Job Description

The Opportunity

PBS North Carolina (PBS NC) has educated, entertained, and served North Carolinians for more than seven decades. Known for its innovative multimedia platforms and its role in connecting North Carolinians to their communities and the world, PBS NC is seeking a visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the quest to reimagine fundraising and revenue generation for this essential statewide media platform. The CDO will be a results-oriented leader responsible for driving philanthropic revenue and developing sustainable funding strategies that support PBS NC’s long-term mission and impact. This role presents a unique and exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to shape enterprise-wide fundraising strategy while strengthening public media’s reach and relevance across North Carolina.

Reporting to the CEO and General Manager, the CDO will serve as both a senior leader and a donor-facing partner, responsible for deepening relationships and stewarding individual, corporate, foundation, and public-sector supporters. Working in close partnership with the CEO, Deputy General Manager, and members of the Senior Executive Team, the CDO will design and execute a comprehensive philanthropic revenue strategy that strengthens and diversifies funding streams. The CDO will also lead and inspire a ten-member development team, cultivating a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and measurable results. Additionally, the CDO will spearhead the strategic planning and execution of a future capital campaign to support PBS NC’s move to a dynamic new headquarters with modern, state-of-the-art technology, positioning PBS NC to continue delivering mission-driven programming for years to come.

The Organization

PBS NC’s mission is to provide transformational experiences and trusted content that educate, inform, entertain, and inspire the people of North Carolina. As part of the University of North Carolina system, PBS NC operates within a broader public higher-education mission dedicated to serving communities across the state. Guided by a vision to spark lifelong curiosity and wonder, PBS NC empowers communities and enriches the lives statewide. Grounded in trust, they advance their work creatively, collaboratively and with purpose, imagination, and open minds.

Serving more than 14 million households through four statewide channels, PBS NC is the third-largest public media market in the country and a leader in education, community engagement, and public service. On January 8, 2025, the organization marked its 70th anniversary, celebrating a legacy that began when it first went on the air in 1955. Since then, PBS NC has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of all North Carolinians through dynamic storytelling, valuable educational resources, engaging community events, and strong emergency management partnerships. 

PBS KIDS is watched by millions of children and reaches more parents of young children than any other children’s television network. For many families, public television is a vital connection to the world, reaching 58% of all TV households. Noncommercial and free to all, it is especially important for households that lack access to broadband internet, particularly in rural areas.

At this moment, PBS NC is at a critical inflection point. This search represents one of the most significant leadership investments of the CEO’s tenure - an opportunity to reimagine what development can be for a statewide public media institution and to build a stronger more impactful philanthropic model. With the right leadership in place, PBS NC can expand its philanthropic revenue model, deepen community engagement, and unlock new pathways for long-term sustainability beyond traditional funding sources.

As the only media platform in the state offered universally and free to all, PBS NC plays a vital role in delivering trusted information, educational content, and emergency communications, especially for individuals and families who lack access to paid media or reliable broadband. While access to PBS NC is free for all, its ability to deliver award-winning programs and productions is powered by strong philanthropic partnerships. This next chapter offers PBS NC the chance to create a development model worthy of its public mission, one that not only sustains its work across North Carolina, but also positions the organization as a national leader and model for public media advancement.

The Location

PBS North Carolina is located is in the heart of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Durham, North Carolina. RTP is a large research and development center that acts as a hub and economic engine for the region. Since the Park’s inception, it was always part of the vision to include organizations devoted to knowledge production, and in the mid-1970s, a portion of the park was set aside for the Triangle Universities Center for Advanced Studies, Incorporated (TUCASI) campus, which still houses the National Humanities Center today.

The “Research Triangle” region, comprising Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is home to more than two million people and ten premier colleges and universities, as well as an abundance of arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. Fueled by an impressive mix of education, ingenuity, and collaboration, Durham and the surrounding region routinely rank among the nation’s best places to live, work, and play. The Triangle has attracted hundreds of companies to the region, making it the largest research park in the United States. Perfectly positioned midway between the coast and the Appalachian Mountains, the Triangle offers residents a beautiful place to call home.

Core Responsibilities

In close partnership with the CEO and Deputy General Manager, the CDO will create and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy spanning individual giving, major and principal gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and other revenue sources. This executive role is central to securing the financial resources that power PBS NC’s mission, ensuring near-term sustainability and long-term growth. The CDO will provide clear, data-driven reporting on progress towards revenue goals to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Foundation Board.

The successful leader will need to be a strategic, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and visionary fundraiser who can effectively articulate PBS NC’s impact and inspire philanthropic investment from across North Carolina and beyond. This individual will assess and strengthen the development operation – from systems and processes to talent and culture - building and expanding a high-performing team and cultivate a culture of relationship-centered philanthropy. The CDO will activate staff, board members, and volunteers as authentic ambassadors, cultivate deep and lasting donor partnerships, and elevate PBS NC’s visibility within communities and philanthropic networks. This role offers the opportunity to shape a development program and drive PBS NC’s next chapter at this pivotal moment of growth and transformation through expanded community engagement and philanthropic support.

Fundraising Strategy & Execution (50%)

Principal & Major Gifts: Serve as a frontline fundraiser, personally managing a portfolio of top-tier donors, principal-level prospects, and partners, guiding the team’s strategy to expand and diversify the donor base.

Annual & Multi-Year Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan and multi-year campaign strategies that align with PBS NC’s strategic goals and priorities.

