Broadcast Operations Manager

Hiring Department

KWMU FM Radio

Job Description

St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR), seeks an experienced broadcast professional and people leader to serve as the station’s Broadcast Operations Manager. In this role, you’ll lead the broadcast unit operationally and manage its roster of talented announcers and hosts. We’re looking for someone who has deep knowledge of radio broadcast systems and depth of experience behind the mic, and who places high values on collaboration, feedback and communication in all aspects of their work.

The broadcast operations manager for STLPR will be responsible for the sound quality and execution of broadcast content to offer exceptional listening experiences to our audience. They will contribute to the station’s legacy of providing award-winning news, entertainment and community for more than fifty years by avidly listening to our on-air product, training and supporting full and part-time staff and exhibiting extensive knowledge of studio recording, engineering, live broadcasting and board operation.

Admittedly, the broadcast operations job is a big one, and it’s best suited for someone who is passionate about the role of broadcasting in the public media industry; someone who wants to make a meaningful impact on how STLPR sounds and who is curious about changing trends in radio and welcomes the opportunity to lead our station in that space.

Key Responsibilities:

BROADCAST OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION

• Ensure timely delivery of audio elements and program information for broadcast on STLPR’s radio signals and HD channels; working with traffic coordinator on set-up and quality control of electronic schedules using AudioVault for successful execution during live hosted and automated hours;
• With the STLPR programming committee, regularly review and program the local break content of automated hours to optimize the listening experience and content flow;
• Develop ideas for improvement and customization of content messaging, promotion and execution; work with peer leaders to ensure these elements meet the high standards of STLPR’s broadcast excellence;
• Partner with the programming committee and station leaders to provide input on performance by routinely listening to the station and other broadcast platforms, researching and identifying best practices and reviewing log templates for consistency and effectiveness;
• Manage and participate in an on-call rotation for broadcasting issues during off-hours;
• Provide back-up to the reviewer and approver of corporate sponsorship copy, abiding by FCC regulations and STLPR standards and best practices;
• Track ratings and listenership using reports from Nielson and Radio Research Consortium;
• Coordinate and file required usage reports to music licensing organizations (BMI, ASCAP, RIAA) and assist in uploading required reports to the FCC.

LEADERSHIP

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of broadcast operations, including direct supervision of all on-air broadcast staff and the traffic coordinator and serving as one of two staff who provide backup in the traffic coordinator’s absence, and helping train any other staff who might provide traffic backup;
• Directly supervise, support and encourage training opportunities for all full and part-time announcers/hosts and provide regular feedback, coaching and aircheck sessions;
• In conjunction with the CEO and programming committee, review and negotiate programming contracts, inform director of business administration of changes and forward approved contracts for processing;
• Serve as a back-up announcer for various dayparts, including drive-time news magazines;
• Schedule and fill all on-air shifts.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Shift

40 hours per week, with some on-call availability

Salary

Pay commensurate with education and experience.
Hiring Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annual
Grade: GGS-011
University Title: Media Production Director III

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three years professional broadcast experience, preferably in public broadcasting.
• Leadership experience preferred; enthusiasm for being trained and developed in leadership and supervision of staff required if lacking traditional leadership experience.
• A confident and conversational delivery for effective, engaging on-air shifts and to demonstrate delivery to other on-air staff.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional production skills.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of AudioVault, Adobe Audition, traffic systems and other audio editing systems.
• Availability for on-call responsibilities outside of regular business hours.
  

Application Materials

Include with your application a cover letter that describes your interest in the job and how you might use this position to advance the mission of STLPR, which is “to inform and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures for a more inspired and engaged public.” Please also include with application materials a link to an audio sample or samples (maximum of 3). For more information, email Jess Luther at jluther@stlpr.org.

Benefit Eligibility

The University of Missouri - St. Louis offers benefit-eligible employees a wide variety of benefits including: health, dental and vision coverage effective on the first day of employment, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents and employee and dependent life insurance. For more information about our benefits, please visit:

https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the UM Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the UM Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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