeholders through direct response, digital, on-air messaging, and face-to-face meetings. The Manager of Donor Communications and Digital Fundraising manages a portfolio of mid-level donors ($500-$999) and is responsible for growing digital fundraising on all OPB media platforms to support membership retention and growth. The Manager of Donor Communications and Digital Fundraising, in collaboration with the Manager of Donor Relations and Analysis, is also responsible for the development and implementation of the annual plan for revenue generation for Ozarks Public Broadcasting through individual and major giving to meet organizational goals and objectives.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, Communications, English, Public Relations, Business, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and years of relevant experience may be considered.
Experience: At least four years of full-time professional work in fundraising, direct sales, business-to-business sales, or marketing is required; media marketing, fundraising, or media sales is preferred. Experience with membership programs is required; public media membership programs is preferred. Experience with list management is required. Experience in web page development and maintenance is required. Functional lead, team lead, or supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills: Must be organized, detail-oriented, and committed to follow-through; must enjoy interacting with people and be a skilled motivator. Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders is required. Strong writing skills, particularly in fundraising and donor cultivation communications, is required. The ability to draw strategic insights from large data sets in order to develop and implement successful digital fundraising or sales strategies is required; the ability to report audience analytics from large data sets is preferred. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, database applications, email marketing tools, and payment platforms is required. The ability to learn new applications is required. Familiarity with specialized public broadcasting software, including an understanding of membership operations, practices, and procedures is preferred. The ability to manage high level confidential information with integrity and sensitivity is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: This position requires occasional travel and evening and/or weekend work. This position transports without assistance membership materials and mailing materials.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. In collaboration with the Manager of Donor Relations and Analysis, develops, implements, and conducts ongoing evaluation of an annual plan for revenue generation for Ozarks Public Broadcasting through individual and major giving to meet organizational goals and objectives. Annual planning and revenue goal-setting encompass strategies for major and mid-level donor relations, on-air pledge drives, direct response (digital and mail), niche fundraising areas, new member acquisition, and member retention that result in higher renewal rates, increased levels of giving, and overall growth of the membership roster.2. Ensures Ozarks Public Broadcasting has a healthy pipeline of major gift prospects by managing a portfolio of 200-300 mid-level donors ($500-$999) through regular communications (phone, email, personal notes, etc.) that identify the donor’s needs and interests relative to the mission of OPB and provide opportunities for personalized funding requests to increase giving levels. Creates and implements an annual engagement calendar of specific communications, activities, strategies, and asks for donor portfolio. Uses data analysis to make changes as needed to meet revenue goals and objectives.
3. Works closely with the Director of Community Support and Manager of Donor Relations and Analysis to identify and refer major gift donors and prospects.
4. Creates and oversees Ozarks Public Broadcasting direct response (digital and mail) fundraising and engagement communications including, but not limited to, renewal, additional gift, lapsed, acquisition, sustainer appeals, thank you letters, tax letters, and special event invitations. Ensures appeals are delivered in a timely manner by managing mailing/email lists, drop dates, vendor relations, etc.
5. Supervises the Membership Administrative Specialist II.
6. Provides guidance to Ozarks Public Broadcasting development staff members, student workers, and volunteers on creating strategic and compelling cases for support for donor/member communications and marketing materials.
7. Drives organizational change to attract new members and new streams of revenue through the use of current and future forms of digital/online communication channels, and convert digital content users on all Ozarks Public Broadcasting platforms to station members. Adapts and refreshes digital membership growth tactics as technology evolves and continually measures, tests, and improves digital membership methods.
8. Oversees and ensures KSMU Radio pledge drives run smoothly and meet goals by developing and leading pledge messaging, directing the production and placement of listener testimonials and membership promos, recruiting, scheduling, and coaching on-air pitch staff, training pledge volunteers, and serving as lead pledge talent.
9. Remains current with FCC and IRS regulations for non-commercial broadcasters to ensure language and messaging compliance.
10. Analyzes campaign and membership data to drive results and make adjustments as needed to meet revenue targets and goals. Uses digital analytics to identify and target peek fundraising opportunities.
11. Liaisons with University departments (e.g. Foundation, Accounting, etc.) as needed to provide information and/or documentation regarding revenue generation processes, practices, and supporter data.
12. Establishes and modifies operational guidelines and procedures for direct response campaign tracking and coding, and payment processing platforms to ensure operational efficiencies.
13. Collaborates with the Manager of Donor Relations and Analysis in the development, implementation, and documentation of departmental policies, procedures, and best practices.
14. Remains current in digital technologies and associated costs to make informed budgetary recommendations on digital optimization and resources to station leadership.
15. Develops and manages the direct response expense budget.
16. Ensures accurate membership and donor records by providing oversight and training for staff and volunteers entering contributions and pledges, program preferences, and contact information using specialized public broadcasting software.
17. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
18. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts in the community and within the industry, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the supervisor and/or station management.
19. Contributes to the overall success of Ozarks Public Broadcasting by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Manager of Donor Communications and Digital Fundraising supervises full-time membership staff, student workers, and volunteers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2024
