Position Summary

Basic Function and Responsibilities:
The WDBM Radio Station Manager is responsible for all areas of the WDBM-FM student radio stations. WDBM includes the student radio stations, the Impact 89FM, and WFIX, an internet only station. The student FM radio tax provides the funding for both stations and is collected each semester. This person will assume responsibility for all operations, including projecting, planning, and managing budget and payroll allocation from the student tax dollars. They will oversee all personnel, including volunteer recruiting, hiring and training student workers and volunteers, and evaluating student staff and managing the payroll for student employees. Additional responsibilities include overseeing, planning, and executing improvements to office space, storage, and studio facilities in Holden Hall, as well as managing shared transmitter tower and facilities, and monitoring performance space in Hubbard Hall. The Radio Station Manager will also oversee all marketing, social media, web content, and audio programming on WDBM FM Student Radio and multiple streaming stations. They will plan and coordinate development of mobile software to enhance audience size and access to programming, coordinate events for alumni and students and may advise student groups. The WDBM Radio Station Manager has emergency management responsibilities for broadcasting alerts and safety information, and is on-call 24 hours a day in case of equipment failure. They will procure broadcast telecommunication equipment and schedule necessary testing and maintenance. They are the responsible point of contact for Federal Communication Commission (FCC) matters and are an ex-officio member of FM radio advisory board.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, directs and manages budget processes, personnel activities and other administrative functions including exercising responsibility for the management and authorization of expenditures and personnel transactions for the station.
• Coordinates maintenance and renovation of the physical facilities.
• Coordinates promotional activities for the unit.
• Maintains currency in the field through continuous learning.
• Develops long-range plans and policies for the stations.
• Hires, provides training for and evaluates student support staff.
• Plans allocation of resources and monitors expenditures to maintain the station budget.
• Uses audience research to develop weekly program schedules and negotiates network program purchases.
• Trains staff on podcasts and helps develop content.
• Monitors programming for technical quality and editorial content.
• Maintains records and prepares reports to the federal government and others.
• Explains policies and procedures of the station in response to listener inquiries.
• Provides diagnostic technical support for a broad range of technical areas related to broadcast, audio and video production, and information systems.
• Resolves routine technical problems or questions and coordinates support contracts for more complex issues.
• Independently analyzes problems or needs and develops solutions requiring novel uses of existing technology, integration of multiple areas of technical expertise, or investigation and application of new technologies.
• Updates, trains and reviews the work of student staff members in areas related to their assigned projects; develops new staff procedures in technical areas of expertise; and provides related IT support to the team.
• Independently designs, plans, installs and troubleshoots complex operations support and automation systems and systems software/hardware applications and support products.
• Performs related operations analysis and project support duties.

Communication/Interpersonal Relationships
Interacts with:

• Vice President of Student Affairs and Services or designee - to plan and review goals and receive direction.
• Faculty and Staff from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences - to collaborate and enhance programs and students’ experience.
• Staff and Administration of MSU’s professional NPR and PBS affiliates, WKAR-FM/AM, TV - to connect students with opportunities and exposure on professional public broadcasting affiliate, and to manage engineering support.
• Radio Advisory Board, composed of students and professionals from broadcasting and Higher Education - participates and advises board on station goals, achievements, and budgeting.
• Other campus committees and institutions (e.g. UAB, Broad Art Museum) - to collaborate on shared objectives, and assist in broadcasting information and opportunities to students.
• Federal officials - to fulfill legal obligations.
• Student leaders and volunteers - to ensure all outgoing communication and activities support student interest and University policies, and to train on technical, professional, and leadership work with other students.
• Alumni - to maintain relationships and opportunities for graduating students, and to develop workshops to enhance student experiences.
• Participation in National Organizations – for continued professional development, and to stay current in the field.

Reporting
The WDBM Radio Station Manager reports to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.

Responsibility for the Work of Others
First level supervision over student employees.

Responsibility for Health/Safety of Others
No assigned responsibility

Impact on Programs/Services/Operations
Poor planning and/or monitoring of programming and personnel would significantly impact the station's productivity, resulting in a loss of program time and credibility with audience.

Work Environment
Standard office environment. The job requires significant physical effort and involves carrying radio equipment, and manual dexterity in audio production 26 to 75% of the time.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or a field related to a specified area of programming; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in developing, producing and announcing radio programs, writing, editing and supervision; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of and experience with hardware and software in the field; music scheduling; radio automation software. Advanced degree in Telecommunications, Communications, or Journalism. Skills and experience with management, education, human resources and teaching experience.

Additional Qualifications
- May require valid vehicle operator's license where needed to perform duties of the position.
- Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
- This position requires, or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

A list of at least three professional references with contact information

Work Hours

Hours will usually be 8am-5pm with the exception of student events or programs after business hours. This position is also on call 24 hours for equipment failures and emergencies.

Bidding eligibility ends 3/27/2018 at 11:55PM