EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER

Job Summary

As the leader of the most listened-to public radio station in Michigan, you will be a visionary for the future of the station, working with a talented team of individuals in programming, operations, marketing, news and fundraising.  This role will primarily focus on (1) moving the strategic direction of the station forward (2) leading a strong, collaborative team and (3) ensuring efficient and effective operations and sustained funding models.  For more information, please visit https://www.michiganradio.org/

You will report directly to the Vice President for Communications.  For inquiries about this role, contact talent.acquisition@umich.edu

Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire a strong, talented team of 60+ creative individuals ranging from on-air staff, content creators, fundraisers, news, marketing and digital, operations, managers and technical staff
• Align the vision and daily operations to future needs of our community, members, funders with a focused intent on the value of public radio; develop and communicate goals; take healthy risks
• Communicate regularly and in a transparent manner with all staff; provide for an environment that is collaborative, high functioning and where the team feels valued and recognized
• Create the infrastructure and investment components needed (funding, operations, strategy, resources) to create important content, be innovative, capture new audiences and tell authentic stories about our community
• Use your project management skills to align workflow to deliverables while ensuring accountability; infuse this approach through the organization; prioritize goals and initiatives
• Build relationships with prospective donors (individual, foundation, corporate, grants) to match to programming needs
• Collaborate with and maintain connections with National Public Radio for industry knowledge, resources, opportunities and tools
• Manage financial resources to effectively support the implementation of the strategic plan and set the station up for a strong future
• Understand the landscape of the workforce and plan for professional development needs including succession planning
• Work with the marketing team to develop and execute upon digital, social media and other marketing methods to expand station reach and build diverse audiences
• Build and support a continuous improvement culture across the organization including the use of data and reports to make business decisions
• Use your knowledge of the public radio and/or non-profit industries to help us effectively plan for the future and expand beyond the traditional ways of operating and raising money
• Navigate the complexity of the firewall between the station and our license holder as well as ethical considerations that naturally arise in journalism
• Lead the team through myriad work modalities effectively while supporting a strong work life balance, positive work culture and a multi-generational workforce
• Represent the station in an engaging, compelling manner with stakeholders and funders
• Review and Interpret Federal Communication Commission regulations, government legislation, and University policies to develop consistent operating policies and maintain legal status of station functions
• Strive for truth and accuracy in all aspects of work

Attributes that are important to us:

• Innovative, forward thinking and creative
• Building strong relationships
• Active listener
• Risk taker
• Mission and values driven
• Transparency
• Navigate complexities
• Advocate for and investing in staff
• Goal oriented
• Accessible
• Fact based
• Adaptable and flexible

Requirements:

• 10+ years of leadership and management experience with a focus on positive organizational development approaches and supporting staff
• Applied experience in the operations of a public radio broadcasting station including financial resource management, technology, programming, marketing and fundraising
• Previous experience leading the development of a strategic plan and bringing that plan through to implementation
• Knowledge of and applied use of project management skills
• Fundraising experience within a non-profit including a proven track record of securing major gifts
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion including how the work of public radio aligns with these ideals
• Knowledge of the trends within the public radio industry
• Interest, understanding of and passion for the mission of public radio and the landscape within Michigan
• High emotional intelligence with an understanding of how to effectively lead creative individuals
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Office of the Vice President for Communications wants to employ a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the University and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important for the hiring team to get a sense of your skills and interest in the role.  Please submit both as one attachment (due to system limitations).

Salary range: $185,000 - $210,000

 

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.