Cultivation & Solicitation: Lead by example in developing and executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for the most significant prospects and donors.

Transformational Opportunities: Identify, evaluate, and advance new philanthropic revenue opportunities and funding models appropriate for a public media organization, including diversified philanthropic support, sponsorships, partnerships, and emerging digital revenue streams, to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Donor and Partner Engagement (25%)

Stewardship: Cultivate strategic relationships with business, education, cultural, nonprofit, and public-sector leaders across North Carolina to advance organizational priorities and expand philanthropic and partnership opportunities.

Serve as an Ambassador: Represent PBS NC with donors, partners, and key community stakeholders to strengthen visibility, credibility, and trust in communities statewide.

Partner with Senior Leadership: Work in collaboration with PBS NC leadership to align fundraising strategies with programming, education, and community impact initiatives, ensuring development efforts advance mission-driven outcomes.

Integrate the CEO and Deputy General Manager into Philanthropic Strategy and Engagement: Partner closely with both leaders to shape fundraising strategy and elevate donor relationships through coordinated cultivation, solicitation preparation, and stewardship of major donors and community partners.

Activate and Engage the Board: Partner closely with the Development team to engage Board members as philanthropic ambassadors, mobilizing their networks to open doors to prospective donors and partners, facilitate strategic connections, and support cultivation efforts that advance organizational priorities and philanthropy.  

Development Operations and Team Leadership (15%)

Team Leadership: Provide vision, mentorship, and day-to-day leadership to a streamlined Development team, overseeing membership, major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations.

Annual & Multi-Year Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan and multi-year campaign strategies that align with PBS NC’s strategic goals.

Budget & Operations: Oversee the Development department's budget and integrated fundraising operations, including CRM management, gift processing, reporting, donor stewardship, and compliance functions.

Performance & Metrics: Set annual performance metrics and goals for the Development team and regularly track and report progress to the CEO and Deputy General Manager.

Collaborative Leadership: Partner with UNC System Office Advancement Shared Services team in identifying operational efficiencies and strategic cost savings, particularly in the areas of HR, finance, and IT.

Process Management: Develop and institutionalize streamlined processes that maximize the team structure to operate effectively and sustainably.

Strategic Leadership and Special Projects (10%)

Strategic Advising: Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing insight and analysis on philanthropic and fundraising trends, risks, and emerging opportunities to inform decision-making and support long-term financial sustainability.

Planning: Participate in cross-functional planning efforts focused on organizational sustainability and public impact, collaborating with senior leaders across programming, education, and operations to align resources with mission-driven priorities.

Special Projects: Lead or support high-priority initiatives and special projects as assigned by the CEO and Deputy General Manager.

Required Attributes, Skills, and Qualifications

The Chief Development Officer must share a passion for telling the story of PBS NC’s mission and for cultivating a culture that is empowering, responsible, intentional, collaborative, and curious. At this pivotal moment, PBS NC seeks a visionary, idea-driven leader who is willing to unlock new pathways to philanthropic growth and serve as an effective ambassador for the organization statewide.

Key Success Competencies

• Demonstrated success in direct fundraising, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate support, planned giving, sponsorships, and/or foundation relations.

• Proven experience building, managing, and mentoring development teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and results.

• Experience working in a lean development operation, balancing strategy with hands-on execution.

• Strong relationship-building, donor engagement, and stewardship skills.

• Ability to translate organizational mission and public value into compelling funding cases for diverse audiences.

• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, colleagues across departments, boards, and external stakeholders.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• High integrity and a deep belief in the PBS NC’s mission.

• Strategic and analytical mindset with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style.

• Entrepreneurial, self-directed, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Team-oriented leader who values transparency, curiosity, and continuous improvement.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively across multiple priorities and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Management, Nonprofit Administration, or related field.

• Advanced degree preferred.

• At least 7 years of fundraising or advancement experience, including responsibility for revenue growth and donor engagement.

• Experience in public media, higher education, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations.

• Familiarity with public-sector partnerships and statewide stakeholder engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present effectively internally and externally.

• Experience using CRM systems to extract, analyze and present data to inform metrics and decision-making.

• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and strategic thinking with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.

• Ability to lead with humility and respect, inspiring positivity, and cohesiveness among the team.

• Experience leading in a performance-based, metrics-driven culture.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• The position is salaried and is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

• Regular verbal communication, and the ability to operate standard office equipment are required.

• Frequently sits; occasionally stands, walks, reaches, and lifts/moves up to ten pounds.

• Candidates must have a clean driving record and reliable transportation for donor visits and external meetings.

• This position is a hybrid work arrangement and will work at least three days per week onsite at the RTP office. PBSNC employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Compensation and Benefits

PBS North Carolina is dedicated to recruiting an outstanding leader for this position by offering a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary of $160,000-$180,000 commensurate with education and experience, sign-on bonus as eligible under UNC System policy and procedures, and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, HCFSA, DCFSA, life insurance, AD&D, STD, LTD, etc., as well as flexible leave programs (e.g., paid parental leave), tuition waivers, and mandatory and supplemental retirement plans.  This role is eligible for a performance-based bonus program tied to the achievement of defined performance metrics. Bonus consideration is evaluated annually based on a combination of individual accomplishments, team performance, and overall organizational results.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PBS North Carolina is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume HERE. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions: pbsncsearch@mossandross.com

PBS North Carolina
10 UNC-TV Drive, PO Box 14900
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-4900

https://www.pbsnc.org