Program Director

Pacifica Radio, WPFW-FM
Washington , DC

Application Deadline: Monday, Dec 31, 2018

Description

WPFW seeks a Program Director who is serious about innovative, high-quality, community-based programming to provide leadership and vision to growing station.

WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, D.C., was established in 1977 as a listener-supported, non-commercial radio station. It is one of five stations of the Pacifica Network. WPFW is a community radio station in the nation’s seventh-largest market, providing a distinctive media voice to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and beyond. The station has earned a reputation among its listeners as a trusted progressive voice in the African-American community and across the District, Maryland and Virginia’s (DMV) broadly diverse spectrum of political, cultural and social groups, interests, and popular movements.

Overview

The Program Director (PD) reports to the General Manager (GM) and works collaboratively with other members of the management team and the Local Station Board (LSB), and in concert with the Pacifica Network. The basic role of the PD is to produce and manage quality programming from a progressive perspective, i.e., a program schedule that is consistent with the station’s sound, promotes the Pacifica mission as well as that of the station, and serves the needs and interests of its various audiences as identified by the LSB. A PD at WPFW will have a passion for promoting the various movements and cultures of working people, especially those of the demographic groups and geographic areas included in the station’s listening area; and for combining such cultures and movements through programming.

The PD provides direct supervision to over 100 volunteer programmers and producers. The PD is expected to increase the membership of the station through good management skills and decision-making. The PD will participate in weekly management team meetings.

The PD must be aware of the public’s interest in order to create programming that expands WPFW’s visibility in the community and increases our membership base.

Duties and Responsibilities

WPFW seeks a PD to provide leadership and vision, who is serious about innovative, high-quality, community-based programming

  1. Works collaboratively with the LSB and its Programming Committee, as well as the Community Advisory Board (CAB) and under the direction of the GM, to ensure that station programming is responsive to the diverse needs of listeners and communities served by the station and otherwise meets the objectives of Pacifica’s and WPFW’s joint mission.
  1. Ensures that station programming is responsive to the diverse needs of listeners and communities served by the station and otherwise meets the objectives of Pacifica’s and WPFW’s joint mission.
  1. Works collaboratively with the LSB and its Programming Committee, as well as the CAB, and under the direction of the GM, to develop and implement fair, collaborative and respectful systems for evaluating existing and new programs.
  1. Stays up to date on audience research protocols and audience-building strategies.
  1. Reviews and approves program proposals.
  1. Coordinates programming with Pacifica National and other Pacifica stations and affiliates where appropriate.
  1. Supervises work of News, Public Affairs and Cultural Affairs departments and prepare periodic and annual job performance evaluations of department heads.
  1. Facilitates coaching and training of programmers, volunteers and interns/trainees.
  1. Together with GM, ensures program content complies with all necessary Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and Pacifica rules and regulations.
  1. Maintains publication of programming schedules on the station’s web sites and in other appropriate venues and media.
  1. As part of the management team:
    1. Works closely with development personnel and the GM in the development of strategies and plans for on-air fundraising, in collaboration with staff to position WPFW program services for philanthropic support.
    2. Oversees special production projects including remote and on-location recording activity.
    3. Participates in budget preparation for programming area and the station overall.
    4. Represents the station at various public forums.
    5. Participates in the evaluation and approval of all premiums offered by the station.
    6. Meets with donors as needed.
  1. Provides a monthly programming report to the GM, LSB and CAB and, attends meetings when requested.
  1. Participates in investigating and resolving staff and volunteer grievances as needed, in conjunction with the union when appropriate.
  1. Works to achieve compromise among sharply differing points of view and to motivate employees and volunteers.
  1. Other assignments as required.

Requirements/Qualifications

Have an informed interest in local, national and international news and public affairs from the point of view of the working class and the victims of racism, white supremacy and all forms of discrimination.

Have a thorough knowledge and appreciation for jazz and the music and cultural heritage of communities served by the station; and have an interest in, and the ability to combine both music, news and public affairs.

  1. Demonstrates commitment to the Pacifica and WPFW Missions.
  1. Three to five years of media management experience, preferably in public broadcasting or related media.
  1. BS/BA degree preferably in public broadcasting and management, or commensurate experience in a related field.
  1. Be able to work a flexible schedule and be relied upon to respond in case of station emergency.
  1. Have substantial and up-to-date knowledge/experience of radio and media research tools, and developing and/or utilizing new and emerging media platforms.
  1. Experience with remote and location production and recording activity.
  1. Strong computer skills.
  1. Exceptional organizational skills.
  1. Must have exceptional knowledge of social media platforms.

SALARY:

This is a full-time, exempt and non-union position. Salary to be negotiated. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, disability; vacations and sick days (upon completion of introductory status).

TO APPLY: Email resume, letter of interest and salary requirements to: MAScttee@gmail.com

DEADLINE: Open until filled. Pacifica/WPFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or nationality. Principals only – no agents please.

For additional information about this position, please contact: