Director of Broadcasting

Youngstown State University•Youngstown, OH

23h•Onsite

About The Position

WYSU-FM, a premier public radio station and vital community institution, seeks a visionary, strategic, and innovative leader. This pivotal role champions the station's operational excellence, financial sustainability, and regional impact. Oversees all facets of station operations, including programming, engineering, underwriting, fundraising, marketing, and compliance, while fostering a collaborative environment for professional staff and student broadcasters. Balances a rich tradition of National Public Radio (NPR) news and classical music with emerging digital media landscapes, serves as the primary face and voice of WYSU-FM within the university, across the community, and on the national public broadcasting stage. Oversees operations as applicable to the assigned area, including supervision of staff and implementation and administration of all programs and/or services. Plans, develops, and implements organizational initiatives with significant operational scope and complexity. Works under general direction and develops guidelines and processes in accordance with policies and procedures for lower-level employees. Interprets and develops regulations, policies, etc. for the guidance of other employees or the public. Supervision from above the director-level may be received in the form of memos, staff conferences, or other periodic communications.

Requirements

At least a bachelor's degree in communication, media, journalism, business administration, or another related field.
At least three years of professional experience in broadcasting, media, communications, or another related industry.
At least three years of demonstrated management or leadership experience in a media, communications, or another related organizational setting.
Knowledge of FCC broadcasting rules, public file maintenance, and federal EEO compliance.
Knowledge of public radio fundraising principles, corporate underwriting, and audience engagement strategies.
Knowledge of strategic planning process, policy administration, process improvement, and supervisory techniques.
Knowledge of university policies and procedures, office practices and procedures, department/division goals and objectives, department/division policies and procedures, workplace safety practices and procedures, English grammar and spelling, records management, office management, and project management.
Skill in use of modern studio engineering concepts, digital audio distribution, streaming platforms, and broadcast automation systems.
Skill in written, oral, and interpersonal communication.
Skill in use of office equipment, typing, data entry, computer operation, and use of computer software and other applicable programs.
Ability to learn and navigate university policies, procedures, and workplace safety guidelines.
Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, from university executives to community listeners.
Ability to manage complex, multi-source budgets and execute long-term strategic plans.
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context.
Ability to compile and prepare reports.
Ability to use proper research methods to gather data.
Ability to understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications.
Ability to prepare accurate documentation.
Ability to maintain records according to established procedures.
Ability to train or instruct others.
Ability to move quickly and effectively from one task to another.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a relevant field.
Direct experience in public broadcasting operations, CPB guidelines, and/or public media fundraising structures.
A demonstrated appreciation for, or knowledge of, all music genres and public affairs programming.
Documented experience administering and adhering to FCC regulations in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

Serves as the principal representative to the public, university administration, licensee Board of Trustees, WYSU Advisory Board, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and other community and national media organizations.
Collaborates dynamically with University Relations and the YSU Foundation on major donor stewardship, planned giving, and endowment growth.
Represents the station within national and state broadcasting entities to maintain WYSU’s prominent standing in the public media ecosystem.
Develops and administers an annual budget composed of multiple funding streams, including university allocations, federal/state grants, and listener contributions.
Directs public radio fundraising strategies (direct mail, digital campaigns, major gifts) and takes an active leadership role in on-air pledge drives.
Partners with underwriting personnel to cultivate, secure, and maintain corporate sponsorships and foundational support.
Seeks out, drafts, and secures federal, state, and local grant applications, ensuring rigorous compliance with all funding requirements.
Drives programming development based on continuous analysis of audience demographics, media consumption habits, and cultural trends.
Collaborates with marketing personnel to design and execute promotional strategies that expand listening audiences across broadcast and digital platforms.
Monitors industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive audio landscape to guide technical transitions and service development (e.g., podcasting, HD radio, digital streaming).
Supervises, mentors, and evaluates professional station staff; fosters professional development, manages workflows, establishes strategic timelines, and resolves personnel grievances.
Ensures absolute compliance with all government and licensee regulations, including maintaining FCC-mandated public inspection files, broadcasting regulations, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules.
Utilizes industry data, audience metrics, and financial reporting to author regular strategic plans, board reports, and operational updates.
Connects directly with the audience by hosting classical music programming or acting as a local host for network news programs as operational needs or special programming dictate.
Assists in cultivating the next generation of media professionals by supporting student training and integrations with university academic programs.
Assists with training new hires.
Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.