QUICK LINKS: IDEAS NETWORK | NPR NEWS & CLASSICAL NETWORK | WPR NEWS | WPR HOME
ABOUT WPR | MEMBERSHIP | UNDERWRITING | INDEX | AUDIO | WPR NATIONAL | STORE

COMPLETE POSITION DESCRIPTION EC10015

Working Title: Director of Radio Engagement
Official Title: Senior Outreach Specialist
Unit: National Center for Media Engagement, Broadcasting and Media Innovations Division of
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Appointment: Academic Staff 100% fixed term
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Availability: Immediate/ For best consideration respond by 2/12/10

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Radio Engagement is a senior member of the National Center for Media Engagement leadership team. The Director plays a leadership role in developing NCME strategies and practices and will help shape public radio community engagement thinking and implementation. This person is responsible for public radio station relations and public radio content producer relations, including consultation and coaching, smart practices identification, data and story collection, and completion of public radio impact and forecast reports. In addition, this person will play a key role in developing NCME content tools and resources and disseminating engagement models for public radio stations. The Director of Radio Engagement reports to the Executive Director of the NCME.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Public Radio Station Relations: Develop and implement a strategic plan for engaging public radio stations on a consistent basis to meet NCME’s strategic goals. Regularly consult with and coach stations regarding their approach to community engagement consistent with NCME’s strategic goals. Demonstrate leadership by developing and implementing smart practices frameworks and resources. In the process, identify station smart practices, concerns, aspirations, professional development needs and emerging trends.

    a. Systematically collect station activity data, stories of impact and community knowledge. Work closely with other staff to analyze what we learn and extrapolate for application to future work.

    b. Manage grants to public radio stations and work closely with grantees to ensure fulfillment of grant expectations.

    c. Write brief stories of impact and other content for NCME Web site, newsletters, and other communications vehicles as needed.

    d. Work closely with communications director and with colleagues at CPB to ensure NCME and individual communication efforts effectively serve public radio stations’ needs in a timely manner.

  2. Public Radio Producer Relations: Develop and implement a strategic plan for engaging public radio content producers on a consistent basis to meet NCME’s strategic goals. Consult with and coach content producers regarding their approach to community engagement and program outreach planning, as well as their distribution of grants and use of NCME tools.

    a. Identify emerging content trends and upcoming program content that lends itself to engagement or outreach for inclusion in the NCME Pipeline. Work with producers to get content into the Pipeline.

    b. Work closely with NCME staff and national content producers of designated programs to ensure effective communications as appropriate.

  3. Public Radio Community Engagement Project Management

    a. Content Development: Work closely with Director of Television Engagement to identify opportunities for radio-TV collaboration, understand potential differences, and leverage online, digital and social media across platforms.

    b. Collaborate with other staff to create and/or revise current NCME resource materials to help public radio stations build capacity for more effective community engagement practices. Serve as project manager for assigned content projects. Serve as project manager for developing new models, tools and resources to support public radio community engagement.

    c. Serve as project manager for planning and implementing new public radio engagement initiatives, sometimes in collaboration with other organizations.

  4. Build and maintain relationships with professionals at public radio organizations and stations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Ability to speak clearly and in an engaging manner about NCME both to formal groups and at informal or impromptu gatherings.
  • Ability to develop and meet realistic deadlines.
  • Ability to organize consultation or coaching based on client-specific factors and present information in a manner that leads a listener to a conclusion or outcome.
  • Ability to travel regionally and nationally for conferences, training, client visits and other work-related reasons.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, broadcasting or related discipline
  2. Five to 7+ years work experience
  3. Significant experience in and knowledge of public radio.
  4. Advanced communication skills: written, oral and interpersonal
  5. Experience writing for promotional, public relations, news, or community engagement vehicles.
  6. Experience and demonstrated success managing projects, developing and meeting timelines and budgets.
  7. Ability to work independently and also as part of a cohesive team.
  8. Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of media platforms; traditional and new.
  9. Ability to adjust to a fluid work environment and juggle multiple priorities.
  10. Commitment to respectful, open colleague communications
  11. Commitment to diversity in the workplace; recognition of diversity as an organizational asset
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated deep understanding of and commitment to public radio broadcasting mission.
  • Successful experience working in community engagement/outreach or management
  • Versatility in writing for multiple platforms and audiences.
SALARY: The minimum for this position is in the high $50’s with actual pay dependent upon experience and qualifications. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY: Open until filled. All of the following must be received for your application to be complete. For best consideration, respond by February 12. Please include:

  1. A completed UW-Extension application form, applicant survey and confidentiality form. (You may request a MS Word formatted copy to be sent via e-mail.
  2. A detailed resume.
  3. A narrative (up to two pages) detailing HOW your experience relates to this position. Please carefully detail your experience as it compares to the job duties, qualifications, functions and desirable functions for this position at this organization (NCME).
  4. List of five professional references with contact information including e-mail.
  5. Writing samples that showcase your versatility and writing skills.
  6. Recruitment source where you learned about this position; (appears on AA data sheet)

The successful candidate will be required to provide documentation of credentials. Prior to appointment to this position, a criminal records review will be conducted. UWEX complies with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act with regard to nondiscrimination on the basis of arrest and/or conviction record.

DIRECT INQUIRIES AND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

Betsy Nelson
Broadcasting & Media Innovations
821 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Or call 608-262-5221; e-mail betsy.nelson@vilas.uwex.edu

*** This is job numer EC10015***

This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling the person listed above.

Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested, in writing, that their identities remain confidential. The identities of all finalists must be released upon request.

An offer of employment is contingent upon establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, the University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements. Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Return to Career Opportunties Page