MAJOR GIFTS STEWARDSHIP SPECIALIST

WHO WE ARE:
Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.


POSITION SUMMARY:
The Major Gifts Stewardship Specialist is responsible for executing a high-quality, consistent stewardship program that deepens relationships with KERA’s major donors and prospects. This role focuses on managing stewardship communications, coordinating engagement opportunities, and supporting donor experiences that reinforce impact and inspire continued giving.

Working closely with major gifts officers and development leadership, the Specialist ensures that stewardship is proactive, personalized, and aligned with overall fundraising strategy.

This position is classified as FLSA non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports to the VP, Philanthropic Giving.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Stewardship Execution & Coordination 

• Manage and maintain a comprehensive stewardship calendar, ensuring timely and strategic donor touchpoints 
• Coordinate the execution of stewardship activities, including acknowledgments, updates, and engagement opportunities  

Donor Communications 

• Write and schedule personalized stewardship emails and communications for major donors
• Develop content that connects donors to impact, including opportunities such as events, behind-the-scenes access, and special experiences
• Partner with communications and program teams to gather stories and content  

Donor Engagement & Experiences 

• Coordinate donor invitations and participation in events (e.g., concerts, meet-and-greets, studio tours)
• Support planning and execution of major donor events and stewardship experiences, in partnership with Events Coordinator and VP of Philanthropic Giving  
• Manage and support major donors through volunteer opportunities, partnering with Membership team and others  
• Ensure seamless and high-quality donor experiences across all touchpoints  

Portfolio Support 

• Partner with major gifts officers to support individualized stewardship plans
• Track stewardship activities and next steps in the CRM
• Monitor fulfillment of donor benefits and commitments  

Reporting & Tracking 

• Track stewardship metrics and engagement activity  
• Support reporting on donor retention and engagement trends  

General 

• Maintaining and managing updated donor forms, including in-kind intake and acknowledgments, gift acceptance policy, “In honor of” letters, fresh acknowledgment addressing different ways to give, different renewal letters, new major donor email templates, after-event thank you emails, legacy gift forms, etc.
• Regular website checks and updates for donor-facing information 
  
  

As a KERA employee:    

• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures 
• Participate in fundraising activities as needed and assigned
• Perform additional duties as assigned  

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates


WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:
We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself. 

• 2–4+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or communications
• Strong writing and communication skills with attention to tone and personalization
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Experience supporting events and donor engagement activities preferred
• Familiarity with CRM systems 
  
  

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Passion for public media
  
  

SALARY RANGE
$65,000 - $75,000 annually, depending on experience


BENEFITS

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth 
  
  

LOCATION:
We expect that this position will work out of our Dallas office at least 50% of the time. (Equivalent to 20 hours per week)

Time in office requirements are subject to change based on the needs of KERA and/or the position.


HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete the application on KERA’s employment page.
• Add an optional cover letter indicating why you’re excited about joining the KERA team.
   

APPLICATION TIMELINE:
We generally close roles 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for several weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants.


KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.