After 37 years of FM broadcasting, Carbondale Community Access Radio is seeking its first Executive Director. Leading this unique, fun, and beloved independent media institution is a big responsibility and an exciting opportunity.
Job Overview: The Executive Director acts as general manager at KDNK, leads the staff, leads income generation and budget management, and bears ultimate responsibility for station operations. The ED develops strategy with and reports to the Board of Directors.
KDNK’s Mission: “KDNK is public access radio that connects community members to one another and the world.” KDNK’s public access mission means that the station strives to serve, reflect, and belong to our communities. We believe strongly in our community-centered approach and are looking for a dynamic leader who will protect our mission while expanding our positive impact and adapting to change.
About KDNK: KDNK-FM (licensed as Carbondale Community Access Radio) broadcasts from our welcoming and well-equipped studio in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District. Carbondale is a fun, artistic, multi-cultural and deeply involved community in a connected valley that offers a high quality of life. We reach over 100,000 people via nine signals in a rugged and beautiful listening area that stretches from Aspen to Parachute, plus Redstone, Gypsum, and Leadville. KDNK streams worldwide via kdnk.org.
Over 100 volunteer DJs and hosts of all stripes independently program the majority of our schedule. KDNK's partner organization, the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, builds skills, passion, and self-confidence by creating an on-air presence for our youth through six hours of weekly programming. KDNK carries NPR, Democracy Now, and other syndicated news programs, Colorado Capitol Coverage through a partnership with other mountain community radio stations, and syndicated music shows, like E-Town.
Dedicated staff create award-winning news and public affairs programs, curate an extensive music library, help raise funds, and support the creation of excellent volunteer programming. Our staff includes a news and program director, a development director, a music director, a membership & volunteer coordinator, a full-time news reporter, two part-time reporters, and a beloved Morning Edition host. We have professional contractor support for our broadcast equipment, FCC compliance, computer networking, bookkeeping, auditing, and streaming.
More than 1200 members, underwriters, and volunteers are the lifeblood of KDNK, supporting with contributions of time and funding. KDNK also generates income through grants, events, and fundraising initiatives. Building a strong relationship with a large and diverse community will be a key to success for the Executive Director.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
1. Leadership and Management
• Responsible for hiring, firing and disciplining personnel, and determining compensation within the budgetary and staffing objectives established by the Board of Directors
• Work with board and staff to identify strategic goals and annual work plans to accomplish them
• Demonstrate excellent organization, management and communication skills
• Supervise and lead staff, including annual reviews, job descriptions, and conflict resolution
• Implement board policy as directed
• Cultivate a healthy, professional environment among staff, board, and volunteer programmers
2. Administration, Finance, and Risk Management
• Work with Development Director to lead fundraising efforts, including bi-annual membership drives, annual fundraising events, grant writing and donor relations
• Manage budget and cash flow and with Board Treasurer and Bookkeeper to insure that financial reports to the Board are accurate, timely and forward-thinking
• Protect and maintain station real estate and physical improvements
• Responsible for adherence to all laws governing station management, including FCC and IRS regulations
• Responsible for insurance policies and risk-management
• Maintain necessary licenses and permits from any and all governmental agencies
3. Community
• Act as the ‘face’ of the station. Liaison with local officials, partner organizations, grantors, major donors, members, and the community at large
• Build community cohesion among station volunteers, members, and listeners
• Work with the Membership & Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, inspire, and support our volunteer core
• Promote station ideals: localism, community service, resilience, cooperation among local nonprofits, inclusion, and programming diversity
• Oversee public-relations and marketing efforts on-air and via email newsletter, website, advertisements, and social media
4. Programming
• With the Music Director and News & Program Director, protect and oversee maintenance of station facilities, streaming, hardware (including transmitter and translators), software, music inventory, digital programming, audio equipment, and all other station assets
• With the Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, Music Director, and News & Program Director, oversee and foster the maintenance of professional-quality volunteer programming which meets the needs of the community, including digital content
• With News & Program Director and Music Director, manage and ensure compliance with FCC, CPB and other regulations, including copyright and royalty laws
• With programming staff, engage Community Advisory Board in their advisory role reviewing whether programming and policies meet community needs
Qualifications:
This position requires management of professional staff and volunteers, financial acuity, comfort in fundraising and community outreach, and a commitment to public broadcasting. Applicants should describe management-level abilities in each of these four areas and provide examples. Please list your competencies with digital tools (business programs, radio production, digital content, etc). Previous professional experience in nonprofit media is preferred. Applicants with successful nonprofit management experience encouraged to apply.
Compensation:
Competitive salary (starting at $60,000 DOE), wellness stipend, dental insurance, and paid vacation.
How to Apply:
Email board@kdnk.org with a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Carbondale Community Access Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibits harassment, and is committed to inclusion. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family responsibility, disability status, protected veteran status, or religion. No phone calls please.