o    strategic direction and coordination of KCET's institutional communications and brand strategy in its direct response fundraising efforts across all communications platforms, including by broadcast fundraising, direct mail, tele-fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and through online, mobile and social media fundraising appeals;
o    creation of a successful overall strategic plan for institutional events, including both community and fundraising events;
o    establishment of consistent messaging across all communication platforms (on air, online and at community and fundraising events);
o    planning, development and execution of KCET's communications activities, including press relations and publicity, on-air and online promotion of KCET's broadcast programming, online content, and community services,
o    planning, development and execution of KCET's public relations and advertising strategy;
o    identifying, cultivating, tracking and maintaining relationships with media outlets and influencers such as publishers, editors, reporters, writers, bloggers, and public relations professionals to ensure institutional message creation and placement, placement of press releases, preparation for crisis management communication strategy across all platforms;
o    overseeing the creation and distribution of all institutional publications, all direct response fundraising materials, annual reports, press releases, public relations announcements, public statements, advertising, and donor support messages and recognition strategies, including corporate sponsorships;
o    working with KCET New Media Department to ensure information is search engine optimized and online content is distributed and disseminated using desired online and social media sources; and
o    development and monitoring of revenue and expense budgets for KCET's Membership Marketing, On-Air Promotion, and Communication Departments with regular assessment of progress against goals and cost-effectiveness of efforts across all platforms.  

The Development Associate will be a key member of the KCET Development team and will play a vital role in supporting KCET's Major Gifts program. The principal responsibility of the Development Associate will be to provide high-level administrative and tactical support to the Executive Director, Principal Gifts and the Executive Director, Major Gifts and Strategic Partnerships in order to advance their efforts to build donor relationships and to raise significant funds in support of KCET's programs and overall mission.

In addition to providing daily administrative support the Development Associate will work closely and collaboratively with the Executive Directors, actively assisting in the process of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and donors. The Development Associate will play a central role in gathering information and maintaining prospect and donor files, coordinating donor cultivation and stewardship events and other activities, and in managing various aspects of ongoing relationships and the donor development process to help ensure the best possible experience for the donors and best outcomes for the organization. The Development Associate will also function as a key point of contact for the Major Gifts team both internally and externally, communicating with KCET staff at all levels, members of KCET's board of directors, donors, prospects and other external contacts.

The Development Associate will also function as a member of the larger Development Department team and will share some responsibilities with other staff members for providing general administrative and daily operational support for the department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

·         Provides direct administrative support for the day-to-day activities of the two Executive Directors, including: maintaining calendars, scheduling meetings, phone support as needed, drafting and preparation of correspondence or meeting materials, tracking expenses, preparing reports, and managing other general office functions on behalf of the Executive Directors.

·         Assists in the preparation of proposals and follow-up reports for donors.

·         Works collaboratively with Executive Directors to design and implement specific individual cultivation and stewardship initiatives, including but not limited to: informational mailings and stewardship packages.

·         Coordinates and manages tours, lunches, and other individual cultivation and stewardship events.

·         Updates and maintains donor files in KCET development database.

·         Conducts research and generates reports on donors and prospects utilizing KCET's development database, as well as other internal and external resources.

·         Tracks and provides updates on relevant news and other external activities that involve donors, or which might impact development efforts with particular prospects, donors or constituent groups. 

·         Represents the Executive Directors and Major Gifts team internally. Interacts with internal staff at all levels and attends meetings as needed in order to stay current  on KCET news, events and programming developments. Provides the Executive Directors with updates to funding priorities and general information accordingly.

·         Represents Development and the Major Gifts team externally in direct interactions with KCET board members, donors, prospects and other contacts via telephone, email and at events. Works in all situations to support the advancement of key relationships and to provide a positive interface between KCET Development and members of the external community.

·         Works as part of the greater Development Department team to produce and staff larger events, and to support daily office functions.

·         Additional projects and duties as assigned.

·         JOB REQUIREMENTS

·         Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2+ years of administrative experience required, preferably in nonprofit. Experience in a fundraising environment highly desirable.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs and experience working with relational databases (Raiser's Edge or similar).

·         Excellent verbal and written communications skills and the ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with donors, staff, board members, and others.

·         Strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and to meet multiple deadlines, and willingness to take initiative.

·         Ability to identify, gather and compile relevant information from various sources and by various methods.

