Music Director, The Current

Position Summary:

Are you passionate about music discovery and connecting audiences with iconic experiences? As Music Director at The Current, you’ll curate the music that defines our brand across 89.3FM, digital streaming channels, and multichannel features.

In this role, you’ll lead music direction, foster relationships with artists and industry partners, and collaborate with internal teams to create content that grows our audience and public support. Your creativity and communication skills will drive The Current’s strategy and align with our mission and goals.

As part of The Current’s leadership team, you’ll shape the vision, allocate resources, and oversee a diverse music portfolio, including Radio Heartland and Carbon Sound.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Location: St. Paul, MN

Expected Compensation Range: $68,100 - $85,000/yr. The exact salary is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Your Role:

• Manage a team of music experts to curate broadcast and digital content.
• Collaborate with leadership on programming and digital strategies.
• Direct artist content creation, including recording sessions and remote production.
• Analyze music data and prepare decision-support reports.
• Report weekly playlist updates to industry stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary contact for artists seeking airplay.
• Lead music meetings and collaborate across teams.
• Partner with marketing, promotions, and revenue teams to grow public support for MPR.
• Support the local music initiatives, including The Local Show and community outreach.
• Responsible for securing talent for station events and activations.
• Stay informed on music trends by attending community events.
• Oversee daily music playlists and rotations.
• Maintain music libraries and ensure FCC compliance.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in radio or music industry.
• Work direction experience is required - must demonstrate an ability to foster high standards and an ability to coach, inspire, and lead.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates alignment with MPR's mission, values, and vision.
• Shows a passion for public service and community engagement.
• Possesses deep knowledge of The Current's music and its intended sound and direction.
• Understands public media trends, audience analytics, and algorithmic playlists.
• Exhibits strong leadership skills, including inspiring and managing staff effectively.
• Experience with streaming analytics, radio airplay, and audience measurement tools.
• Proficient in productivity tools such as Microsoft 365.
• Maintains confidentiality in an information-sensitive environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks and perform well under pressure.
• Well-versed in music management software and databases.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Team-oriented, detail-focused, curious, and self-disciplined.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Preferred knowledge of music scheduling software.
• Familiarity with AI-based tools.
• Passion for innovation in non-profits.
• Background in multichannel content creation.
• Experience collaborating with DSPs to boost audience engagement.

 Reporting To This Position:       

• Content Director, Carbon Sound
• Host/Producer, Radio Heartland
• Host/Producer, The Local Show

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend hours will be required at times
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule – which may require weekend and/or evening work.
• Physical Demands: 
• Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods
• Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.  
• Working Conditions: 
• Moderate noise level
• Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 weeks/per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

Salary : $68,100 - $85,000