Radio Network Director

Job Description

Nebraska Public Radio, the leading source of news, classical music, arts and humanities content for the state of Nebraska, seeks a Radio Network Director who will assume the day-to-day supervision of all broadcast and digital activities for the station.
The Radio Network Director reports to the Chief Content Officer of Nebraska Public Media and oversees the programming, operations, content creation, and on-air fundraising for Nebraska Public Radio. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations while advancing strategic initiatives and works cooperatively with the News Director who leads the journalism division. The Radio Director will lead staff development and supervision, coordinate budget planning, and manage resources to sustain a high-quality broadcast and digital service.

This position calls for a dynamic and seasoned professional who understands public media’s crucial role in society, and who can effectively collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders and lead a dedicated team towards achieving the station’s ambitious goals.

About Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska Public Media stands as a cornerstone of public broadcasting and digital media in the state, delivering high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains. Nebraska Public Radio serves as a vital resource, offering programming that reflects the diversity, history, and interests of Nebraskans. With a commitment to public service, the network engages with local communities through insightful news coverage, cultural programming, and digital initiatives that extend its reach beyond traditional broadcasting.

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska Public Media is situated in a vibrant and growing community. Lincoln, home to the University of Nebraska, offers a dynamic mix of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, featuring theaters, galleries, live music venues, and a diverse culinary landscape that includes farm-to-table dining and local breweries. Known for its extensive trail systems and parks, Lincoln is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, Lincoln combines the charm of small-town living—affordable housing and a close-knit community—with the amenities of a larger city, including excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and cultural events. It is a place where quality of life and opportunity meet, making it an attractive location to live and work.

Position Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to create engaging content for both digital and broadcast audiences, aimed at attracting new listeners and strengthening connections with existing audiences.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to drive new content initiatives and enhance service across platforms.
• Lead short- and long-term planning efforts for technical and content production priorities.
• Prepare and manage the Radio Network's budget, ensuring financial oversight and sustainability.
• Create programming schedules that leverage national and local content to maximize audience retention across multiple distribution channels.
• Ensure the Radio Network complies with state and federal regulations by preparing necessary reports and maintaining adherence to FCC and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission standards.
• Collaborate with agency personnel to maintain and upgrade equipment as necessary.
• Develop and implement policies and guidelines for network programming in line with broadcasting regulations.
• Supervise professional-level staff responsible for the day-to-day operations of the statewide Radio Network.
• Lead on-air fundraising efforts in partnership with the station's development team.
• Analyze audience data to evaluate content effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Job Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of public radio at local, state, and national levels, including programming and membership standards.
• Strong understanding of FCC regulations and state/federal standards relevant to public broadcasting.
• Familiarity with grant sources and public radio funding requirements.
• Expertise in programming, underwriting, membership drives, and special project fundraising.
• Ability to develop and implement policies that ensure compliance with broadcasting standards.
• Capacity to create digital content and leverage multiple platforms to meet diverse audience needs.
• Proven ability to develop long- and short-term plans, evaluate technical equipment needs, and manage operations effectively.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional media experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven experience in broadcast or digital audio production.
• Demonstrated budgeting experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in a non-commercial radio station.
• Experience as a radio content producer.
• Expertise in digital content production.
• Experience in social media strategy.
• On-air experience and familiarity with broadcast programming and scheduling.
• Experience in coaching on-air hosts and leading fundraising efforts during broadcasts.

How to Apply

Livingston Associates is assisting Nebraska Public Media in this search. To apply submit your resume and a letter of introduction including your vision for the future of the station and public media and how you will be the ideal person to lead us in achieving that vision. These documents should be uploaded when you apply.

Application date for full consideration: January 12th

Inquiries are welcome with Livingston Associates at (410) 243-1974.

It is the policy of Nebraska Public Media to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons; to prohibit discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, veteran’s status, or disability.

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