WCTE PBS is committed to serving as a trusted source of education, information, and inspiration for the people of the Upper Cumberland and Central Tennessee. Guided by the principles of public service and community connection, we provide high-quality programming, lifelong learning opportunities, and meaningful engagement that enriches lives and strengthens our region. WCTE PBS is here to leverage the power of public media to expand access, foster civic understanding, and build a stronger, more informed community. 

Open Position: Director of Development 

WCTE PBS is seeking a mission-driven and seasoned development professional to serve on the leadership team as its next Director of Development. Based in Cookeville, TN and reporting to the President & CEO, this strategic leader will oversee all facets of fundraising across the Development Department, including membership, corporate support, and WCTE PBS’s signature fundraising events. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a proven track record in nonprofit development who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to make an immediate and lasting impact. The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with WCTE PBS’s mission and revenue goals, while leading efforts to grow annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and community engagement. This role will oversee all membership and individual giving initiatives, strengthen donor relationships through personalized engagement, and collaborate with marketing and programming teams to enhance on-air and digital campaigns. In addition, the Director will cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate partners and sponsors; develop sponsorship packages and deliverables; and manage all aspects of corporate contracts and fulfillment. The position also oversees the planning and execution of major fundraising events—including Blues and Brews, the Great TV Auction, the Haunted Half, and the newest event, Let’s Dance—while identifying future opportunities to expand visibility and revenue. The Director will manage event budgets and timelines, engage volunteers and committees, supervise development staff, and work collaboratively across departments to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated donor outreach. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports and presentations for the CEO, board committees, and other stakeholders.

Candidates should have at least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success across individual, corporate, and event fundraising. The position requires strong organizational and project management abilities; exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills; and experience working with CRM or donor management systems. Applicants should be able to set and achieve ambitious goals, manage multiple priorities, and operate with initiative, integrity, and professionalism. A passion for public media and community service is essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in public media or broadcast fundraising, familiarity with Middle Tennessee’s communities and philanthropic networks, and experience managing or mentoring a small team.

WCTE PBS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plan options, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and references to Avery Hutchins at ahutchins@wcte.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. WCTE is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability, in accordance with federal law and FCC EEO requirements.

Open Position: Event Coordinator 

WCTE PBS, Central Tennessee’s public television station dedicated to educating, engaging, and enriching the communities we serve, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Event Coordinator to join our team in Cookeville, TN. This full-time role is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and growth of WCTE PBS’s annual fundraising events, including Blues & Brews, The Great TV Auction, the Haunted Half Marathon, and additional initiatives throughout the year. The ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter with a proven track record in event coordination, sponsorship acquisition, relationship-building, and project management. This position requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys seeing their efforts translate into meaningful community impact, and is willing to roll up their sleeves to get the job done.

The Event Coordinator will plan and execute events from concept to completion; secure, solicit, and close sponsorships; manage event budgets and financial goals; coordinate logistics, vendors, volunteers, marketing, and operations; and develop creative strategies to grow participation and revenue. The role also involves working collaboratively across departments to ensure cohesive branding, maintaining strong relationships with sponsors and partners, providing post-event analysis and reporting, and representing WCTE PBS at community and networking events.

Candidates should have at least three years of experience in event planning, fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related field, along with demonstrated success in sponsorship solicitation and revenue generation. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are essential, as is the ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage multiple events simultaneously. The position requires flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to lift or move event materials as needed. Successful candidates will be mission-driven, energetic, creative, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working both behind the scenes and as a public-facing representative of WCTE PBS.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Avery Hutchins at ahutchins@wcte.org. WCTE PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fair and consistent hiring practices in accordance with federal law and FCC EEO requirements.