The salary range for this position is $73,000 - $75,900 per year ($6,083.33 - $6,325 per month) depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on 1/9/2025 at 4:00pm (PST).

This position is grant-funded for up to three years. We anticipate continued employment thereafter, dependent on funding.

Flexibility to work and attend events that occur on nights and weekends is a must.

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming.  KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego.  Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.  It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

The KPBS Grants and Engagement Department will extend visibility of KPBS into the community, and cultivate diverse audiences, including KPBS members and funders, through memorable initiatives that educate, enlighten and entertain. This department is responsible for a variety of activities and outreach, including using programming, news content and other related resources to build and foster a KPBS presence in the community and on all KPBS platforms:

• Heightening visibility, especially in underserved communities,  and demonstrating the station’s mission as a vital local force for enrichment; 
• Increasing awareness that KPBS programming can be a springboard for community dialogue and problem solving;
• Reaching new, diverse, underrepresented and underserved audiences through such programs as KPBS Community Conversations, One Book, One San Diego, One Book Sin Fronteras and KPBS Kids, thus demonstrating that all residents of the San Diego and Imperial Counties have a stake in KPBS because KPBS has a stake in them;
• and collaborate with the KPBS Development Department to cultivate major donors through Producers Club as well as support other departments as needed in facilitating outreach for events and diversity initiatives. 

The department is also responsible for securing grants from existing and new funders in order to help ensure the sustainability of the station. Grant responsibilities include: 

• Following strict protocols set by Finance and Accounting, the department ensures that  grant activity is audit-proof. 
• Researching and writing grant proposals to support all areas of KPBS. 
• Developing budgets and monitoring completion of proposed deliverables.
• Completing all funder reports, including interim and final reports and requested updates.
• In addition, the department is charged with conducting and interpreting research and evaluation activities relating to content and initiatives such as One Book, One San Diego, Community Conversations and KPBS Kids.
• Ensuring that existing funders are informed of upcoming events that are of interest to them and sending out invitations.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, farmer's market Tuesday's, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by job)
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Monthly pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s)
• Employee assistance program
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

Under the general guidance of the Director of Grants and Engagement, the Public Matters Community Engagement Manager is responsible for ensuring that the KPBS One Small Step engagement initiative and associated outreach, create meaningful experiences that align with and help implement the station’s mission to share stories that make us think, help us dream and keep us connected. The Public Matters program aims to enhance civic engagement through multiplatform coverage, community events, and partnerships. Integrating One Small Step (OSS) KPBS will be enhancing these civic efforts, fostering meaningful dialogue and community understanding.  KPBS will be a flagship OSS hub leveraging OSS’s proven methodology to drive community engagement and reduce polarization. This position is community-centric and meets with stakeholders and community members and leaders.

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.

Community Engagement & Relations 45%

• Oversee and manage KPBS’ major community engagement initiative, One Small Step (OSS), ensuring the project meets goals as outlined in the strategic plan and other Public Matters efforts.
• Lead collaboration of events in partnership with community organizations for the OSS initiative, including establishing event planning guidelines and process with the partners.
• Manage KPBS staff involvement at community and outreach events designed to foster public investment in the OSS engagement initiative
• Regularly meet with One Small Step team, schedule recording sessions with production staff, and maintain the schedule with OSS public participants

• Facilitate interviews with guidance from OSS
• Oversee efforts to select community members who will participate in OSS

• Collaborate with grant staff on the development of grant and sponsorship proposals, reports and project budgets related to supporting OSS and the Public Matters initiative.
• Consult and partner with other departments on outreach potential and impact.
• Develop and foster partnerships with external organizations and community leaders who are aligned with KPBS's mission and more specifically OSS and the Public Matters initiative. 

• Develop programming ideas by conducting conversations with partners, colleagues and relevant departments, including the Public Matters team in the newsroom.
• Represent KPBS in the community by participating and/or presenting at webinars, conferences and special events upon request. 

• Ensure appropriate community involvement by reaching out to key non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct and lead meetings to ensure each participant is clear on their responsibilities. 

Event & Program Management 40%

• Serve as the Grants and Engagement lead on Public Matters events
• Manage event timeline and communications to ensure that all departments and collaborators know their roles and deadlines.
• Guide the planning and implementation of outreach programming and events for the One Small Step engagement initiative
• Use discretionary decision making to oversee planning and logistics for the initiative, including: timelines, print marketing, TV and Radio marketing,  audio/visual production, negotiating vendor/caterer/venue contracts, community partnership management and program content. Provide on-site management and trouble-shooting of OSS events including overseeing event staff.
• Develop and supervise training for OSS engagement event staff and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Community Conversation and KPBS Listens program to find mutual opportunities for engagement.
• Responsible for tracking of project deliverables
• Attend and assist with ongoing general Grants & Engagement events
  
  

Marketing & Communications  10%

• Working closely with KPBS Marketing and Communications to develop and implement innovative and fresh marketing plans for OSS community engagement efforts. This may include a combination of radio, television, print and digital materials and social media.
• Partner with the social media content team for posting in main KPBS social media accounts in order to better engage audiences around community engagement programming.

• Manage all requests to KPBS’s Graphic Designer to produce marketing materials for OSS engagement program, including materials for community partners, such as press releases, fact sheets, event flyers, e-blasts, and other collateral materials. 
• Partner with KPBS’s video production team in producing television spots promoting station OSS events and community engagement initiatives.
• Manage radio spot production requests to the audio production team for promoting engagement activities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 5%

• Support Community Engagement and station efforts around outreach, involvement, and events
• Lead and support evening and weekend events and activities as needed

Knowledge and Abilities

• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles.
• Knowledge of and understanding of media outlets including print, television, radio and social media.
• Proficiency using standard software packages including Microsoft Office programs, Excel, PowerPoint, internet, email and social media. 
• Knowledge of web communication and social media techniques
• Expertise in all aspects of virtual programming and event production
• Ability to be well organized, effectively handle ongoing multiple projects and perform well during stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively interact with people at all levels (including superiors, administrative staff, students and community partners)
• Ability to foster relationships with people and organizations from various disciplines.
• Ability to apply independent judgment, discretion and initiative to address problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity. 
• Ability to travel in and out of state for event coordination, off site events, and to attend meetings in San Diego and Imperial counties. 
• Excellent communication skills, including demonstrated writing ability, to disseminate information about activities, programs, and objectives.
• Expertise in computer software, particularly the google and MS Office suites and Social Media. 
• Ability to work weekends, early and late shifts when requested.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain cooperative and cordial working relations with a wide range of internal and public contacts.

Minimum Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's degree in the related field; additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis
• Minimum three years of progressively more difficult and related professional experience
• Proven experience in event coordination (small and large scale).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Eight years of relevant experience
• Previous experience in Budget oversight, Communications, Public and/or Community Relations.
• Proven experience working with diverse communities. 
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Previous experience in copywriting. 
• Management/supervisory experience.
• Bilingual or proficient in English/Spanish. 

Additional Applicant Information:

• Candidates must reside in California, or be willing to relocate, and live within a commutable distance to the SDSU campus at the time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check). 
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer