News/Talk Network Program Director

About Our CompanyCivic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high-quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and associated social media platforms. We work in a fast-paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation, and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides, and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary, and civic engagement.SUMMARYThe News/Talk Network Program Director oversees all on-air content and staff for Civic Media’s news talk network, managing schedules, talent, quality control, and compliance with broadcast regulations. Key responsibilities include selecting programs, coaching on-air personalities and shows, developing promotional strategies, and ensuring the station’s sound and content align with its brand and audience needs. They blend creativity and business acumen, using audience research and  ratings data to shape programming and achieve business goals.RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and schedule news, talk, and special interest programming that resonates with the station’s target demographicEvaluate existing programs and identify new content opportunitiesCoordinate the production and editing of audio recordings and segmentsRecruit, train, and mentor on-air talent, including announcers, hosts, and their respective showsProvide feedback and conduct “air-checks” to improve performance and consistencyManage on-air automation systems and computer-generated logsMaintain program budgets and manage expendituresDevelop on- and off-air promotional strategies to attract and retain listenersWork with other departments (sales, marketing, news) to meet station goalsUse audience research and ratings data to inform programming decisionsEngage with the local community and ensure the station serves the public interestCheck completed program logs for accuracy and resolve program log inaccuraciesPlans and oversees tone, programming, production, sound & theme, website, online presence, and social mediaCollaborates with Production to enlist direction and seeks options that meet editorial scopeProvides direction to on air personality and audio engineer on contentPartners with Sales in support of local and corporate business goals to increase market share, listeners, ratings, advertiser satisfaction, and revenue while aligning programming fit with client, station, and audience; creates talent and station marketing, promotion, and image campaignsDetermines and maintains creative vision for station(s) to enhance station image and visibility within the communityReviews and determines all commercial and paid programming content; decides show playlists; schedules programming in conformance with FCC rules and regulations, company policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws; protects station licenseEvaluates programming available from distributors, syndicators, and independent producers to recommend acquisitions for broadcastSchedules staff for on-air shifts, remotes, and appearancesSKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCESExtensive experience in radio broadcasting, often with prior roles as a program director, assistant program director, host, reporter, or producerAbility to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment by embracing flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve as roles, priorities, and opportunities shift within our growing radio network.Creative and strategic thinking to develop engaging content and programming.Familiarity with radio programming requirements, station operations, and digital audio technology.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Able to work with teams both in person and remotely across a large geographic areaDemonstrated ability to use tools to gather and analyze ratings data, make business decisions based on analysis; sound judgment and quality decision-making skillsExcellent team leadership and delegation skills, including motivation of staff; can set goals & expectations, provide honest feedback and manage performanceHigh degree of planning and organizing skills; can multi-task and meet specific deadlinesFlexible, creative, and innovative in using technology to deepen listener relationshipsExperience with Radio Traffic and Nielsen RatingsAvailability to travel as neededREQUIREMENTSMinimum 5+ years previous experience as a radio Program Director.Extensive knowledge of FCC broadcast rules and regulations; knowledge of federal, state and local contesting rules and regulationsAssociate’s degree in journalism, broadcasting or a related field required;  Bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting or a related field preferredExperience building clock templates and proficiency in Radio Traffic software highly desiredEffective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skillsStrong organizational skillsDemonstrated skills in the successful completion of multiple, simultaneous and rapidly emergent tasks  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Civic Media is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.