Head of Development, Fundraising & Partnerships

KALW Public Radio; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KALW Public Radio in San Francisco seeks a strategic fundraising leader to design and execute a comprehensive program aligned with our mission and growth goals, driving revenue across individual, institutional, and earned streams. This senior role will shape storytelling and branding, grow major gifts and listener contributions, build institutional partnerships, and lead a small development team.

You will collaborate with the Executive Director, board, and programming teams to advance public

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with KALW’s mission, values, and growth goals.
• Set revenue targets and build systems to meet them across individuals, institutions, and earned revenue.
• Lead institutional storytelling and marketing strategy with communications, editorial, and leadership to shape KALW’s institutional narrative.
• Align fundraising, marketing, and public communications, translating complex work into clear donor-focused stories.
• Position KALW as a brand, a civic institution, and a cultural force.
• Grow major, leadership, and listener giving; manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Partner with the Executive Director on top relationships and solicitations.
• Inspire donors and listeners to see themselves as builders of public media and civic infrastructure.
• Lead institutional fundraising strategy and relationships with foundations at local, regional, and national levels.
• Engage foundation partners to shape multi-year investments in journalism, music, and civic programs.
• Oversee foundation giving in partnership with program, editorial, and leadership staff.
• Position KALW as a trusted, long-term partner for foundation investment in public media and civic life.
• Provide strategic leadership for listener membership, including on-air drives and digital campaigns.
• Collaborate with programming, editorial, and marketing to evolve on-air drives with a mission-forward, compelling voice.
• Use audience insight and storytelling to grow listener revenue and deepen long-term member relationships.
• Lead and develop a small development team; mentor staff.
• Build a culture of collaboration, accountability, and joy in fundraising.
• Work with an engaged board to deepen giving and broaden networks.
• Support board members as ambassadors and fundraisers.
• Applications considered on a rolling basis.
• Target Start Date: April 1, 2026.
• Email Eli Wirtschafter at [e-mail] for questions or accessibility issues.

Job description

KALW Public Radio in San Francisco seeks a strategic fundraising leader to design and execute a comprehensive program aligned with our mission and growth goals, driving revenue across individual, institutional, and earned streams. This senior role will shape storytelling and branding, grow major gifts and listener contributions, build institutional partnerships, and lead a small development team.

You will collaborate with the Executive Director, board, and programming teams to advance public