The Director of Radio Programming will help lead KQED’s audio evolution, managing the overall tone of the broadcast station, creating a coherent and engaging experience for the audience, and shaping the future sound of public radio.

They will ensure that KQED programming on broadcast and live streaming platforms serve Bay Area communities, reflect diversity, and highlight our status as a local producing station as evidenced by audience reach and membership. They will understand and be responsive to breaking news events and work with the programming and news teams to build workflows to better cover and carry critical community service news programming. They will work to find better ways to communicate to our audience our obligations and belief in serving as a public utility and community service for the many different communities in the Bay Area. And they will manage staff to provide 24/7 continuous on-air programming and coverage.

This position is responsible for serving the San Francisco Bay Area community with the highest quality local and national broadcast and live online programming that is timely, relevant and essential.  KQED is currently number one in the market.

 

General Responsibilities:

Supervises program acquisition, program scheduling, the 24/7 master control broadcast staff, tracking and analysis of audience reach and trends, identifying potential content partnerships, and collaboration across the organization. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Works with the Executive Editor to create and implement programming strategies and acquire national, regional and independently produced radio programs that support KQED’s strategic plan for audience engagement, content priorities, and sustainability.
• Supervises the 24/7 on air broadcast master control staff.
• Evaluates the reach and success of KQED broadcast services by monitoring and interpreting audience research and metrics, tracking audience feedback, and making changes to program schedules in order to align programming strategies with changes in audience needs and usage trends.
• Looks for opportunities to enhance KQED broadcast schedules with special live coverage, events or specials to bring timely information and diverse perspectives.
• Explores strategies and tactics for engaging the audience via radio broadcast interstitials, social media and other audience engagement tools. 
• Seeks, develops and evaluates new programming or original production ideas, engaging relevant content managers to ensure that new projects serve KQED goals. 
• Works collaboratively with the Senior Content team to support multi-platform initiatives and promotional strategies that impact audience, serve the KQED community and grow revenue.
• Works closely with Marketing and Development to maximize revenue opportunities on KQED Public Radio and supports fundraising as needed. 
• Works with the Executive Editor to identify industry trends, programming strategies and distribution channel metrics.
• Serves as the point of contact for national radio distributors such as NPR, American Public Media, PRI, PRX and the local producing community.
• Ensures KQED Radio broadcast channels operate in compliance with the KQED-SAG AFTRA agreement, NABET agreement and all relevant FCC rules and guidelines.
• Oversees and operates broadcasting systems such as Content Depot, Wide Orbit, WAVSTAR, Marketron, etc.
• Oversees emergency response systems, including EAS.
• Reviews and approves KQED Public Radio underwriting credit language and schedules underwriting credits.
• The position supervises nearly a dozen direct reports, including the 10 person Announcer/Operator team of regular and on-call staff, and an Assistant Manager, Programming and Traffic.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge/Experience Required:

• 3-5 years of experience as a newsroom leader.
• Proven successful track record in understanding and working on news and information radio formats.
• Knowledge of traffic systems such as Content Depot, Wide Orbit, WAVSTAR, Marketron, etc.
• Experience with EAS and FCC 
• Proven track record in managing a team, setting goals, planning project budgets and transforming ideas into successful projects.
• Deep understanding of editorial principles and journalism ethics.
• Experience in news and public affairs production on a regional and/or national level.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within and across divisions.
• Ability to sit frequently for three to six hours, as well as to walk, stand up to three hours.  Ability to lift and carry a maximum of 25 pounds.

Knowledge/Experience Desired:

1. Knowledge of Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other non-English language spoken by communities in the Bay Area
2. Successful background in implementing fundraising initiatives, especially pledge drives including innovative interstitial programming.
3. Experience in audio production and operations.
4. Experience with digital production and digital audience growth.

 

Let us tell you more about our benefits:

Whether you’re single, married, have children, are in a domestic partnership or anything in between, we have you covered. Employees at KQED enjoy a family-friendly workplace offering 20 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, family medical leave benefits, comprehensive health/vision/dental and commuter benefits as well as a 403(b) plan. KQED encourages diversity, openness and offers training to support personal and professional development. In addition, we are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, wellness programs as well as free KQED membership.

The mission that drives us:

KQED is for everyone who wants to be more.    

Our television, radio, digital media, and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media.    

We provide people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public services.

https://kqed.applytojob.com/apply/0eHH9Sf2a4/FullTime-Director-Radio-Programming?source=saja