KSER, located in Everett, Washington, is searching for its next General Manager to serve as the driving force behind the station’s mission and vision, overseeing daily operations to deliver high-quality public radio and community-focused programming. This individual will direct broadcast activities, manage staff and volunteers, and foster a culture of innovation to keep KSER responsive to audience needs. In addition, the General Manager will be responsible for spearheading strategies for financial stability, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the organization.

The successful candidate for the position will work in close partnership with the KSER Foundation Board of Directors to execute strategic goals, enhance community engagement, and cultivate relationships with donors, partners, and listeners. By championing collaboration and encouraging professional development, the future leader will guide the KSER team in providing impactful services that inform, inspire, and connect audiences locally and globally.

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reach and serve a growing audience

• Develop and implement plans that ensure KSER and sister station KXIR are responsive to the needs of their audiences.

Build community

• Develop and maintain relationships with Foundation partners, supporters, grantors, and other key constituencies including the community at large;
• Promote stations’ vision, including localism, programming diversity, volunteer/member diversity, community service, cooperation, and collaboration with community;
• Recruit, manage, engage, and retain stations’ volunteers.

Ensure fiscal health

• Prepare annual Foundation budget. Manage budget and cash flow;
• Direct grant writing, compliance, and renewal;
• Oversee fund-raising efforts, including membership drives, fund-raising events, and independent initiatives;
• Cultivate and pursue additional fund-raising sources, including major gifts.

Lead highly competent workforce

• Create a collaborative and innovative work environment;
• Recruit and hire qualified staff as need for the growth and development of the stations;
• Manage and supervise paid staff. Establish goals and review performance annually;
• Ensure that staff receives ongoing professional development and support.

Manage relationship with Board of Directors

• Serve as liaison between the board and stations;
• Partner with board to recruit and maintain diverse, engaged, and highly competent members;
• Implement board policy as directed;
• Apprise board of progress on achieving established Foundation goals. Make recommendations on all aspects of stations’ operations and management, including financial status.

Manage station operations

• Protect and manage stations’ signals, hardware (including transmitters and translators), software, music inventory, and all other assets;
• Maintain and ensure compliance with regulations, guidelines, and standards of the FCC, CPB, IRS, and other appropriate licensing and qualifying organizations;
• Oversee Foundation’s web presence, including broadcast streaming;
• Ensure accountability for all risk-management compliance, including insurance;
• Maintain and manage facilities.

Ensure quality programming

• Oversee all stations’ programming and scheduling;
• Lead stations’ efforts to communicate local, regional, and global news and public affairs;
• Lead stations’ efforts to provide diverse local and global musical programming.

Other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

Required qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline, or equivalent experience;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Public Broadcasting and FCC policies and regulations;
• Experience managing public or community radio in a world of rapidly evolving technology (5 years preferred).

Desired qualities:

• Entrepreneurial and strategic thinker with ability to assess, plan, and take decisive action;
• Motivated leader with proven ability to manage transition;
• Strong communicator who demonstrates emotional intelligence;
• Successful manager able to effectively supervise volunteers and staff and work collaboratively with a Board of Directors.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Fund development, grant writing, and marketing;
• Capital campaign experience;
• Fiscal management;
• Community partnership development;
• RF engineering and operations, and web-based internet technology;
• Experience in a similar market;

To Apply:

KSER is being assisted in this search by Livingston Associates. For consideration, please submit a resume and a letter of introduction that describes how you will be the ideal person to lead the organization.

Date for full consideration: February 23^rd, 2025

Inquiries are welcome with Livingston Associates at 410.243.1974