Manager, Sustainer Programs

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is home to WBEZ Chicago’s NPR (National Public Radio) news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, as well as urban alternative music station, Vocalo . The organization serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers, and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama, and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial.

Chicago Public Media has recently acquired the Chicago Sun-Times, one of Chicago’s two major daily newspapers and among the most storied dailies in the nation. With the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Chicago Public Media is now home to one of the largest teams of journalists of any local news organization in the nation. Under the banner of Chicago Public Media, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times will reach more than 2 million people a week in the Chicago area across broadcast, print, and digital channels. Backed by a significant philanthropic commitment, Chicago Public Media plans to substantially increase its investment in local journalism by hiring additional reporters, producers and newsroom personnel in the months and years ahead.

The Opportunity

The Manager, Sustainer Programs oversees all aspects of WBEZ’s monthly and annual sustaining member programs, with a focus on retention and upgrading. They are a key part of the Membership team, stewarding our relationship with more than 50,000 sustaining members and overseeing the program’s largest revenue budget line. This role will develop and implement the strategies for engaging and upgrading this robust and loyal segment of our member base – and will oversee campaigns and benefits, including upgrade telemarketing, email communication, annual thank you gifts, etc. They are responsible for planning, budgeting and reporting in the areas mentioned above – and will have accountability for goals related to revenue growth, retention and engagement.

This role is varied in its responsibilities and will work alongside many CPM colleagues. Must be able to work with a diverse group of people, have great interpersonal skills and should exemplify CPM’s values.

General Responsibilities

• Manage sustaining member programs to meet revenue goals – including acquisition, conversion, upgrading and retention

• Create and implement annual and multi-year plans to maximize sustainer growth

• Develop the strategy and content for our outbound telemarketing program, working with an outside vendor on implementation and execution

• Manage the strategy, content development and delivery of ongoing sustaining member communications via email and direct mail, including customizing general communications to speak specifically to the sustainer audience

• Develop a robust benefit and recognition strategy unique to sustaining members that is designed to increase revenue and drive retention

• Oversee ongoing campaigns including EFT conversion, sustainer recapture, anniversary celebrations and sustainer conversion efforts.

• Oversee sustainer-specific event and engagement opportunities including annual Sustainer Open House

• Identify trends in the recurring giving space and make testing recommendations that will move our program forward

• Provide input on marketing and communications strategies to ensure that sustainer needs are integrated into appropriate communications, marketing channels and plans (i.e., website, newsletters, annual reports, etc.)

• Work cross-functionally to understand and address factors affecting sustainer retention, upgrading and satisfaction

• Assist with other membership initiatives as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience

• Experience with recurring donation programs

• Experience with end-to-end fundraising campaign planning

• Experience managing contracts and vendor relationships

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral

• Demonstrated experience in taking initiative when planning and executing projects

• Excellent attention to detail, problem solving and resource management skills

• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Comfort with customer relationship management systems (Salesforce), marketing automation tools (Salesforce Marketing Cloud) and/or building emails in an email marketing system a plus

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact. Our culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouraged. We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

Chicago Public Media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM, in our staff and in our work. We are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for you at hire and in the years to come.

Our benefits include:

6 weeks fully paid family leave

High quality Medical, Dental, and Vision plans at an affordable cost

A 403(b)retirement plan with a company match

Generous paid time off, including starting with 3 weeks’ vacation and 4 personal days.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.