Officer, Foundation and Government Development

Title : Officer , Foundation & Government Development

Status : Full Time : Exempt

Reports to : Vice President, Foundation & Government Development

JOB OBJECTIVE :

The Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser who secures unrestricted and / or budget-relieving funds from foundations, corporate philanthropic giving programs and government agencies to support the ongoing operations of WETA.

Support all three business units (Local Programming, National Productions, NewsHour Productions), but with an emphasis on funding for our local broadcast and educational programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Front-line Fundraising (50%)

Manage a portfolio of local foundation funders; responsible for tasks related to proposal writing for renewed and increased support, outreach, on-air crediting, acknowledgement letters and ongoing stewardship including 1 : 1 meetings with funders when needed.

Cultivate and maintain relationships with foundation program officers and philanthropic giving decision-makers. Prepare materials for and lead meetings with current funders independently and / or with the VP.

Attend regular meetings with WETA Outreach staff and other local project teams, and provide updates on fundraising activity.

Advise WETA staff of funding trends and opportunities. Help develop strategy for increased local fundraising.

Reporting (20%) Prepare and submit funder reports, including narrative and financial reporting. Review and process funder agreements.

Assist in preparation of monthly update letter and magazine mailings to funders.

• Prospect Research (20%) Conduct prospect research for new funding opportunities and maintain prospect tracking grids. Prepare email introductions or LOI submissions to prospects.
• Other (10%) Prepare department’s annual local revenue estimated budget. Attend early literacy workshops annually, and other local outreach activities as needed.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• Outgoing fundraising skills who can communicate a passion for public media.
• Knowledge of foundation and philanthropic giving.
• Ability to interact and work effectively with a wide variety of people, to include WETA project staff, program officers and outside consultants using diplomacy, tact and discretion.

Ability to establish and maintain rapport with people at all professional levels.

• Excellent organizational, project planning and time management skills with careful attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and analytically, handle complex, detail-oriented work, and exercise discretion, tact and good judgment.
• Strong understanding and application of computer technology to efficiently accomplish work, using Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database management software.
• Availability and ability to work irregular work hours as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

• College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional fundraising experience, and familiarity with foundation and government fundraising.
• Experience in prospect research and raising unrestricted funds required.

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.

WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit.

• Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital;
• produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans;
• creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on , WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App;

and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA / NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously.

Employment at WETA / NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.