The Selling of KPBS

San Diego State University–run and taxpayer-subsidized public television and radio operation KPBS, troubled of late by severe money woes, is looking to hire yet another fundraiser, this one a hard-charging corporate rainmaker to sell advertising on its FM radio and TV stations. As we reported last month, the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which functions as the broadcaster’s financial arm, has already been seeking a “development assistant” to be paid $2505 to $2773 per month. That job was said to involve coordinating “[donor] cultivation event logistics and tours.”

Now KPBS is searching for an “Account Executive” in its “Corporate Development Department.” According to a job notice posted on the research foundation’s website, “Duties include securing financial commitments for Radio and Television Programs, KPBS.org website and various KPBS events in the form of underwriting/sponsorships from the business community, individuals, foundations, agencies and media buyers.” In return for their money, KPBS sponsors get “credits in our local, regional and national television and radio programming,” as well as website advertising.

The position requires lots of hustle, with tasks including “prospecting, initiating sales calls, sales appointments, presentations, proposals, and closing agreements.” Lest advertisers get behind in their bills, the account executive “is also responsible for the timely collection of payments due KPBS from their accounts.” On the creative side, the successful candidate will work “with their clients to produce underwriting credits or web ads.” The job will pay between $33,288 and $36,420 a year, plus an unspecified amount in commission, according to the notice, with applications due July 20.