ABOUT CLASSICAL KING

Classical KING FM 98.1 is the primary institution developing new audiences for classical music and the arts in Seattle, Bellevue, and the Puget Sound Region. Listener-supported Classical KING is located at Seattle Center with a mission to make classical music accessible for everyone in the community and to advocate for the arts in our region.

Classical KING is seeking a Director of Philanthropy to support the Chief Advancement Officer. We have a strong commitment to diversity demonstrated by:

• National research we commissioned to understand how best to diversify the audience for classical music.
• Our commitment to offering music by women and composers of color each hour, and
• Our work to diversify our staff and board.

We are ambitious about our future and are searching for an entrepreneurial Director of Philanthropy who will help us increase revenue from the current $5.3 million to $7 million. As a relatively new nonprofit, we are honored that more than 16,000 members are already supporters of Classical KING, helping to pave the way for a bright future for the station. We know based on benchmarking that we have the growth potential to raise $7+ million annually.

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our Mission

Classical KING will actively grow, diversify, and enrich the love of classical music in our community.

Our Vision

Expand our diverse community of listeners, performers, and supporters who understand and benefit from the powerful impact of classical music and the arts in our region.

Our Values

• Classical music should be accessible to all.
• The arts are a critical component of every vibrant city.
• K-12 arts education is necessary to develop creativity, innovation, and lifelong appreciation of the arts.
• Fiscally responsible planning is necessary to achieve our vision.

Key Facts

• 24 total staff

• $5.3 million budget
• 7 development and marketing staff
• 15-member Board of Directors

Classical KING is guided by the following strategic priorities:

• Diversifying our organization and its audience: Our goal is for the demographics of the station’s audience to mirror the demographics of the community. To do this, we need to diversify our staff and board too.
• Community Engagement: To serve the community we must understand the community and have authentic relationships with organizations and people serving the community.
• Capacity Building:  We need to build the human, financial, and technical capacity to achieve our goals and position the organization for the future.

THE DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

The Director of Philanthropy manages relationship centered fundraising efforts at Classical KING. Through their own portfolio and activities coordinating the donor pipeline, they serve in a key position driving the success of the philanthropy program.

As a relatively new nonprofit, Classical KING has significant growth potential. The Director of Philanthropy will play a leading role in developing and executing strategies and campaigns to grow revenue to achieve the organization’s strategic goals. The Director of Philanthropy reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer and manages assigned staff.

The Director of Philanthropy is strategic, adaptable, eager, innovative, and adept at guiding the ongoing development of philanthropy program and its team members. Their work focuses on the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship from donors and prospects to secure leadership annual gifts ($2,500 - $10,000) and major gifts ($10,000+).

MAJOR OBJECTIVES

Within the first 12-18 months, the Director of Philanthropy will achieve the following:

• Establish a strong relationship and partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer to set strategy for the development team and cultivate top donors and prospects.
• Develop confidence presenting organizational strategy to donors; nurture a personal portfolio that delivers meaningful growth in the number of donors giving $10,000.
• Assess the current base of donors and prospects, understand the strengths and opportunities of current strategies, and craft as well as execute a detailed plan to achieve the revenue growth plan for the next five years.
• Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to align team roles and responsibilities, onboarding and supervising new colleagues, and ensure resources to support the long-range fundraising plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Philanthropy will have the following primary responsibilities:

• Strategy, implementation, and management of a personal portfolio of donors to achieve a goal of $500,000 - $1,000,000 annually. Typically, an active portfolio of 50 donors and up to 100 qualified prospects.
• Expand leadership annual gifts ($2,500 - $10,000) and major gifts ($10,000+) from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources through compelling solicitation strategy, deliberate prospect development, and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Formalize the relationship management process from identification through stewardship, to ensure a high donor retention rate and efficient portfolio management; develop a comprehensive program for donor recognition and stewardship.
• Work with the Chief Advancement Officer to develop, implement, and evaluate an annual, comprehensive communications plan both in support of the annual development plan and to expand awareness and visibility for the organization’s programs and services.
• Oversees and supports frontline fundraisers in executing work within their assigned portfolios and prospective pools. Manages key donor engagement functions, effective prospect research, development operations, and special events with assigned staff.
• Help to grow legacy giving by establishing a formal marketing plan, prospect development program, and stewardship systems as part of overall donor strategy.
• Participate in donor identification, cultivation and stewardship at Classical KING events and activities in the community.
• Proactively use Raiser’s Edge to support Classical KING’s fundraising activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards for donors, and adhere to codes of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
• Support the stability and sustainability of the development function by contributing to a working environment that is rewarding to staff and volunteers.
• As a leader within the organization, support and advance the Classical KING’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and access policies and plans as well as strategic goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal Director of Philanthropy will bring most of the following qualifications and skill sets:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience with a proven record exceeding goals in soliciting major gifts and/or managing a fundraising program.
• A commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Classical KING and to diversifying our programming and staff.
• Enthusiastic relationship builder who excels at listening and delivering persuasive interpersonal communications. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships with a variety of individuals including Board, donors, and civic leaders.
• Knowledge of the fundraising cycle with experience developing, implementing, and refining tactics to grow support at all levels leveraging a collaborative, team approach.
• The ability to translate strategy into actionable objectives and plans; convey a sense of purpose that motivates others; balance big-picture concerns with day-to-day issues; and remain focused on results with a bias for action.
• Experience managing and coaching employees, volunteers, and senior leaders to meet fundraising objectives with a data-driven, empathetic, and joyful approach.
• Resourcefulness, creativity, flexibility, and an aptitude for shifting course as circumstances change while also driving toward clarity and solutions.
• Superior communication skills, both verbal and written, the ability to adapt communication style to the audience.
• Knowledge of best practices in planned giving, corporate sponsorship, as well as foundation and government grantmaking.
• Experience leveraging donor database management systems, particularly Raiser’s Edge, to support effective moves management with donors and prospects.
• A high level of integrity, respect for others of all backgrounds, and a commitment to excellence. Exemplify ethical standards of professional fundraising.
• Previous experience within an arts or public media organization a plus; a personal interest in classical music essential.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is $85,000 - $95,000. The Director of Philanthropy will be based in Seattle at the Classical KING offices. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and disability insurance; 401(k) program with employer matching and safe harbor contributions, paid time off including holidays, sick days, and vacation. Classical KING participates voluntarily in the Washington State Paid Family/Medical Leave program.

Classical KING is working actively to diversify its programming, staff, and board. Our commitment is real, and we understand it will take a sustained effort over time. We welcome all candidates with commitment to these goals. Our statement describing our commitment to diversity, access, equity, and inclusion can be found here: https://www.king.org/about/