Employment & Internships

Associate Director for Community Philanthropy and Partnerships

Role Overview

As the Director of Community Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will play a pivotal role in advancing WNIJ – Classical WNIU by spearheading initiatives to grow our audience, cultivate donors, and foster community support. You will plan and execute day-to-day approaches for marketing and engagement efforts. You will develop and lead efforts to engage community partners for programmatic and sponsorship opportunities, driving our fundraising and audience development goals forward.

Key Responsibilities

Audience and on-air development

Collaborate with programming and marketing teams to develop initiatives that enhance listener engagement and expand our audience reach. Implement strategies to drive listener support through on-air fundraising drives, membership campaigns, and community events.

Expansion of mid-level and major donors

Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with major donors who are passionate about the mission and impact of public radio. Develop personalized cultivation plans and engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships and secure significant financial contributions.

Community Philanthropy

Work closely with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to identify opportunities for philanthropic partnerships and financial support. Develop creative sponsorship packages that align with the interests and values of our supporters while providing valuable exposure for our partners.

Community Partnerships

Build and engage a network of strategic partners aligned with our mission to enrich our live programming and enhance listener engagement. Develop creative strategies to expand our audience reach and deepen community connections.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 3-5 years major gifts experience or comparable experience in generating revenue in a nonprofit setting;

Proven experience in fundraising, partnership development, or events management, preferably within the nonprofit or media sector;

Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to identify and engage key stakeholders;

Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop innovative solutions;

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate value propositions and build consensus among partners;

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience;

Passion for public radio and a commitment to advancing our mission of serving the community;

Highly organized, open, and flexible;

Strong verbal and written communication skills;

Team oriented with desire to lead;

Comfortable with a fast paced, changing environment;

Life-long learner and good problem solver;

High ethical standards;

Corporate Support Executive – WNIJ & Classical WNIU

Location: Northern Illinois | Part-Time

WNIJ and Classical WNIU, northern Illinois' public radio stations, are seeking a Corporate Support Representative to connect businesses and organizations with the trusted voice of public radio. This role is focused on growing sponsorship revenue by developing partnerships across our broadcast, digital platforms (including podcasts), and live events—all while supporting our mission to inform, engage, and inspire our communities.

We’re looking for a driven, goal-oriented sales professional who thrives on building relationships, prospecting new clients, and crafting creative marketing solutions that align with businesses’ goals. If you enjoy closing deals, developing long-term partnerships, and working for an organization that values community impact, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

Grow Sponsorship & Underwriting Revenue:

• Meet and exceed sales goals by securing sponsorships for WNIJ and Classical WNIU. 

• Develop customized multi-platform marketing solutions that align with clients’ branding and business objectives. 

• Continuously identify and pursue new business opportunities, with a strong emphasis on digital and non-traditional sponsorship growth. 

Own the Sales Process:

• Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, presenting, negotiating, and closing deals. 

• Develop and deliver high-quality proposals and presentations to potential sponsors. 

• Work closely with clients to craft effective on-air and digital messages. 

• Coordinate with WNIJ & Classical WNIU’s traffic and production teams to ensure smooth sponsorship fulfillment. 

• Track client accounts, oversee invoicing, and follow up on renewals and billing issues. 

Engage with the Community & Represent Public Radio:

• Actively network and develop relationships with businesses, marketing professionals, and community organizations. 

• Represent WNIJ and Classical WNIU at networking events, business functions, and station-sponsored events (including some evenings and weekends). 

• Collaborate with internal teams on fundraising campaigns, pledge drives, events, and sponsor engagement strategies. 

What You Bring

• Proven success in sales, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals. 

• A strong ability to develop new business through cold calling, prospecting, and relationship-building. 

• Experience creating and presenting compelling sponsorship/advertising proposals. 

• Strong people skills and the ability to engage with clients at all levels. 

• A self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently while contributing to a team. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn CRM and Traffic softwares. 

• Willingness to learn and adhere to FCC underwriting guidelines. 

Preferred Qualities:

• Passion for public media and its role in serving the community. 

• Knowledge of the Rockford region’s business community.  

• Experience selling sponsorships, non-traditional advertising, or corporate partnerships and philanthropy. 

• A creative and consultative approach to sponsorship sales. 

• High-energy, motivated, and ready to take initiative. 

Why Join WNIJ & Classical WNIU?

At WNIJ and Classical WNIU, you’ll have the opportunity to build a sales career while making a meaningful impact. You’ll help businesses and organizations reach a highly engaged, educated, and loyal audience through trusted journalism, classical music, and innovative programs and projects. Our collaborative and mission-driven team supports professional growth and community service.

Position Details:

• Reports to: Station Manager 

• Location: Northern Illinois (Hybrid/Remote flexibility possible) 

• Compensation: Part-time hourly commensurate with experience. 

Be part of something bigger. Help WNIJ and Classical WNIU connect businesses with a dedicated audience that values trusted news, music, and cultural enrichment.

Interested? Send us your resume and cover letter today!

CLASSICAL PRODUCER INTERNSHIP

Northern Public Radio is pleased to offer an internship that will introduce qualified applicants to many facets of media production.

This position will primarily work in support of Classical WNIU, and as such an interest and enthusiasm for classical music is necessary. Specific interests of the intern will be discussed and incorporated into the duties whenever possible. Assignments and duties of the Classical Producer Internship include, but are not limited to: 

- Researching, writing and producing Public Service Announcements

- Researching, writing and producing original digital content for web or social

- Audio library organization and cataloging

- Production assistance with local programming: planning and recording performances, digital editing and broadcast preparation, including hosting of specialty shows

- Other duties as interests and skills allow

For more information, please send résumé to David Tallacksen at Northern Public Radio: dtallacksen@niu.edu