Chief Operating Officer
KUOW
Seattle
,
WA
Application Deadline: Thursday, Sep 08, 2022
Description
ABOUT KUOW
KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts, and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public.
KUOW seeks an experienced leader to take over day-to-day operational oversight of this $22M, 126-employee not-for-profit multimedia enterprise. KUOW is a Seattle-based member of the NPR Network and an award-winning news organization that distributes content via radio broadcasting, streaming, on-demand (podcasts), live events and via kuow.org. Reporting to the President and General Manager (CEO) of KUOW, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) interacts with all functions of the organization and directly manages and oversees Finance, Administration, Engineering, Operations, Information Technology and HR/Workforce Development units.
As a partner to the CEO and a member of the C-Suite (Chief Content Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Digital Officer) the COO will communicate, implement, and support the strategies created by the President & General Manager, other senior executives, and the Puget Sound Public Radio (PSPR) Board. The COO will lead projects as may arise that address specific opportunities and/or immediate problems or needs. The COO also shares and assists in certain responsibilities with the President/GM relating to the areas of board relations, business strategy, and interfacing with FCC license holder the University of Washington. As a key member of the KUOW executive team, the COO serves as second in command to the President/GM.
KUOW’s work is about truth. We aim to draw a broad community into serious journalism, and we work every day in service of our mission to create and serve a more informed public that is essential to a thriving community, a vibrant democracy, and a better future. KUOW and the University of Washington are equal opportunity employers. KUOW is dedicated to building a culturally and ethnically diverse staff and creating a working environment that promotes racial equity and inclusiveness. KUOW believes attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission. Women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, LBGTQ+ and veterans are highly encouraged to apply.
Reporting to the President and General Manager (President/GM), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as chief facilitator of strategy implementation while advancing the President/GM’s agenda, goals, and commitments. The COO will have responsibility for the organization’s resources (people, places, and assets) with direct oversight of the following units and functions: Finance, Administration, Engineering, Operations, Information Technology and HR/Workforce Development. The COO will oversee critical operations at KUOW and support the expansion and diversification of new audiences, as well as financial stability, during a dynamic and changing media environment. The COO also shares and assists in certain responsibilities with the President/GM relating to the areas of board committee relations, business strategy, and interfacing with the University of Washington. As a key member of the KUOW executive team, the COO serves as second in command to the President/GM.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
• In concert with executive leadership, management, and team members – develop and execute tactical plans aligned with strategic objectives, KPIs, budgets, setting and communicating clear deadlines. Ensure key execution targets are met, and lead teams to develop sophisticated solutions to challenges along the way.
• Work collaboratively across departments and among team members to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual goals.
• Contribute to and inspire a culture of embracing diversity, operational excellence, team member creativity and innovation.
• Strategize with senior leaders to translate data in a meaningful way and to drive future organizational decisions.
• In concert with the executive leadership team- Identify, evaluate, and pursue appropriate broadcast, online and other public media partnerships and opportunities that are consistent with the strategic direction and goals of the organization.
• Uphold policies that promote KUOW’s commitment to building a culturally diverse staff and creating a working environment that promotes racial equity and inclusiveness.
• Lead and empower cross-divisional teams for organization-wide projects and effectively promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values leadership, collaboration, learning, truing relationships, and a commitment to quality.
• Be an engaged ambassador of KUOW/Puget Sound Public Radio and build strong relationships at all levels, internally and externally.
Management
• Provide oversight of day-to-day operations and the organizational policies of KUOW, including information technology, building systems and facilities, financial operation, legal, business intelligence, human resource functions, business systems, and compliance.
• Work in partnership with President/GM, Director of Finance, and senior leaders to create annual budget and revenue plans to ensure long-term financial viability for KUOW.
• Develop and administer policies, programs and pathways for workforce development, recruitment, and retention. Manage HR professionals who handle the attraction and training of KUOW staff so they can do their best work while resolving personnel issues as they arise.
• Manage financial and organizational resources to their highest and best use, maximizing the return on team members’ time and value, and the organization’s financial and operational resources.
• Ensure communication and information flows to necessary stakeholders inside and outside the organization.
• Manage legal obligations and issues (including FCC matters). Contract with legal counsel as needed.
• Serve as primary backup for President/GM functions when they are not available.
• Undertakes special projects, reports and duties as needed.
Engagement
• Attend and engage in PSPR Board of Directors and Committee meetings, donor and station functions, and community events as a leader representing KUOW.
• Engages in various industry meetings, actively representing KUOW and providing leadership to various initiatives as appropriate.
• Participate in fundraising activities as required including pledge drives, grants, and major donor stewardship.
• Make presentations stating the case for support, engagement, or objectives of KUOW, articulating the strategy of the organization to various constituencies.
• Be a trusted counsel in a chief of staff role, and act as a confidential advisor to the President/GM on matters of business policy and execution, as required.
SUPERVISION
Received:
• Position reports to President & General Manager and has a supporting role to the PSPR board and licensee. The COO is a key member of the executive leadership team including the President & General Manager, Chief Content Officer, and the Chief Marketing Officer.
Exercised:
• Director of Finance & Administration
• Director of Operations
• Director of Administrative Operations and Culture
• IT Systems Manager
• In-House HR Support (in exploration)
Required qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience managing general administrative, finance, technical and operating functions within or associated with public broadcasting, nonprofit administration, news and public affairs reporting, governmental agency administration, and/or corporate social responsibility leadership.
• Experience in developing and administrating non-profit budgets and revenue plans.
• Understanding of public service and business opportunities for emerging distribution platforms.
• Keen strategic skills and the ability to apply multi-dimensional strategic thinking to KUOW.
• Experience overseeing technical and operational teams.
• Knowledge and experience working with developing and administering non-profit budgets.
• Experience working effectively with a board of directors.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Preferred qualifications:
• Prior COO, or Senior Manager experience in public broadcasting, telecommunications, or another media service industry.
• Knowledge and experience of rapidly changing media technology and audience needs.
• Knowledge and experience with FCC regulations and CPB and other compliance requirements.
• Extensive knowledge about the traditional and digital media landscape, including well thought-out positions on trends and opportunities.
• Experience working effectively with a board of directors.
• Experience in working with university or state agency.
• Comfortable in making six and seven figure donor asks.
• Experience and knowledge of the Puget Sound area and how it relates to the greater region.
• Broad understanding of public media internal and external relationships and players.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND RACIAL EQUITY
KUOW and the University of Washington are equal opportunity employers. KUOW is dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff and creating a working environment that promotes racial equity and inclusiveness. We believe attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and veterans are highly encouraged to apply.