·         Ability to solve problems by independently thinking through issues, conducting research and proposing solutions.

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·         Strong sense of ethics and the ability to practice discretion in handling sensitive and/or confidential information.

·         An interest in nonprofit fundraising and in gaining knowledge about the development process.

·         A resilient sense of humor.

·         Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as required for special events.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

This position reports to the Executive Director, Principal Gifts; Executive Director, Major Gifts and Strategic Partnerships*also receives direction from Director of Development Services.

To apply, please submit your resume to HR@KCET.ORG and note 'Development Associate' on the subject of your email.

"Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply."  EEO Employer.

On September 2, 2011, Blog Talk Radio's Tomorrow Will Be Televised interviewed Al Jerome, KCET's president and CEO, and Dominique Bigle, CEO of Eyetronics Media and Studio.  Host Simon Applebaum talked to them about their partnership and innovative plans to produce and aquire original series that are distinctive to Southern California.

Click below to listen to the full interview:

For more information on the unique partnership between KCET and Eyetronics Media and Studios, please visit KCET's Press Room.

That designation included the two large sound stages, the "Little Theatre" and the old brick buildings and offices connected to and adjacent to those studios. The bricks in question were not installed until 20 years later and have never been part of any historic designation.

As the seller--as in any real estate transaction--we are removing all signage that belongs to KCET and we will pay tribute to all of those whose generosity had been acknowledged on our studio property at our new location.

In doing so, we are also making every effort to preserve the integrity of the historic landmark the studio lot represents.

That said, KCET has elected to give up its analog position on most cable boxes in order to be able to provide expanded programming choices on KCET's three digital stations: Vme, Kids and Family, and MHvnetworks. (Please read this guide for more information on these digital channels). All broadcasters will transition off of analog in the next year or so and our decision is in anticipation of this change.

As a result, KCET is no longer available as part of basic cable service on Time Warner Cable, Charter and Cox. While the vast majority of cable subscribers are able to access KCET via their digital service, those without a digital cable box or a DTV converter box may want to consider upgrading to a basic digital cable package. In addition to cable, there are other options for receiving KCET, including satellite and traditional, free over-the-air transmission.

We are sorry if we have inconvenienced you in any way as KCET makes the transition to digital service.

For more detailed info, please visit our FAQs here.

1) Why is KCET becoming an independent station?
KCET and PBS were unable to reach agreement on a reduction in PBS fees and on providing KCET more programming flexibility.

2) What will happen to the PBS programs on KCET?
KCET will continue to air the PBS schedule until December 31, 2010. Beginning on January 1, 2011, many of these PBS programs will be shown on KOCE-TV. You can visit www.koce.org for more information, or call KOCE at 800.278.5050

3) What are the changes in the KCET line-up for 2011?
KCET's new program line-up is available on our website at our schedule page. You can also download our January listings PDF, which can also be mailed to you upon request by contacting KCET Viewer Services at (323) 953-5238.

4) What shows will KCET put on air in place of PBS programming?
KCET will continue to air the non-PBS series that are already on our schedule, like BBC World News, MI-5, Globe Trekker and Doc Martin, and we will be adding new shows in the same genres that we know our viewers love from national and international sources. Please view our new line up online on our schedule page, download our January listings PDF, or contact KCET Viewer Services at (323) 953-5238.

5) How will operating as an independent public television station change the way KCET is programmed?
KCET will continue its commitment to offer diverse perspectives and quality programming serving the Southern California community. In addition, KCET intends to collaborate with the talented and diverse creative voices here in Southern California, while also acquiring programming in the genres our viewers have come to enjoy over the years. Since KCET is part of the community, we know the issues facing our region, and we will help inform and motivate our viewers to cope with those challenges with the information they need through hard-hitting reporting a la our award-winning SoCal Connected. The new KCET schedule also reflects our commitment to provide a mix of programming designed to enlighten and entertain. For example, the primetime schedule has been organized into themed viewing blocks to make it easier for viewers to find their favorite genres and shows.

6) Will KCET Orange, KCET Desert Cities and V-me still be available? What will happen to the PBS World channel?
KCET Orange and KCET Desert Cities are now KCET Kids & Family featuring entertaining, educational and multilingual programs from well-known producers including the Jim Henson Company.

Vme will continue to be part of the KCET station family, providing programs of special interest to Hispanic and Latino communities throughout Southern and Central California.

