Director of WYSU-FM

Job title: Director of WYSU-FM

About the Role WYSU-FM seeks a visionary, strategic, and innovative leader to oversee station operations, champion operational excellence, financial sustainability, and regional impact. The role directs programming, engineering, underwriting, fundraising, marketing, and compliance, while serving as the primary face of WYSU-FM within the university, the community, and the national public broadcasting stage.

What You'll Do

• Strategic leadership and community engagement: act as the principal representative to public, university administration, Board of Trustees, WYSU Advisory Board, the FCC, CPB, and other media organizations.
• Donor and foundation cultivation, fundraising, and endowment growth in collaboration with University Relations and YSU Foundation.
• Financial and resource management: develop and administer an annual budget from multiple funding streams; lead fundraising strategies and on-air pledge drives; expand underwriting; seek grants and ensure compliance.
• Content and innovation: drive programming based on audience analysis; oversee content strategy; monitor industry trends and guide transitions to digital platforms (podcasting, HD radio, streaming).
• Operational and personnel excellence: supervise staff, mentor staff, manage workflows, ensure regulatory compliance including FCC public files and EEO; plan strategically with data and metrics; maintain policy adherence.
• On-air presence and mentorship: host classical programming or network news as needed; support student training and university programs.
• Training and development: assist in training new hires; maintain a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment.

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading public broadcasting operations with a strong record of strategic planning and cross-functional leadership.
• Familiarity with NPR news and classical music formats; success in fundraising, underwriting, grant management, and audience engagement.
• Knowledge of FCC rules, public file maintenance, EEO compliance; ability to navigate policies and university procedures.
• Ability to work with university relations, boards, donors, and the public; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to innovation in digital media and hybrid/streaming initiatives; adaptability to evolving audio landscape.

Nice to Have

• Experience with podcasting, HD radio, digital streaming initiatives.
• Familiarity with public broadcasting ecosystem and CPB.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: not specified in posting; benefits not listed.
• Location: Youngstown, Ohio; on-site role; occasional events evenings/weekends.