Job Title: Corporate Development Director
FLSA Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: President & CEO
Date: 10/03/2025
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Celebrating 50 years of service, PBS Fort Wayne is the only public television station in northeast Indiana and the region’s only locally owned and operated full-power television station serving Fort Wayne and more than 800,000 people in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio with a beloved mix of drama, culture, news, nature, science, lifestyle, documentary and children’s educational programming 24-hours a day on-air, online and on multiple digital platforms such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, PBS.org, YouTube TV, DIRECTV Stream, the PBS App, PBS Fort Wayne App & PBSFortWayne.org.
PBS Fort Wayne is embarking on an exciting new chapter as an entrepreneurial media organization in partnership with the public and private sector to create media for the public good. We are looking for a mission-driven Corporate Development Director who can lead corporate underwriting, meet ambitious revenue goals, and creatively implement organizational sustainability initiatives.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Corporate Development Director is responsible for achieving annual department revenue goals utilizing all program and production support opportunities at PBS Fort Wayne. This position develops strategies, implements plans, manages staff, and monitors activities that contribute to meeting these funding goals while also productively maintaining an account list. The Corporate Development Director ensures excellent service in the station's relationships with corporate, foundation, and other community stakeholders while operating in compliance with the FCC, PBS and other regulations and requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, implement, and measure annual work plans and goals for department staff.
- Manage client list associated with this position.
- Develop and deliver presentations for funding support to potential underwriters and to the community as a visible representative of PBS Fort Wayne.
- Oversee the hiring, team building, and the development of department staff.
- Monitor and manage rate structures for PBS Fort Wayne services.
- Uphold compliance of FCC and PBS regulations and copyrights.
- Participate as an effective, knowledgeable, and supportive team member in station meetings and projects.
- Provide regular reports on marketing activities and department projections utilizing detailed record keeping and tracking of contracts.
- Deliver reports internally and to the PBS Fort Wayne Board of Directors.
- Complete all supervisory-related training provided by PBS Fort Wayne.
- Maintain high visibility as an ambassador for the station in the community.
- Participate in on-air on-camera pledge drives and other activities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be self-motivated and team oriented, possessing problem-solving and mediation skills.
- Demonstrated background in creating, pricing, and presenting marketing proposals.
- Must have successful direct experience in one-on-one sales.
- A strong client service orientation and the ability to represent PBS Fort Wayne with the highest degree of professionalism are essential.
- A network of local contacts and working knowledge of the PBS Fort Wayne broadcast area is very helpful.
- Background in public television or non-profit or commercial experience that is readily transferable to a public TV setting is required. Background in media sales is a plus.
- Must be trustworthy with knowledge of sensitive station business information.
- Detail orientated, good organizational skills, appropriate follow-up, and the ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision are critical to success in this position.
- Must possess the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
- Polished and persuasive verbal and written communication skills are essential.
- Must be able to interface effectively and harmoniously with a diverse public and peer population. Must work cooperatively with others.
- A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of supervisory experience are required.
- Competency with Microsoft 360 suite of products: Word, Excel, Power Point
Why work at PBS Fort Wayne?
At PBS Fort Wayne, you’ll join a mission-driven team dedicated to serving and inspiring our community through public media. We value our employees and offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where your contributions make a real impact. Our comprehensive benefits package includes a:
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
- Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Life insurance coverage
- Generous Managed Time Off: Starting out with an accumulated 18 Days for first year employees! Increasing over time
- Paid Holidays
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for wellness and support
Compensation: This position features a base salary augmented by a commission structure.
Work Environment: This is an in-office position, located at 2501 E Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. However, traveling to client meetings and their places of operation is an on-going aspect of this position.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to sit for several hours and be able to lift up to 25lbs.
Travel Requirement: This role requires local and sometimes regional travel to meet with underwriting clients and prospects.
Other Duties and Information: A clean drug screen and background check is required. A valid driver’s license is required. Additionally, a credit check is required for the Corporate Development Director position.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
PBS Fort Wayne is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices. We carefully evaluate each applicant’s qualifications, background, experience, and employment history when filling job openings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, PBS Fort Wayne considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Working for PBS Fort Wayne is about joining a culture of openness, collaboration, trust, and the invitation and expectation to have a voice. We strive to continually lead with our values and beliefs that enable everyone at PBS Fort Wayne to develop their potential, bring their full self to the workplace, and engage in a workplace of collaboration and respect.
How To Apply:
To express interest in this position, please direct your résumé to: