Executive Director
WICN Public Radio, Inc.
Worcester
,
MA
Application Deadline: Tuesday, Feb 28, 2017
Description
NPR-affiliate, WICN Public Radio, Inc., located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is seeking a full-time Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this individual will be responsible for all aspects of leading this non-profit organization including revenue generation and development, community relations, paid staff and volunteer management, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.
Located in Worcester’s Theatre District, WICN’s studios, offices, and performance center are part of the city’s vibrant entertainment and cultural environment drawing residents, business, and visitors to downtown Worcester. WICN is a 47-year old public radio station with a small paid staff, many volunteers, and an operating budget of roughly $400,000. WICN provides 24 hours of predominately jazz programming, with a mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, soul, rock, R&B, and public affairs programs that serves a loyal listener base. The station serves a broadcast area that encompasses approximately 600,000 people and is streamed live around the world. The station serves as a “voice of the arts” in the Worcester and Central MA area and is highly regarded for its locally hosted programs and live performances.
This position is an opportunity for a strong, creative, and entrepreneurial leader who can build winning relationships with community leaders and funders, and can work effectively with a motivated team of staff and volunteers in a “hands on” approach within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership – The Executive Director must possess the passion and confidence, along with demonstrated entrepreneurial ability, to advance WICN’s mission and grow the organization. The successful candidate will be an inspirational leader, outstanding team builder, and dynamic “face of WICN” with all constituencies. The Executive Director will be responsible for working with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s long-range strategic plan, as well as develop and manage a comprehensive annual operating plan encompassing all aspects of station management.
Development/Fundraising – The Executive Director will have primary responsibility for building fundraising and development efforts. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success soliciting funding from individuals, business/corporate resources, and foundations. The Executive Director will have primary responsibility for soliciting business and corporate funding, including underwriting, maintaining and expanding funding from both public and private grant sources, and securing financial contributions from major donors. In addition, the Executive Director will provide oversight of membership activities.
Community Relations – The Executive Director will be responsible for developing strong relationships and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in WICN’s communities. As the public face of WICN, the successful candidate will have experience functioning as a dynamic spokesperson at business and community events. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing WICN’s presence in the media as a “voice for the arts” and is expected to be active in the local arts and nonprofit community. She/he will work closely with the Board to maintain and grow key relationships with foundations, partners, and community resources.
Management – The Executive Director must have strong management and interpersonal skills and will be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations including operating budget, human resources, legal (including FCC and CPB) regulations, licensing requirements, state and federal reporting requirements, and technical operations. The successful candidate will have strong skills in planning, organizing, oversight, supervision, and communication with multiple constituencies.
Cultivation of strong volunteer commitment and development of successful working relationships is required.
Business Acumen – The Executive Director must possess strong financial management and budgeting skills. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success managing within the nonprofit industry or hands-on management of a small-medium size entrepreneurial company.
Programming – The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of the station’s programming, including live and purchased on-air content, streaming media, concerts, and community programs. The successful candidate may have experience with programming activities in media or cultural organizations and, at a minimum, demonstrate the ability to develop this expertise within 6-9 months. The Executive Director will also be responsible for planning and implementing new technologies and media delivery platforms to build listener loyalty and support. An appreciation of music is required; experience in public radio or other media programming is a plus.
If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Sheila Carroll, Vice President
Board of Directors
WICN Public Radio, Inc.
50 Portland Street
Worcester, MA 01608
or by email to: sheila@wicn.org.
WICN is an equal opportunity employer.