PBS World is now MHz Worldview, which is a national, independent, non-commercial channel presenting fresh, relevant English-language international content including news, documentaries, cultural programming, dramas, films and mysteries, music and sports. Known for its "programming for globally-minded people," MHz Worldview serves as a liaison in bringing programs and understanding from around the world to American audiences.

With our three digital multicast channels, KCET is reaching out to audiences whose needs are not always met by other broadcast media. KCET Kids & Family Channel will expand our ability to service a wider age range of young children, their parents and caregivers. MHz Worldview is a truly global programming service with news, drama and sports from around the world. Vme will provide an extensive line-up even more focused on the nation's #1 Spanish-speaking market.

You can find KCET's programming and schedule updates on our website at kcet.org/schedule.

7) Will KCET still serve the same geographic region?
Yes. KCET remains committed to providing the 11 counties in our broadcast region with quality programming that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

8) Where can I view my favorite PBS program?
PBS programming will be available on KOCE, KLCS and KVCR. Please contact these stations or PBS for further details.

9) Can I watch my favorite PBS show online?
Some PBS programs are available online at pbs.org.

10) Will I still be able to watch Tavis Smiley on KCET?
No. Tavis Smiley and Tavis Smiley Reports will not be available on KCET as of January 1, 2011. Tavis Smiley's programs are produced for PBS and only available to PBS member stations. Tavis Smiley will be broadcast on KOCE.

11) Will I still be able to watch Huell Howser on KCET?
KCET will continue to feature Huell Howser's program Visiting.... Huell Howser's programs are independently produced for all public television stations - meaning that stations with or without PBS membership may carry his programs.

12) What about all of Huell Howser's other programs?
KCET will air Visiting.... KOCE will air some of Huell's other programs.

13) How will we view PBS children's programming?
These programs, as well as PBS programming in general, will be available on KOCE, KLCS and KVCR. Please contact the stations or PBS directly for details.

KCET will continue to carry the Peabody Award-winning series for caregivers A Place of Our Own and Los Niños en Su Casa, in addition to our new children's' line up, including Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Raggs, Wild Animal Baby Explorers and many other programs we are sure you and your children will enjoy. We are also launching the KCET Kids & Family channel, featuring entertaining, educational and multilingual programs from well-known producers including the Jim Henson Company.

14) Where will I find cooking and lifestyle programming previously on KCET Desert Cities / Orange?
We have added a daytime cooking, life-style and do-it-yourself programming block to the daily KCET schedule. In doing so we have transitioned many of the KCET Desert Cities / Orange favorites to the main KCET channel.

15) Why am I getting children's programming instead of KCET Desert Cities / KCET Orange?

We have moved some of the most popular Desert Cities / Orange programs to a daily daytime block on the KCET channel. This has enabled us to preserve the best of both channels while offering a new, 24-hour kids and family channel.

16) How is KCET's decision to leave PBS going to better serve Southern and Central California?
KCET remains committed to providing the 11 counties in our broadcast region with quality programming that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. KCET is also committed to providing content that reflects the very special, diverse region we call home. KCET is looking forward to producing more local programming, which we believe will better serve our region.

17) Will KCET produce more local programming?
Yes. SoCal Connected is currently in its third season. Reports this season have included an in-depth look at the November gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections; a look at how locally built high-flying drones are making the transition from weapons to civilian use and may soon be used to fight fires, fly search-and-rescue mssions or report traffic tie-ups; a look at the alarmingly high rate of unemployment among U.S. war veterans and what's being done about it. You can find all episodes on-demand at www.kcet.org/socalconnected/episodes. KCET will also be positioned to provide a distinctly local service in all areas of programming: news and public affairs, science and technology, and arts and culture. KCET.org will continue to produce compelling web-original programming such as the Departures series, as well as topical, local blogs.

18) Does this mean an end to pledge drives?
No. KCET will remain a non-profit, donor-supported public media organization serving Southern and Central California. The solution to the complex issues facing the entire public television system is not to become a commercial station. We operate under a non-commercial educational license and that will not change. The need to raise money from viewers remains, but KCET is working on new approaches to broadcast fundraising.

On January 1, 2011, KCET will become the largest public television station in the United States, independent of PBS.  After a year of soul searching and negotiations with PBS, the KCET Board of Directors determined that in good conscience it could no longer ask viewers like you to pay PBS $7 million, more than twice what Orange County based KOCE will pay, for PBS programming.  Rather than a defeat, this decision is an act of financial prudence, courage and confidence in our community. KCET will be financially stronger and in a position to rethink what public media can be in Southern California.
 
Over the last 4 years viewership at KCET for children's and prime time programming plummeted. Yet during this same period PBS increased our dues by more than 40 percent.  Paying more and more for programming that fewer people watch makes no sense. KCET could have asked viewers to dig deeper to continue this incongruity, but it would have been unfair to do so.
 
Public television is in a financial crisis.  Since 2002, the system has been losing money.  During the past three years, 74 percent of the PBS member stations operated with a deficit.  While the public television crisis is acute, continued Congressional support of the public television system is questionable in an era of budget cuts, resistance to tax increases, reduction of essential government services, competitive programming, and reduced television viewership. As a result, the continued existence of the current system is vulnerable.
 
While many may disagree, we hope Congress continues its nearly five decades of funding for public broadcasting because public interest media is needed now more than ever. But if the old public television system is one of the difficult shared sacrifices that will be made as the nation attempts to balance its budget, KCET is prepared to face the future.
 
How? By transforming KCET from just a PBS affiliated station into a new, essential public media center of Southern California.

When our transformation is complete, we will engage in a conversation with the community, on-air, on-line, and on social media. We will be as anxious to receive information as we are to convey it. We will convene the community around issues and solutions and will help other organizations communicate their vision for our community. Membership in the New KCET will offer the possibility of an active relationship--not just a passive viewing of a television program and a donation.  The New KCET will be a constant gathering of engaged communities and networks of people sharing an interest, a passion or a concern. We will inform the public and nurture its participation in our diverse community.

In order to deliver on our new mission, and attract adequate funding to provide the content we envision, we must provide something special and unique--content that differs from the three other PBS affiliates in Southern California, the other commercial television stations, and the growing number of digital content providers. We must reinvent what public television is in Southern California.

Will our aspirations be fully realized on January 1, 2011? No. While we believe our new schedule will be well received, we do not currently have the full array of content we intend to offer.  But with sufficient funding, over the next three years we will produce locally-focused content with national and international appeal, curate quality content produced by others, distribute this content on-air, on-line and on mobile platforms, and engage our viewers in communities in which they reside both on and offline. While cynics may question the practicality of this plan, KCET's uninterrupted string of Peabody Awards, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and Emmys for its originally produced programming should offer some confidence with viewers and supporters that it can be accomplished.

We are unaware of any major public television station that has transformed itself in the manner we plan. But few have the advantages of the rich cultural diversity, the abundant supply of world-class cultural institutions, theatres, actors, writers, artists, musicians, scientists, engineers, technicians, and the millions of potential viewers that Southern California offers.  By fully integrating and collaborating with this creative economy, we believe the New KCET will be able to produce and present programming to our community that is truly special and unique.

We have commenced a $30 million capital raise that will enable us to launch our journey. The philanthropic community must not turn its back on the New KCET.  We must prioritize KCET's transformation from a PBS dependent television station into an independent public media center Southern Californians trust and admire.  If we fail, the millions of viewers who could be informed, entertained, educated, inspired and challenged by the New KCET will be the losers.

If we are successful in our transformation, not only will the Southern California community benefit, the New KCET will become a model for other public television stations across the nation who seek to  rethink their missions and transform their business models to better serve their local communities. 

We hope you give us a chance to make good on our promise, and join us in making history.

Gordon Bava
Chair
Board of Directors

While some things are definitely changing, one thing will remain the same: KCET is still your non-profit, commercial-free public television service. We are here to serve you with programs representing arts and culture, science, entertainment, news, medicine and health, education and much more.

KCET has not forgotten the vision that began nearly 50 years ago to create an alternative to commercial broadcasting that provides quality meaningful content while focusing on our local interest and needs.

Through broadcast and the Internet, KCET will bring you some of our region's world-class talent, from artists and writers, to thinkers, actors, producers, musicians and performers. We're forming new partnerships with local public service organizations that share our mission vision and values. KCET will be an advocate to protect and promote the welfare of the community we serve.

Our schedule of programs for January is just the beginning. Over the next year, we will continue to roll out new content and programming initiatives that will inform, educate and inspire. You are an important part of KCET's future and we need you to continue your vital support to help us take the next steps to create a new paradigm for local public media.

