WTTW (Chicago PBS) and WFMT (classical music radio station) are looking for a Vice President of Development. The Vice President of Development is a senior fundraising leader who will help shape the future of WTTW and WFMT, one of the nation’s most respected public media organizations. This role will advance major gift strategies across television, radio, and digital platforms, building meaningful relationships with donors whose philanthropy advances the production and presentation of trusted, best-in-class content fueled by a distinctly Chicago sensibility.
This is an opportunity to play a visible role in the station’s comprehensive campaign, currently in its quiet phase, while partnering with a collaborative and mission-driven development team. The Vice President will manage a personal portfolio of major donors, help drive campaign success, and coach front-line fundraisers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Major Gift Fundraising
- Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 125 high-capacity donors and prospects making $10,000+ unrestricted and restricted gifts.
- Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, families, and family foundations.
- Coordinate strategy and moves management for this donor segment across front-line officers to strengthen performance and donor engagement.
- Lead the team’s solicitation and acknowledgment strategy for gifts of $10,000+ to the WTTW and WFMT annual fund.
- Support campaign planning, tracking, and reporting to ensure alignment between major gift activity and overall campaign goals.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and coach front-line fundraisers, beginning with one direct report and expanding as campaign needs grow.
- Provide strategic guidance, coaching, and accountability around donor strategy, portfolio management, and goal attainment.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven environment aligned with best practices in relationship-based philanthropy.
- Partner closely with colleagues across development and across the organization, as well as with volunteers and board members.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10–15+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong focus on major gifts.
- Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
- Experience working on a comprehensive or capital campaign.
- Proven success managing and mentoring development staff.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
- Passion for public media and the mission of WTTW and WFMT.