Our aspirations are high, and we take our responsibility as a public media voice very seriously. I look forward to you being there with us as we chart a new course for the future of KCET and public media.

With best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2011,

Al Jerome
President & CEO

OVERVIEW

The main piece of news is that our new digital channel lineup includes major format changes for KCET Orange/KCET Desert Cities, which will both become the new KCET Kids & Family Channel, and PBS World, which become to MHz Worldview, the national channel of MHz Networks. (KCET Desert Cities, which was only available to folks in the the Coachella Valley on Time Warner Cable ch. 218, will be mirroring KCET Kids & Family but fear not: most of Desert Cities' current programming will be moving to KCET's daytime lifestyle block.)

"With these three channels we are targeting audiences whose needs are not always met by other broadcast media," explained Mary Mazur, KCET Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer. "KCET Kids & Family Channel will expand our ability to service a wider age range of young children, their parents and caregivers. MHz Worldview is a truly global programming service with news, drama and sports from around the world. Vme will provide an extensive line-up even more focused on the nation's number one Spanish-speaking market."

KCET will continue to broadcast the Vme network as a digital multicast channel, as it has since Vme's premiere in 2007.

KCET KIDS & FAMILY CHANNEL

Starting January 1, 2011, KCET will launch KCET Kids & Family Channel (KCETFAM) dedicated to entertaining and educating kids, their families and caregivers. Again, for those of you who have had access to KCET Orange and KCET Desert Cities, the launch of KCET Kids & Family means a format change, as those previous channels will transition to Kids & Family.

KCET Kids & Family will focus entirely on lively, entertaining, educational and multilingual programs from well-known producers. These shows will cover a range of topics designed to positively impact the lives of children and families. Among the many themes to be featured include making healthy choices, learning sign language, fun ways to explore science, discovering creative approaches to problem solving, plus exploring personal growth and kid friendly financial lessons.

The television arm of Canada's Knightscove Media Corp., Knight-TV, will provide a three-hour block of programming, including My Hometown, starring Jay Baruchel of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. But other shows will include Big Green Rabbit, Signing Time, Wild Animal Baby Explorers, Ribert & Robert's Wonderful World, Anne of Green Gables, Zula Patrol, Wunderkind Little Amadeus, Wyland's Art Studio and Curiosity Quest. KCET Kids & Family Channel will carry Spanish-language content, including Los Niños en Su Casa, the informative series that helps caregivers raise healthy, happy children, and The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss (which will appear in both English and Spanish) from The Jim Henson Company.

MHz WORLDVIEW

MHz Worldview (known in the local Los Angeles market as KCETMHZ) is a national, independent, non-commercial channel presenting fresh, relevant English-language international content including news, documentaries, cultural programming, dramas, films and mysteries, music and sports.

Known for its 'Programming for globally-minded people,' MHz Worldview serves as a liaison in bringing programs and understanding from around the world to American audiences. With a belief in promoting and illuminating world awareness, MHz Worldview delivers a wide range of world dynamics, showing all the world has to offer, direct from the source, without political or commercial confines.

MHz Worldview content is drawn from prominent broadcasters such as: Al Jazeera English, AFL, Asian News International, Beijing TV, Deutsche Welle, euronews, FCI, France 24, Israel Broadcasting Authority, MAC TV, NHK World TV and RT, as well as local and independent producers, global content providers and original MHz Networks productions. To find out more visit mhznetworks.org.

VME

Vme, one of America's largest Spanish networks, entertains and informs with quality Spanish-language programming for the entire family, including primetime drama, music, sports, current affairs and Latin cinema, along with world-class kids, food, lifestyle and nature programs.

Vme is a 24/7 alternative to traditional Spanish-language television. Vme programs include original productions throughout the day including TuBebe and MiMascota, plus music and film review series Estudio Billboard and En Pantalla in primetime. Vme's exclusive miniseries line-up offering the best of international cinema will be broadcast as part of Estelares Vme, Monday through Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m.

Vme is the first and only Spanish-language public television programming service in the U.S. With Spanish TV's largest block of cooking, travel, home, health, parenting and more - Vme's daytime programming continues to fill the steady demand for entertaining and informative lifestyle formats. The 24-hour network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in over 10 million Hispanic homes. Vme is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, Vme Media Inc. To find out more visit VmeTV.com.